Organizations Books

"... this is a highly readable volume which amkes an important contribution to the study of East Germany's transformation."

From the European Journal of Area Studies

"... this is a highly readable volume which amkes an important contribution to the study of East Germany's transformation."

From the European Journal of Area Studies

"As a detailed reconstruction of this important transition process, this book is outstanding. It covers developments in schooling at least as comprehensively as it does vocational training and higher education; I found the chapter on religion and schooling particularly instructive"

Professor John Field's review in "Higher Education Quarterly"

James Champy explains very easily why many worlwide companies fail in their business ventures, some companies fail eventhough they had excellent and hard working "OPERATIONAL" managers, but they were not very good ADMINISTRATIVE (strategic) managers. This book should be a required MBA textbook , because it mentions the essential fundamentals of management, and it explains why managers fail when they re-design the work of their co-workers, BUT they do NOT re-design their own administrative work. This book also mentions the real job of the manager as a trainer , leader and strategic planner, trying to anticipate the moves of the world economy in order to be prepare and to have his people (co-associates) ready for the tremendous changes in the world economy. Most of the MBA's should read this book to avoid making too many mistakes (by thinking that they already know it all), this book will be quite an eyeopener for everybody (junior and senior management).. We must movilize, empower, define , measure , communcate and ACT to modify our business style and our personalities to be able to be more FLEXIBLE to roll with the punches. We must also form strategic alliances with our co-associates (co-workers), customers, clients, suppliers and all our friends to be able to succeed in this turbulent times, good luck and see you at the top

this book is on sale for .01 of a cent. That is less then a penny. meaning, that you could by ten of these books for a penny.

This book is a must read if you have read REENGINEERING THE CORPORATION, plan to do any reengineering, or are considering making any useful change in your organization. Although ostensibly about how to do reengineering better, this book is really about making successful change. I found it to be a helpful and accurate perspective on organizational change, and far superior to REENGINEERING THE CORPORATION. That book promised too much, as sometimes happens with books that are heavily rewritten by others (one business book writer pointed out that 9 out of 10 best selling business books are ghost written by one of two people in the last 10 years, and that REENGINEERING THE CORPORATION was one of them). If you are thinking of reading REENGINEERING THE CORPORATION, I recommend that you read REENGINEERING MANAGEMENT instead. This book deals with people, while REENGINEERING THE CORPORATION seems at times to be dealing with a broken pocket watch instead. If you are in a change project, I recommend that you pull this book out weekly and check to see if you are following its principles.

Religion, Race and Reconstruction -- much has been said on the subject. Mr. McAfee, however, tells us about the time period in a surprisingly easy read. If you're looking for historical non-fiction, this book is easily digestable and a good read while making you rethink previous notions about our country's history.

Simply the best book on the subject written to date. Mc Afee has taken a complex and all too often simplified historical period and identified the underlying struggle that existed. His look at the societal conflicts of the 1870's allows the reader to identify with the conflicts we see today. The benchmark for other historians to shoot for.

With Religion, Race and Reconstruction, Ward McAfee has birthed something as yet unknown to his contemporaries, and in doing so, has illuminated them to factual, concise histories that will prove to be the standard against which other histories of the era are measured.

Agility a Necessity: I read this book while working in Malaysia and had the time to reflect on the two business worlds I have experienced in the USA and Asian Pacific Rim. The books brings to mind that taking an organization and moving its mentality is like trying to get a huge oil tanker to make a 180 degree turn.... not an easy task. Mr. Dove clearly states in the book the why, the need and the expectations for survival and how to shift ones business view from stagnated status quo to an adaptive and agile environment. The books content is not the type that you just breeze through and whip together a program to initiate change. Instead, you have to take the time to read, step back and understand where you are at and what it will take to define the change. In the book, Mr. Dove gives several examples and templates on how to evaluate and redefine your business environment. I would not recommend this book to those who want to remain in a lazy business environment and hope that the cash flow continues until they retire. This book is for those that are tough enough to step forward, make a difference and do the homework to drive some agility into their business environment. Of course...it does not matter if you are in Asia or the USA...this book is most applicable where ever you are in this world!

I am both biased and surprised. Biased because I was involved in some
of the experiences on which this book is based and because I reviewed
parts of the manuscript. Surprised because, knowing the focus was on
real world pragmatics by a guy who has pioneered on the factory floor,
I simply did not expect the span of coverage that emerged when all the
chapters were brought together. This book is about how to make
factories more productive. But also it is about how to make
businesses more responsive and more profitable. Further, it is about
how to facilitate proactive learning by all employees. What a concept
- letting everyone help make their enterprise successful. In a few
pages Response Ability shows you more about knowledge management than
most authors can muster in a whole book. Further, Response Ability
shows how all three aspects of a sustainably successful enterprise fit
together, each reinforcing the other, through a framework and module
architectural concept. Of course, the reason all this works so well
is that all is based on principles (clearly explained) and vetted by
results. Results count. And with this book Response Ability is a
result that every alert leader can create.

You know, original thinking in business books is rare, so it is something to celebrate when something new and useful -- even paradigm busting comes around.

Rick Dove is something of an Abraham Lincoln of the Agility movement, having been there from the very beginning. So part of what you'll get here is the maturest ideas that have been put into practice from the small community of original researchers. The Abe metaphor carries into the fact that Rick has chosen to focus his intellect on practical breadth. His approach is rational and understandable: he speaks the language that real managers use, and he uses the type of useful conceptual devices apparent in the clever title.

My own book on Agility ("The Agile Virtual Enterprise") takes a different approach: focusing on a few high payoff, hard problems of interest to advanced implementors. It probably does better as a second book on agility, after one has become convinced. I wish this book had preceded mine in publication -- it did so as far as the legacy of many of the ideas: Rick's ideas were shared early in the game with other, concurrent researchers.

Check it out. It is accessible, with many case studies. And these aren't the headline type of "Chinese food" examples, but the kind that dig in and actually turn the cases inside out. It has tools that you can use now, that are applied in these case studies to show you how and why they work.

All that's rare enough, but the most valuable element here is the original thinking. If you are not exposing yourself to original thinking of this type -- well, you're just not a manager.

Reviewer: Phil H. Gropp from Omaha, NE
Dr. Seymour Sarason's book is divided into two main sections/parts. In the first section, he reproduces and elaborates on the second edition of his 1971 book, "The Culture of The School and The Problem of Change." The main thesis of the section was that of defining the organization and culture of a school and the attachments the school personnel have to their ways of working in that environment. His main argument was that both of these complex realities must be changed if real improvement is to take place. In the chapters of section one, Sarason expounds on three major themes/concepts: that school cultures are complicated, that principals and teachers are isolated in their position, and that teachers responsible for student achievement often have little time to learn new educational ideas. In concluding section one, Dr. Sarason stresses that changing a school culture is difficult work and must be done in a comprehensive way if it is to be effective and of lasting significance.

In the second section, Sarason "REVISITS" his original thoughts and philosophy of changing school culture. He elevates his concerns of trying to maintain and improve public education as we have known it. Sarason states that "what happens in our cities and our schools will determine the fate of our society."
The first of the two main points he "revisits" is that for the process of change to take place today, you must completely understand a school's culture especially its people, values, and practices. Secondly, for increased achievement to be envisioned, teachers must relinquish their total control over students and allow them to take more responsibility for (at least most of) their own learning.

This book is a fascinating look at 20th century United States educational history. From the philosophy of pre-World War II educators, to the major Supreme Court decision dealing with desegregation, Sarason spins his challenging philosophy in a way that makes the reader establish attitudes about his/her educational convictions. With his knowledge of history, Sarason provides his opinions on what it will take for public education to flourish (or fail) in the 21st century. His visions of changing educational paradigms gives his work food for thought and interesting educational debate.

When Sarson first published his work 25 years ago, he was, without a doubt, far ahead of his time in his thinking about schools, teachers, principals, and the ability of the students to learn. He questioned the problems associated with the whole educational environment, and suggested such "outlandish" ideas such as de-emphasizing the teaching of reading and arithmetic in the early grades and eliminating the role of the school principal and the boards of education as they were then known (13). He judged the new math as being pretty dull and ineffectual. He relished giving teachers more control over their classroom environments. To emphasize his points, he referred to his man from outer space who frequently observed schools from a purely non-partisan role. For example, this spaceman would puzzlingly see schools filled five days a week, observe virtual bustling communities of activity, only to close down two days a week. He would then ponder better school scheduling and community involvement. Sarason took on the great educators of the time-names like Conant and Dewey, Koerner and Rickover, and offered sound proposals for the changing world that was profoundly influencing the school culture.

But in his REVISITING section of the book, he offers his opinions on a gammed of subjects, including school organizations, teachers, students, vouchers, and social change, to name a few. One of his most fascinating points is that of reiterating the idea that schools need to create and maintain environments that are continually providing productive learning for students that allows "knowing" to become internalized. This book is a fascinating look at the past, as well as a glimpse at the present and future of education in the United States. Sarason provides the reader with an opportunity to examine the ideas he first propounded a quarter century ago, and to see how well they fit into the 21st century. His work is tremendously written, carefully crafted, and lovingly offered to the educator of today.

Reviewer: Phil H. Gropp from Omaha, NE
Dr. Seymour Sarason's book is divided into two main sections/parts. In the first section, he reproduces and elaborates on the second edition of his 1971 book, "The Culture of The School and The Problem of Change." The main thesis of the section was that of defining the organization and culture of a school and the attachments the school personnel have to their ways of working in that environment. His main argument was that both of these complex realities must be changed if real improvement is to take place. In the chapters of section one, Sarason expounds on three major themes/concepts: that school cultures are complicated, that principals and teachers are isolated in their position, and that teachers responsible for student achievement often have little time to learn new educational ideas. In concluding section one, Dr. Sarason stresses that changing a school culture is difficult work and must be done in a comprehensive way if it is to be effective and of lasting significance.

In the second section, Sarason "REVISITS" his original thoughts and philosophy of changing school culture. He elevates his concerns of trying to maintain and improve public education as we have known it. Sarason states that "what happens in our cities and our schools will determine the fate of our society."
The first of the two main points he "revisits" is that for the process of change to take place today, you must completely understand a school's culture especially its people, values, and practices. Secondly, for increased achievement to be envisioned, teachers must relinquish their total control over students and allow them to take more responsibility for (at least most of) their own learning.

This book is a fascinating look at 20th century United States educational history. From the philosophy of pre-World War II educators, to the major Supreme Court decision dealing with desegregation, Sarason spins his challenging philosophy in a way that makes the reader establish attitudes about his/her educational convictions. With his knowledge of history, Sarason provides his opinions on what it will take for public education to flourish (or fail) in the 21st century. His visions of changing educational paradigms gives his work food for thought and interesting educational debate.

Kriegel and Brandt are so direct in their approach, so simple in their ideas, so refreshing, it begs the question, why didn't someone think of it sooner? As a strategic planning consultant, I believe that any manager in any business will benefit from reading this book. But BEWARE, reading this book can lead to frustration, as you try to implement these heretical concepts in organizations that are not run by Change Ready people. I would love to see them attack our tax code next!

Highly recommended for any supervisor or manager who acts as a change agent in their organization. Reflected my own organization in each chapter and I appreciated the specific strategies suggested.

This book will not only give you the insite but even the courage to identify, corral, and even eliminate many of the sacred cows which encumber your daily work environments. If for no other reason you can use some of the ideas in this book to have a little fun buy just calling attention to sacred cows at the office

This is a terrific book for use as a devotional book or a resource book. I use it for both. As Music Director for my church, I often use some of the stories to share with the congregation just before we sing that praise song. Doing so, adds depth to their worship experience. It's well written and a great idea.

I did not recieve the book. I have forwarded my mail temporarily, but everything else seems to reach me. I do not understand. Please credit my account. Thank you.

Do you like the stories behind the songs? IF so, you will treasure this complication. I was touched, surprised, and inspired by many of the experiences these composers traveled through to receive some of the most beautiful woship songs written. If you like me are a worship leader then this collection must be a part of your ministry!

There are other reviews posted at the publisher website for the book: http://www.scarecrowpress.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=%5EDB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=0810839539 I'd copy the reviews onto the Amazon website, but I don't know what 'star rating' the reviewers would have intended.

John Merrifield's book is simply the best book on the subject of choice available today. Merrifield, a colleague of the Father of School Choice, Milton Friedman, is an academic who has dedicated himself to the study of this subject. He is not some dilitante who wants to make a few dollars from the sale of a sloppily-written book. He has brought all the power of his impressive intellect to bear upon his topic. It is also the most up-to-date study of a complex subject which changes and evolves every year. Most other books on the subject which were once quite informative are now like an old newspaper -- a part of dusty history.

Merrifield is at his best in understanding and presenting all arguments against choice. He has been to the academic conferences -- the birth places of the liberal spin. He knows firsthand what arguments the Democrats will use against choice next year and he offers well-reasoned and effective counters to each shot the liberals have offered or will offer.

As a scholar, Merrifield is used to tough scrutiny. His work has stood up to peer review. His work has been challenged at rigorous academic conferences. It has been improved by a man whose ideas are constantly evolving. The reader of this book has the benefit of all of that intellectual ferment. The mistakes in ideas and tactics have been weeded out of this book.

The reader of this book will be getting the best, most cutting-edge work on the subject.

John Merrifield exhibits a first-clss undrstanding of how the marketplace works, why it works well, and how it should work in the context of schooling. Rather than have an educational elite or tyranical majority make the choices for our children, Dr. Merrifield argues that parents in consultation with their children should be allowed to make such choices themselves. School vouchers, originally proposed by Milton Friedman, provides just such a way. While the prinicple is simple and would have the effect of keeping costs low and quality high, the political application of those principles has been sorely lacking. The handful of experiments with vouchers have had the decks stacked against them, as Dr. Merrifield demonstrates convincingly. In short, John Merrifield's book effectively supports his position in favor of vouchers by laying out both the conceptual and empirical framework for understanding what he has termed "the school choice wars."

Gary Martin was a professor of mine at Northern Arizona University. A great guy. And, this is a good easy read, too. He's the expert. Hope I said that good enough for an "A" haha. Already got the "A" - Gary did a great job.

The book arrived quickly and in good condition, I would buy from them again.

This was a great resource for me during my entire Master's Degree coursework. A must have for anybody in Educational Leadership.

I am an elementary school teacher and the mother of three young children so I have read a lot of books that say they are filled with easy-to-do science experiments but this is by far the best of its kind that I have read. Within the first two hours my kids and I did three of the experiments AND had a great time together AND learned something!

Many science experiment books out there either have bad science in them, poorly designed experiments, or unclear directions (or, unfortunately, all three). This book has great experiments that are easy and fun to do. And, the science behind the experiments is accurate and clearly explained. As a scientist, science teacher, and parent, this book is the first one my list of recommendations!

I ordered several books to prepare for the experiments I wanted to present for the "Bring Your Kids to Work" Day. This was, by far, the most useful and most interesting book I received. You can use the experiments listed in the book, and tailor them for younger or older children very easily. I'm going to order the sequel, "Science Explorer, Out and About," today!