Practitioners Books

This book is a coherent collection of articles covering the whys, whats and hows of applying software metrics. Unlike other books that are actually compendiums, this one reads and is structured as though a single author wrote it. Moreover, it is not high-level theory, but a practical book that thoroughly explains how to actually apply software metrics.

Chapter 1, "Why Measure" contains seven articles by industry experts that make a strong case for measurement and its benefits. The three most important articles are Software Risk Management by Barry W. Boehm, Successfully Applying Software Metrics by Robert B. Grady, and Using Metrics to Manage Software Projects by Edward F. Weller. Readers familiar with top experts in the field will recognize the names of the authors, which indicates the highly credible material.

What to measure is covered in Chapter 2, and of the five articles, "Software Metrics in the Process Maturity Framework" by Shari Lawrence Pfleeger and Clement McGowan is (in my opinion) the most useful. Chapters 3 (How is Measuring Done?) and 4 (How are Metrics Used?) collectively contain eleven articles, and it is in these chapters where the most practical information is imparted. Among the articles I found especially useful and practical are - Key Lessons in Achieving Widespread Inspection Use by Robert B. Grady and Tom Van Slack, A Case Study in SQA Audits by Paul W. Oman, and Using Metrics to Evaluate Software System Maintainability. The book ends with the five articles in Chapter 5, which address how to improve a metrics program. Each of the articles provides insights into one or more aspects of a software metrics program process improvement initiative.

This book is better suited to software engineering managers and SQA professionals. Because the material presented is not deeply technical, and supports making a business case for implementing a software metrics program, this book is also valuable to IT managers and CIOs.

Anne Radford has done an excellent job editing this issue of AI Practitioner. You can subscribe and find it online (the May 2007 issue) by going to http://www.aipractitioner.com. Enjoy!

If you have ever had the privilege of being under the most competent, capable and knowing hands of Ingrid Martin, you would not question her ability to write any book about massage. But when you add in her aromatic prowess and blending skills, you will understand why no one is more qualified to write a true practicum for the massage therapist who wishes to really practice aromatherapy.

Ms. Martin's writing style is sprightly and steady. As a practicing aromatic consultant myself for more than a decade, I could only reflect that I wish I had had the book when I was staring out. She knows her oils, and the monographs are good. Anyone who wants to learn can use this book, and profit.

As an experienced aromatic professional, I am thoroughly impressed. Don't hesitate. BUY THIS BOOK AND USE IT. Your clients will thank you for it.

This book by Craig et al. is an important contribution to the systematic study on the recidivism risk among sexual offenders.
It brings the main methods developed to evaluate and manage these people whithin a clinical or forensic context.
Static and dynamic risk factors associated with recidivism are adequately reviewed and strenghts and weaknesses of the instruments are also pointed out.
This book is an ideal companion for professionals who treat these people. Certainly, readers will use it as a comprehensive reference text, a book for evaluating evidences, a tool to bring new perspectives to many cases, and as an aid in preparing for criminal trials.

If one desires to know how to evaluate, and when to automate the evaluation process, this book has an answer. Dr. Melody Ivory offers an analytical view of what works in automated evaluation of the Web site. This analysis brings a value added perspective in terms of understanding the invisible Web logs. It comes at a right time when the spider's web has progressively become semantic Web (i.e., a web of intentions, seamlessly connected, and synchronously networked in the global village).

Based on so many detailed studies, Ivory's work is also focused on two pillars of Web infrastructure: viz., accessibility and usability. Within this framework it serves as a source to understand best practices. Hopefully, businesses will apply Ivory's findings and avoid another burst of the bubble. Also, Automated Web Site Evaluation systematically highlights input, thruput and output for creating, developing, maintaining and sustaining the web site. With these advantages, the book can be a handy tool for researchers, practitioners, and developers in the web domain. Inhibitive price for individuals apart, software or Web evaluators in particular, readers in general, or a novice designer in this field will find this book, Automated Web Site Evaluation, far more beneficial.

This is an excellent guidebook for practitioners. It includes a well-written chapter on the collaborative approach to assessing families and giving feedback. It also describes skills and strategies to help parents learn to handle their children more effectively. The authors have not only shown this approach is effective for aggressive and disruptive children, they have also pioneered the adaptation of the approach to anxious children as well as children with medical problems. For another good book, see Webster-Stratton & Hebert (1994): Troubled Families Problem Children: Working with Parents, a Collaborative Approach.

the book was in good condition and i received it in a timely manner

I wrote this book as a training manual for therapists who are interested in learning an adaptation of cognitive therapy, for work with depressed young people. I'd be happy to hear from any readers, as I'm intending to do another book, expanding the techniques presented and using more family interventions. Any thoughts are welcomed.

Superb content both from theoretical and pratcical ideas perspective. Ideal for simulation modelling or process engineering background

I have this book and refer to it constantly. It is very informative and concise in presentation. I am a new Case Manager and need direction and knowledge. This book certainly does both. It is a must have for any Case Manager whether in the Acute setting, Managed Care or insurance setting. Janet RN CM