Practice Management Books

Excellent book on Systems Engineering covering Development, Post-Development (Production, Operation and Support), Systems Engineering Management, Software Systems Engineering and Decision Tools on the same book.

I believe it is coherent with its goal: "help students learn how to think like systems engineers".

It is easy to read and has exercises at the end of each chapter.

I recommend it for both students and practitioners.

This book is a great text for those interested in learning or expanding your knowledge of systems engineering. Well presented with sound explanations on the concepts. My company has multiple copies in use. Highly recommended.

I have just completed the JHU program in Systems Engineering. This book is the foundation for the curriculum and is a very readable, solid overview of Systems Engineering. All phases of the system life-cycle are introduced and tied together to truly illustrate the process. The book focuses on processes, the tools used will change, but good Systems Engineering will stay the same. The process to derive good requirements that are able to be implemented and tested are the same regardless of technology or field.

Useful in many of my process definition tasks. Essential text for any System Engineer.

Tradicionally, the 'transaction' concept is always discussed at the RDBMS classes in the University. But this book goes FAR BEYOND this wide known implementation; with a solid math foundation (some math required, specially set theory and algorithms ) it shows you there are a lot of 'real-life' transactions that requiere some formal methods for defining their implementation.

This book has no discussion or topic regarding any comercial vendor technologies (specially databases), and I think this is very good. The Page and Object models for transaction processing are clearly explained. There's a very nice discussion concerning RAID technologies.

This is not an 'academic' book in all the sense of the word. It can help IT professionals to make better transactional system desing (databases, workflow,e-business,etc).

I would like some RDBMS vendors will include this kind of theory in their documentation....

Database concurrency control and recovery is one of pinnacles of computer science. An amazing collection of models, theoretical results, and implementation techniques enable thousands of users to simultaneously pound on a large database implemented on unreliable disks and networks, with full confidence that their data will be correctly stored. This book tells how this miracle is accomplished.

I teach database systems and also do research on databases, including systems-level refinements to concurrency control and recovery algorithms. This book has been invaluable to me in understanding the three major aspects of concurrency control in databases: the beautiful theory, the carefully constructed algorithms, and the specifics of the practice.

When this book first came out two years ago, I read most of it over a period of an intense week. That was such an enjoyable experience, because the book is very well structured and written in a smooth yet careful style. The authors ensured that all required concepts were in place before introducing a new concept. And the prose just flows, rendering difficult concepts understandable through well-chosen examples.

Since then I have referred to this book often with specific questions that arose in my research. Each time, my question has been answered fully in the book.

Each chapter ends with a section entitled "Lessons Learned" which summarizes the key ideas of the chapter and just as importantly, states the practical application of each concept. Some concepts have not yet been realized in practice; the authors are up front about this and explain why.

Mike Tarrani's review does a good job of explaining the similarities and differences between this book and the other seminal book on transaction processing, by Jim Gray and Andreas Reuter. Both books have their place, and both should be on the shelf (and read by!) all those who want to understand transaction processing at a deep level. And I agree with Jim Gray who noted in his foreword to the Weikum/Vossen book that it is likely to become (indeed, has) the standard reference in this field.

Before this book was published my primary reference and personal favorite TP book was "Transaction Processing: Concepts and Techniques" by Jim Gray and Andreas Reuter. At over 1100 pages that book thoroughly covered the basics and drilled down into the nuances of transaction processing in a way unmatched by other books on the topic since it was first published in 1993.

This book changes that by going far beyond transaction processing. It starts with the same fundamentals as the older book, and even covers many of the same topics, such as concurrency control, but it addresses each topic from a much wider perspective. For example, the discussion of concurrency goes far beyond the issues of transaction processing as a middleware component. It extends into application, database and search issues. Another indication that this book is more up-to-date is the material on queue managers. While they are at the opposite end of the spectrum from transaction processing monitors, they are integral to any discussion of transactional information systems. More importantly, both transaction processing monitors and queue managers are used in modern enterprise architectures. Having both topics discussed in great detail is a major point in this book's favor.

Personally I intend to keep my copy of the older "Transaction Processing: Concepts and Techniques" because it does cover some of the subject matter more deeply. However, this book has replaced it as my principal reference and if I had to choose between them this is the one I'd go with.

Exceptionally clear writing. Encyclopedic in its coverage of transactions. Anyone dealing with transactions (not just DB developers) would find this a very valuable resource. If you need a book on transactions, this should be your first choice.

I would like to recomend "Travel and Entertainment Best Practices" By Mary Schaeffer. I found the book to be very interesting and have applied the techinques when it comes to travel and entertainment concerning my business.

After getting Controller and CFO's Guide to Accounts Payable, I picked up Travel and Entertainment Best Practices. Again I have gotten what I needed. Using this book as an outline I can safely give sound advise on what and how to handle T&E. My situation is awkward as I have to fill the shoes of a much senior previous employee, I cant tell you valuable it is to have the wisdom of Mary imparted to me.

This book offers excellent tips/advice. Easy to read, you will use this advice over and over again if travel and entertainment are part of your working life.

I'm a financial professional from NY. I find that doing the paperwork after a business trip can sometimes be more trouble for me and and the Payable Department than the trip was worth.
Schaeffer's book will help you streamline the T&E process and provide you the information you need to put effective policies and procedures in place.
The information we used from this book helps our company save money on every trip our associates take.

Required reading if you are in the appraisal business, even though it is a little dated.

This is a great book for a business library

I open this book every time I do a valuation. It is a great resource when you need to refresh your memory. The example of a professional practice valuation has been especially helpful. It's probably a little much for the business owner wanting to estimate the value of his/her business, but I would definitely recommend it to a professional.

Business Valuation is the single largest niche practice area for the CPA today. Dr. Pratt covers an extensive amount of material in this text. No valuation specialist should be without this text in his or her reference library.

Money and spirituality, most of us think that this phrase is an oxymoron. Many of us have been taught that you either take a job where the money is good or you follow your heart to the work that feeds your soul. There is no middle ground.

Just as we gain our core values about spirituality during our early years, we also learn about money in the same way. We see the way that our parents and grandparent talk (or don't talk) about money, how financial issues are solved in the family, and even how gender relates to differential responsibilities in these areas. Then, without even thinking about it, we react according to those values and rules.

The Woman's Book of Money and Spiritual Vision states that making money and living your passion are completely compatible. The only thing really stopping us from having success in both areas is our lack of awareness when it comes to our values and motivations. Simply put, we become our own worst enemy when we continue to keep beliefs that no longer suit our particular situation.

I agree, I believe that The Woman's Book of Money and Spiritual Vision brings up a very good point. In order to understand our spiritual purpose we have to dig deep within. Why wouldn't we do so with all of our beliefs?

I think it's fabulous when women can learn to use spiritual practice to overcome any 'fear of money' or eroneous belief they are worth less. Equating finance and spirituality is finally getting the attention it deserves. Nice job. I'd also recommend this free article on the subject for women business owners[.........]

Among other things, the Money-History timeline as presented in William's book was amazing in showing my my spiritual connection to money throughout my life. I would have never considered putting the two together, nor weaving them together on purpose as she so suggests. This book was very instrumental in changing my perspective on the relationship of finance to spirituality. More importantly, it showed me how to do this. A very interesting read!

Not only does this wonderful book offer worksheets and practical instruction for using our money, it delves into the motivations behind our financial behavior. It is incredibly eye-opening and at the same time really useful in generating an entirely new attitude about money. I particularly enjoyed the exercises in connecting your financial situation with your spiritual beliefs. This book very much helped me to change my once-negative attitude towards money and finances, and further motivated me to financially support my dreams I once thought I could not afford to. This is a great book for any woman interested in expanding or exploring their relationship to money.

As a Human Resource professional, I found Mr. Gregory's book very helpful.All employers should be aware of the rights of their employees. This book makes us totally informed.

This is the best book explaining the rights of employees. Unions should use this book as a manuel directing their members to totally understand their positions and how to defend against unfair discriminations.

I read an advance copy of this book I was able to get a hold of and I thought it was, on the one hand, as enjoyable as a novel with a compelling story line, and, on the other, as informative and up to date as it could possibly be. Its like receiving real world practical advice about your workplace woes from a trusted down-to-earth yet very wise best friend. I loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone including employees and managers alike. I think it would be great in the college classroom and for seminars and conferences as well. This is one of the best on the subject! Buy it - you need it! I sincerely hope the author updates with a second and third edition.

As a human resources manager, I read this book to gain insight into why employees file EEOC claims, and how to maintain a fair, equal-treatment working environment to prevent disparate treatment of employees. It gave me excellent insight into the EEOC process and educated me about employment law in easy to read language. I plan to share this book with my staff to provide a better working environment for our employees.

A great guide packed with concise information and ideas for the dental practice. Easy to read, easy to implement.

This is a must have book for people who work in the Dental field.

Bob Levoy practically invented practice management, but God is not finished with him yet. His latest book may be the best book on dental practice management ever written. We liked it so much we've recommended that it be the required textbook for our practice management course at Temple University School of Dentistry.

Though I didn't read the whole thing, this is a good book. It doesn't merely complain about the problems that we women (sadly) still face. It actually provides us with solutions on how to remedy problems ranging from threats to reproductive freedom to pay inequities to racism against women of color, among other things. The book also provides a list of websites, books, and organizations that readers can contact for additional help. At a time when we as women are still facing injustices because of our sex, this book gives us what we need to fight the good fight and achieve justice, dignity, respect, and freedom for us and our sisters.

50 Ways To Improve Women's Lives: The Essential Women's Guide To Achieving Equality, Health, And Success by the National Council of Women's Organizations (a nonpartisan coalition of 200 women's groups representing more than 10 million woman across the United States) addresses a diversity of subjects of particular interest to women including pay equity, reproductive health, child care, racism, education, social responsibilities, political leadership, and more. Very highly recommended and accessible reading, 50 Ways To Improve Women's Lives provides practical advice that will enable the reader to become actively involved in advancing the quality and independence of her life, and to more effectively pursue her personal and professional agendas.

This book gives a great overview of issues that most effect women by sharing stories and facts to illustrate important areas where change needs to occur, from childcare and family issues to equal pay, and women in sports and science.

I found it quick and easy to read--and I have very little time as a working mom!--with practical and doable actions if I so chose. For example, I was appalled to hear about the state of (very little or misleading!) sex education for high school students. Since I have kids about to enter their teens, this issue spoke to me. And it gave several ways for me to get active: by not supporting funding for harmful abstinence programs; asking my elected officials to fund honest and comprehensive sex ed; and then how to make sure my kids develop their own decision-making and critical thinking skills related to sex (and how to talk to them about it!) And this is just one of the 50 Ways... in the book.

I highly recommend this for people who want to get involved but are not sure how--and who don't have time to read huge volumes of books on politics and public policy.

Adaptive Coaching reveals how the best coaches know how to
use different models of coaching to help their client reach
their highest potential.

Over the past decade, the concept of coaching in the business world has become so ingrained that it's part of the landscape. A wide range of conversations, methods of feedback delivery, and relationships have been accepted as coaching in a rather loose collection of techniques...and results. As we move into an increasingly challenging period for employers, leaders must become substantially more effective at this process we describe as coaching. A whole new generation of leaders must be taught, coached, and brought to a higher level of performance.

Bacon and Spears, experienced in coaching more than 2,000 individual clients in Fortune 500 companies, share their knowledge and experience. Their researched-based approach emphasizes the skills needed by coaches and that coaching styles must be adapted to what the client needs. The eight styles they identify are directive (teacher, parent, manager, philosopher) and non-directive (facilitator, counselor, colleague, mentor). This model alone will expand, deepen, and enrich the work done by the vast majority of coaches in the corporate world.

The book offers even more, delivering checklists, assessment tools, tips and tools, and a wealth of sample coach-client dialogues. Recognizing the special opportunities the future will hold, the authors include insights into coaching across cultures, across generations, as well as coaching women, minorities, and C-level executives.

An epilogue with even more perspectives adds value to this volume, as do the reference section and comprehensive index. This is not a book for readers who simply want to gain a few insights into improving their coaching effectiveness. You'll learn, but you'll be overwhelmed. Adaptive Coaching is like a college textbook on the topic. It's a heavy, deep, and thorough treatment with relatively small type. The $39.95 price suggests that this is more than the average airplane reading management book...and it is. If you're serious about the critical and fine art of coaching in the complicated corporate environment, you'll gain considerable knowledge, insight, and growth from this book.

Side note: I am the author of Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Too Few People. As a workforce futurist, I see what's coming... including a dangerous dearth of leadership. Application of the principles in this book will help today's leaders strengthen each other and the next generation of leaders.

What I like about this book are the concrete examples they give of "almost" coaching and best coaching. The best coaching book I've read. Recommended it to all laypeople looking to be better coaches.

I was very happy with this purchase. Book was in excellent condition and plastic wrapped. I paid for express delivery, and the book came quickly as promised. I was extremely pleased with the entire transaction.

VERY NICE ADDITION TO THE LABORATORY STAFF. Everything we needed for the everyday care of patients in the Lab. the small size is perfect it is a must have.

This is a "must have" product for physicians and their billers or coders in order to submit proper coding/billing documents the first time around. It should save a lot of time and of course, time is money!