tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29508259524729900612024-02-08T15:31:52.034-05:00Project Management ClassInez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.comBlogger754125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-20200839845594707002011-10-08T14:52:00.000-04:002011-10-08T14:52:00.388-04:00Exploring Web Marketing and Project Management Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0130163961?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51N58Y1APDL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Exploring Web Marketing and Project Management" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4845068120_a9384aca29_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0130163961?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>A good source of practical information on doing business on the net and managing the enterprise. Usually people focus entirely on marketing and forget the key aspects of Project management. This book highlights -through its various case studies - the importance of Project Management andhow this can be done. An informative section - workbook approach helps thereader guide through the various practicalities involved in setting up ane-shop. The thing missing in this book is the finance aspect involved in ane-business. Overall a must read for people trying to venture on the portalscene.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0130163961?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0130163961?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Exploring Web Marketing and Project Management</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Provides the skills to turn your creative vision into a marketing strategy and find the technology to support it using the Internet.Softcover.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0130163961?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0130163961?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Exploring Web Marketing and Project Management</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-81016203362586703052011-10-08T13:53:00.000-04:002011-10-08T13:53:00.637-04:00Taming Giant Projects: Management of Multi-Organization Enterprises
(Organization and Management Innovation) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540214402?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41P-Tm1kuxL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Taming Giant Projects: Management of Multi-Organization Enterprises" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4844449853_7e0ed18b9a_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540214402?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This book does not live up to its title. It does indicate clearly there is a lack of theory on managing multiple enterprises in projects, and it does not provide any as well. Hence, we are given basically superficial accounts of dated case studies (up to early 1980s) in terms of four success factors (goals, design, environment, management). My sense is the author (from Dept of Economics and Business Admin) is unfamiliar with infrastructure construction, the focus of this book. Risk management should have been approached from the project cycle, so that we are aware of the risks at each stage.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540214402?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540214402?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Taming Giant Projects: Management of Multi-Organization Enterprises (Organization and Management Innovation)</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Giant Projects often end in giant failures. Based on an analysis of the technical, time, and financial goals from case studies (Olympic Games, university hospitals, and a huge wind energy converter), four success factors in managing giant projects are identified in this book: formulation and change of goals, basic configuration, socio-political environment, and management structure and capacity. The book focuses on the crucial role of the project owner and the relations among the four success factors. It offers recommendations and guidance on successfully completing giant projects to owners, project managers and contractors.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540214402?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 20% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540214402?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Taming Giant Projects: Management of Multi-Organization Enterprises (Organization and Management Innovation)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-4759513002851385232011-10-07T13:14:00.000-04:002011-10-07T13:14:00.751-04:00Project Management in the Real World Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1902505816?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AKA3B05GL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Project Management in the Real World" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4845068202_952b887062_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1902505816?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This book has a lot of specific good ideas gathered from a wide range of projects.<br /><br />It is one of the few PM books coming from an IT organization that focuses more on the soft side of project management than on system development life-cycles.The material addresses the people factors of projects without becoming preachy.Each chapter provides an anecdote as an example, discusses the issue, and provides specific tips and ideas on how to handle the situation.<br /><br />One rather unique chapter deals with self-promotion and office politics.Much as we hate this aspect of work, it is what it is.There are few texts that pack even a tenth of the useful observations on this subject in their entire volume as this "chapter" - really 4-5 pages - contains into such a small space.<br /><br />This book differs greatly from Rita Mulcahy's "PM Crash Course", which walks through the PMBOK skills.As the author notes from the beginning - this is not an entry-level text for project managers.It is the kind of book where you shake your head as you go through the anecdotes, thinking "been there, done that"; the proposed resolutions are practical and do-able.Probably the closest analogous text I can think of is "The Project Manager's Survival Guide".<br /><br />This is a fast read, and written in a fairly entertaining manner.But this is not designed to be read at a sitting and absorbed.Consider it as a job aid when you are in a tricky situation, so you can pull out this book instead of pulling out your hair.<br /><br />The book is published by a British professional association.Amazon says it may take up to a month to deliver this book and that is about what I experienced.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1902505816?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1902505816?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project Management in the Real World</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />This highly accessible guide summarizes over 250 years of experience from professional project managers. It contains a wealth of knowledge that can be applied in a short period of time. It contains theory, international case studies and hints and tips on controlling budget, time, scope and people, to help make sure projects do not fall into the 84 per cent that 'Computer Weekly' estimates fail each year. The book is aimed at both public and private sector project managers.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1902505816?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 16% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1902505816?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project Management in the Real World</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-25253172529094623812011-10-06T16:31:00.000-04:002011-10-06T16:31:00.398-04:00Succeeding With Objects: Decision Frameworks for Project Management
Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0201628783?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B8S2T9ARL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Succeeding With Objects: Decision Frameworks for Project Management" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4845068202_952b887062_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0201628783?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>Although this book is now around 10 years old, it still has one of the best coverages of the social aspects of information sharing.Although the subject of the book is the sharing of reusable Object-oriented frameworks, the material is appropriate for many shared metadata and semantic web activities related to metadata publishing and semantic brokers.I highly recommend this book to non-programmers such as business analyst's, project managers and executives interested in motivating groups to share any metadata.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0201628783?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0201628783?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Succeeding With Objects: Decision Frameworks for Project Management</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Written for technical project managers and their teams, this book is filled with advice distilled from the authors' extensive experience in the creation and use of object technology. It is an invaluable guide to evaluating, selecting, and working with objects for software development projects, covering programming languages, development tools, and methods for analysis and design.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0201628783?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0201628783?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Succeeding With Objects: Decision Frameworks for Project Management</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-11868909087980747632011-10-06T04:37:00.000-04:002011-10-06T04:37:00.279-04:00Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction (Mcgraw Hill Series
in Construction Engineering and Project Management) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0070572151?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/fa/ef/779c224128a0f7c8c0cb2010.L._AA160_.jpg" alt="Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0070572151?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This is a 20+ years old book. You can only get it used. Very comprehensive, if you would like to know how the mechanical system operates in a building, this book covers nearly all types of equipments. Some graphics are outdated, but very clearly presented.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0070572151?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0070572151?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction (Mcgraw Hill Series in Construction Engineering and Project Management)</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0070572151?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0070572151?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Mechanical and Electrical Systems for Construction (Mcgraw Hill Series in Construction Engineering and Project Management)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-79940994776740547772011-10-05T16:25:00.000-04:002011-10-05T16:25:00.090-04:00Quantifying the Value of Project Management Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410966?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51R80QBMFXL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Quantifying the Value of Project Management" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4845067954_30afa16bd1_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410966?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This booklet is a major disappointment, and I am surprised that a professor of civil engineering from UC-Berkely would co-publish this together with a graduate researcher and call it a "book". This is not a book, it is a booklet at best.<br />I have purchased dozens and dozens of books on project management over the years and this one ranks in the bottom decile.<br />It is "49 pages" in total length consisting of the following:<br />Pages 1-3 introduction.<br />Pages 47-8 references.<br />Pages 4, 16 and 30 completely blank.<br />Pages 49 author contact information (consultants); actually the last 5 pages of the book are generically entitled "Upgrade Your Project Management Knowledge with Leading Titles from PMI" and are solely advertisements.<br />The booklet also contains glaring errors making for confusing and potential misleading conclusions, for example:<br />Page 24 Table 3-1 the equation is in error,<br />Page 28 Figure 4-1 the figure is mislabeled,<br />Page 29 Figure 4-2 part of the diagram is completely missing.<br />Unfortunately, the trade association (PMI) publisher of this "booklet" continues to struggle with putting out much needed quantifiable case studies demonstrating the value of project management.This booklet is not the way to do it, nor is it the way to develop a project management consulting business.<br />By the way, PMI sells this booklet for an amazing $...(see back cover of the book).I paid substantially less than that thru "Used" on Amazon.com and still wish I hadn't bothered.PMI should know better.<br />Save your money, invest it elsewhere.Two books that have some helpful resources for quantifying the value of project management include:<br />"The Project Management Scorecard", especially chapters 4-16.<br />"The New Project Management", especially chapers 12-13.<br />Other project management books I have read and found beneficial:<br />"Successful IT Project Delivery"<br />"Visualizing Project Management"<br />"Project Management Nation"<br />"Project Management: Best Practices for IT Professionals"<br />"Idiot's Guide to Project Management"<br />"Project Management Professional: Study Guide"<br />David B. Schoon<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410966?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410966?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Quantifying the Value of Project Management</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />In today's highly competitive marketplace, organizationswant more from project management than on-time, under-budgetdelivery. Just like labor, technology and equipment, projectmanagement is seen as a corporate asset that is expected to contributeto the bottom line. It must deliver a profitable return on investmentif it is to become a strategic business asset, and not just anotherdrill press in the corporate tool crib.<br />In Quantifying the Value of Project Management, William Ibbs andJustin Reginato, from the University of California at Berkeley,explore real-world data from 52 U.S. corporations and find the key toa high return on investment. It is project management maturity. Matureproject management departments have more on-time, under-budgetprojects; less variable schedules and expenses; and decreased costratios. Project management maturity benefits extend to the parentcompany where Dr. Ibbs finds lower utilization rates, higherproduction rates and lower operating costs. Dr. Ibbs shows how toassess project management maturity and track its development.<br />The details of these groundbreaking discoveries are presented in astyle that combines the wit of Fortune magazine with thesophistication and rigor of an academic contribution to the ProjectManagement Journal®.<br />If you are looking for a comeback to those who want proof of projectmanagement's corporate value, Quantifying the Value of ProjectManagement lays out all the evidence you need.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410966?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410966?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Quantifying the Value of Project Management</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-7906135253841445312011-10-05T12:18:00.000-04:002011-10-05T12:18:00.783-04:00Agile Software Development: Best Practices for Large Software
Development Projects Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540708308?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31tYC-Wx5XL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Agile Software Development: Best Practices for Large Software Development Projects" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540708308?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>A great book, which makes one thing clear: complex software projects cannot be described and managed by THE perfect plan. The authors encourage to adopt agility and give useful guidelines/best practices how to be prepared for the unexpected.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540708308?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540708308?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Agile Software Development: Best Practices for Large Software Development Projects</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br /><br />Software Development is moving towards a more agile and more flexible approach. It turns out that the traditional "waterfall" model is not supportive in an environment where technical, financial and strategic constraints are changing almost every day. But what is agility? What are today's major approaches? And especially: What is the impact of agile development principles on the development teams, on project management and on software architects? How can large enterprises become more agile and improve their business processes, which have been existing since many, many years? What are the limitations of Agility? And what is the right balance between reliable structures and flexibility? This book will give answers to these questions. A strong emphasis will be on real life project examples, which describe how development teams have moved from a waterfall model towards an Agile Software Development approach. <br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540708308?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 20% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3540708308?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Agile Software Development: Best Practices for Large Software Development Projects</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-87318248056682132562011-10-04T08:39:00.000-04:002011-10-04T08:39:00.116-04:00Managing Complex Systems: Thinking Outside the Box (Wiley Series in
Systems Engineering and Management) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471690066?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41pPed74JqL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Managing Complex Systems: Thinking Outside the Box" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4845068120_a9384aca29_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471690066?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>It is a great book, although I would not suggest as a first book on systems engineering and/or systems management (in this case I'd recommend the other book of the same author). Has some material on Complex and Systems of Systems, Software Reuse, and Off The Shelf Systems, and Managing its development.<br /><br />The book has two rather interesting chapters:<br /><br />i)14 - "THINKING IN GROUPS": where it presents the differences of individual thinking as opposed to group thinking, as well as some commonly used methods. Unfortunately this chapter only scratches the surface of each topic (Dr. Eisner, please write a book on this subject!!); and<br />ii)15 - "WIDENING THE CIRCLE": where it presents some approaches (as the author refers), such as: TRIZ, Thinking like Leonardo, The Art of Problem Solving, Einstein, Breakthrough Thinking, Creativity, among others. <br /><br />It has no exercises at the end of each chapter. <br /><br />I recommend it for students, managers and practitioners. <br /><br />Hope this helps!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471690066?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471690066?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Managing Complex Systems: Thinking Outside the Box (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management)</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Nine innovative methods to think outside the box and solve complex system problems<br /><br />Managing Complex Systems provides specific tools and guidance needed to be a more creative and innovative thinker. Following the author's methodology, the reader will be better able to devise and implement nontraditional solutions to seemingly intractable complex problems. By challenging the reader to think in new and creative ways, the book offers a road map to success, whether measured in terms of competitive advantage, greater market share, improved productivity, or higher profits, all based upon better solutions to difficult problems.<br /><br />The first four chapters set the foundation for creative thinking by exploring the nature of large-scale systems and complexity, thinking inside and outside the box, and examples of how an inventive mind solves problems in both management and scientific domains. Subsequent chapters address nine focused methods that the author has formulated to help the reader think outside the box:<br />* Broaden and generalize<br />* Crossover<br />* Question conventional wisdom<br />* Back of the envelope<br />* Expanding the dimensions<br />* Obversity<br />* Remove constraints<br />* Thinking with pictures<br />* Systems approach<br /><br />Real-life examples are provided for each method that demonstrate how the approach enhances problem solving and decision making in system development and management. Following the discussion of the nine methods, the author examines group decision making as well as additional creative thinking procedures devised by other researchers, including references that assist in exploring these methods in greater detail. The author ends with a wrap-up chapter that includes a test to help readers practice their tendencies toward creative thinking skills and action with respect to solving real-world problems.<br /><br />The nine methods discussed in this book have broad applicability and can be used successfully by managers with a wide range of responsibilities in business and technology. For anyone who is tired of the same old approach with the same old results, this book is essential reading.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471690066?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 12% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471690066?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Managing Complex Systems: Thinking Outside the Box (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-45062663420053041552011-10-04T03:40:00.000-04:002011-10-04T03:40:00.648-04:00Project-Based Learning with Young Children Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325004471?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511R7HD7DCL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Project-Based Learning with Young Children" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4845068120_a9384aca29_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325004471?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>Project-Based Learning with Young Children is obviously written by good teachers for good teachers.The book is well-organized and easy to read.It suggests ways of working with children that are very respectful of children and the learning process.The best parts of this book are the true-to-life stories of real children doing real work.Diffily and Sassman weave their own experiences working on projects with young children, as well as bringing in "voices" of other project-based learning teachers.I strongly recommend Project-Based Learning with Young Children to any K-1-2 teacher who is looking for authentic ways of teaching young children.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325004471?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325004471?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project-Based Learning with Young Children</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />If your young students ask, Why are we doing that? if they wonder what school learning has to do with life outside of school, if YOU wonder how you will motivate, engage, or otherwise inspire your students to take schoolwork seriously, then read this book.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325004471?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 11% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0325004471?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project-Based Learning with Young Children</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-20478444272333183452011-10-03T10:28:00.000-04:002011-10-03T10:28:00.309-04:00IT Project Management Handbook Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567260985?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41w0CtZG9AL._AA160_.jpg" alt="IT Project Management Handbook" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567260985?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This book doesn't seem to fit the mold of any other PM book I've read.Although it's written as an end-to-end book by two authors, it is nearly an anthology in the scope and range of topics.The structure and sequence doesn't appear designed to teach project management.On the other hand, the techniques and processes presented are solid and reflect best practices in IT project management.<br />Section I starts out like any PM book by covering IT's unique environment and project management processes that align to it. This is one of the strongest sections because it covers project planning and estimating in detail.The chapter on estimating techniques and tools is especially good, as is the chapter on quality control.Section II follows with excellent material on risk management, best practices standards and system measurement techniques. This section also covers popular PM software applications, including Project Kickstart and MS Project, as well as other tools that are commonly used to plan, schedule and control IT projects.<br />It's in Section III where the book abruptly shifts direction.The chapters in this section cover network management and internet applications, and distributed objects and associated technology.While these are certainly topics that IT project managers need to understand, this section breaks the logical sequencing that was presented in the preceding sections.Despite this, the material does portray the challenges faced by IT project managers, and gives excellent advice for dealing with them.The wireless case study at the end of this section reinforces all of the key points that the authors make in the first three sections.<br />Section IV focuses on requirements and design, and, like Sections I through III, contain an abundant amount of information that represents best practices and sound PM methods.<br />Material that I particularly like include the focus on customer satisfaction (especially the approach to acceptance criteria), earned value, and project recovery methods.If you want a book from which to learn IT project management you may want to look elsewhere.However, if you're an experienced IT project manager you'll find this book to be full of techniques and information.In spite of the problematic structure I find myself referring to it frequently and have made it one of my primary references.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567260985?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567260985?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">IT Project Management Handbook</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Now you can manage IT projects quickly, easily, on time, and on budget! <br />IT project management has developed into a complex process with a broader scope of responsibilities than ever before. Here is the newest and most comprehensive book to offer winning insights and strategies on how to manage every step of the process. Written by two of this country's leading experts on IT Project Management, this extensive yet easy-to-use volume will give you the tools you need to successfully navigate your next IT project. <br />You'll learn how to avoid cost overruns and schedule delays, meet customer requirements, take control of budgets and resource allocation, build a successful team, and put to use many more tried-and-true methods of project management. The handbook includes a completely up-to-date overview of the best Internet services, current software, and repositories available via the Internet along with networking, e-commerce, reuse, prototype, modeling and simulations. <br />It's all contained in this user-friendly handbook that will soon become the foundation for every IT project you manage ... or take part in. Based on real-world practical experience and case studies, the Handbook will give you the framework to manage, improve, and build greater accuracy into every phase of your IT project management.<br />Here are just some of the systems, methods, tools, case studies, and techniques covered:<br />* IT Project Planning and Development Life Cycle Phases * Identifying Users, Customers, and Stakeholders * Customer Requirements Management * Project Modeling and Simulation * Customer Acceptance Criteria * Project Control and Recovery Mechanisms * Project Budgeting, Staffing, and Scheduling * Function Point and Earned Value Methods * The Gantt Chart, PERT Chart, and CPM * Risk Management - Assessment, Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Plan * System Management Standard * Project Measurement Schema * Project management Tools - Microsoft Project, Kidasa Software's Fast Track Schedule * Project Management Quality Control Mechanism * IT Networks and Internet Taxonomy * Wireless Technology, E-Commerce, and M-Commerce * System Software LifeCycle Model * System Integration Techniques * System Testing and Evaluation * Customer Satisfaction<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567260985?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1567260985?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">IT Project Management Handbook</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-71707850636653758412011-10-03T07:50:00.000-04:002011-10-03T07:50:01.008-04:00Hacker's Guide to Project Management, Second Edition (Computer Weekly
Professional) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750657464?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IoKsdlegL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Hacker's Guide to Project Management, Second Edition" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4844449853_7e0ed18b9a_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750657464?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>Can't really get any useful information out of this book. For example, has chapters on design, and systems integration. Being a hacker (the target group), I know more about this than the book does. The book however does not really tell how to manage these issues, which is what the book was supposed to be doing in the first place....(book about pm, not about design).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750657464?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750657464?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Hacker's Guide to Project Management, Second Edition (Computer Weekly Professional)</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Managing a software development project is a complex process. There are lots of deliverables to produce, standards and procedures to observe, plans and budgets to meet, and different people to manage. Project management doesn't just start and end with designing and building the system. Once you've specified, designed and built (or bought) the system it still needs to be properly tested, documented and settled into the live environment. This can seem like a maze to the inexperienced project manager, or even to the experienced project manager unused to a particular environment.<br /><br /><b>A Hacker's Guide to Project Management</b> acts as a guide through this maze. It's aimed specifically at those managing a project or leading a team for the first time, but it will also help more experienced managers who are either new to software development, or dealing with a new part of the software life-cycle. <br /><br />This book:<br /><ul><br />describes the process of software development, how projects can fail and how to avoid those failures<br /><br />outlines the key skills of a good project manager, and provides practical advice on how to gain and deploy those skills<br /><br />takes the reader step-by-step through the main stages of the project, explaining what must be done, and what must be avoided at each stage<br /><br />suggests what to do if things start to go wrong!</ul><br /><br />The book will also be useful to designers and architects, describing important design techniques, and discussing the important discipline of Software Architecture.<br /><br />This new edition:<br /><ul><br />has been fully revised and updated to reflect current best practices in software development<br /><br />includes a range of different life-cycle models and new design techniques<br /><br />now uses the Unified Modelling Language throughout</ul> Fully revised and updated to reflect developments in the field<br /><br />Modified structure to represent the iterative and incremental development methods which are now more common than the past 'waterfall' approaches<br /><br />New content added that describes and advises on the major advances in software engineering in the last 8 years<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750657464?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 10% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750657464?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Hacker's Guide to Project Management, Second Edition (Computer Weekly Professional)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-6185201271160895872011-10-02T08:15:00.000-04:002011-10-02T08:15:00.352-04:00The Project Office: The Essential Skills of Project Management
(Management Library) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0852975899?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411AXQ00QML._AA160_.jpg" alt="The Project Office: The Essential Skills of Project Management" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4845068120_a9384aca29_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0852975899?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>Recently tasked in creating a Project Office from scratch in a weak matrix organization that wants to be a Project Based Organization, this book was indispensable in providing basic descriptions of the types of activitiesthat are generally encompassed in a Project Office or Project SupportOffice.<br />Being a project manager, with experience and formal training, butnever having worked in an environment that used a Project Office, this bookprovided me with the valuable "shell" of what services we wouldoffer (and the glossary of terms to use to present the information toExecutive Management).I found it extremely useful.<br />Due to it's natureof being broad and general, I found it necessary to use addition referencematerials and personal experiences to define certain services our ProjectOffice offered.Still think it's a must for your bookshelf if you arecreating a project office at your company.<br />Recommended for anyone curiouswhat a Project Office is or could be.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0852975899?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0852975899?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">The Project Office: The Essential Skills of Project Management (Management Library)</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />As a crucial component of many medium to large organizations, project management is emerging as a highly valued discipline in its own right, as well as becoming a focus for group training and information sharing. While everyone in project management is concerned with time and resource allocation, the positive interaction of team members is also vital-as this book clearly demonstrates by drawing on the best practical examples from two of the most experienced people in the field.--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0852975899?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0852975899?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">The Project Office: The Essential Skills of Project Management (Management Library)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-67414639544096891292011-10-02T03:24:00.000-04:002011-10-02T03:24:00.731-04:00SAP Consulting and Project Management (Book/CD-ROM package) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072122544?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517MC66GW9L._AA160_.jpg" alt="SAP Consulting and Project Management" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4844449927_4ab1e44e38_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072122544?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>The book had a lot of fluff in it that is already covered in a bunch of other books.I was hoping that the CD would have some good templates so I didn't have to re-invent the wheel...thats the main thing that attracted me to the book. But the CD contained a single boring power point presentation on a rather mundane aspect of SAP.I feel like I got a bit ripped off, considering that the cover states that there's all this great stuff.<br />About half of the book wasn't that great,First, advice about how to fill outa resume, or how to behave in an office is a bit out of context.Second, covering the highlights of all the various SAP modules had been beat to death in other books.Third, covering what the new "mySAP.com" really is, and what it isn't, is covered in the trade rags, so why spend () bucks?<br />There is some good advice in the book for managing a SAP project, and there are pictures/diagrams of various boilerplate documents that can be used to help manage a SAP project.But without them being on the CD, the book just ain't that great.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072122544?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072122544?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">SAP Consulting and Project Management (Book/CD-ROM package)</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Managing a full cycle implementation of SAP R/3 requires more than just technical know-how. It takes careful project planning, organizing, optimum functional and technical configuration and system testing, which can be a complex process.Using the tools found inside this practical guidebook, you'll be able to successfully navigate through the critical stages of a project, and complete the job on time and within budgetary constraints.Worksheets, presentations and templates found both in the book and on the CD-ROM give tips on custom development, configuration, performance tuning, self and team management, and can help you keep tabs on schedules and monitor progress of the project.For SAP consultants, project managers or anyone wanting insight on how to successfully manage a SAP implementation project, this is the most significant and authoritative book available.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072122544?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072122544?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">SAP Consulting and Project Management (Book/CD-ROM package)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-16514108287326260122011-10-01T11:42:00.000-04:002011-10-01T11:42:00.754-04:00Implementing Quality in Laboratory Policies and Processes: Using
Templates, Project Management, and Six Sigma Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420073044?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51l9rZ6CqzL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Implementing Quality in Laboratory Policies and Processes: Using Templates, Project Management, and Six Sigma" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420073044?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>We ordered the book to jump start our ISO 17025 project.Although it is a bit expensive, when you consider the cost of a consultant (about 200 AU$ per hour) we found it well worth it. The book is easily understood and we appreciate the realistic hands on approach. The templates do not just mirror the ISO 17025 criteria.Instead, the author's approach is based on what is required for the day to day operation of our organisation.This formatmakes it more practical when you are looking for a specific policy addressing a specific issue.With more than 1400 pages, hundreds of templates, examples, workflows etc, the book literally offers a policy/procedure template for every conceivable area in the lab.In addition to the laboratory templates the book provides a step by step approach with documents and charts for our quality manager to manage the improvement programme.The book also includes a rather large chapter on six sigma for the forensic laboratory.It seems pretty straightforward.We might be looking to implement some of those activities later in the year.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420073044?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420073044?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Implementing Quality in Laboratory Policies and Processes: Using Templates, Project Management, and Six Sigma</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br /><br />In order to gain accreditation, every laboratory must have a superior quality assurance program. The keys to a successful program are the operational and technical manuals and associated documents which define the program and its various components. Written by experts with global experience in setting up laboratories, <STRONG>Implementing Quality in Laboratory Policies and Processes: Using Templates, Project Management, and Six Sigma</STRONG> provides templates for the various policies, procedures, and forms that should be contained in the quality assurance, operational, and technical manuals of a laboratory seeking accreditation.<STRONG><EM>Templates for the entire project life cycle</EM></STRONG>The book begins with a general introduction and overview of quality assurance and then moves on to cover implementation strategies. It contains best practices and templates for the project management of the design and implementation of the laboratory operational and technical manuals required to establish a quality assurance program. The templates span the entire project life cycle, from initiation, to planning, to execution, to monitoring, and finally, to closure. The book also examines how Six Sigma concepts can be used to optimize laboratories, and contains templates that cover administrative issues, quality assurance, sample control, and health and safety issues. In addition, there is a section of criteria files that relate the individual document templates to specific accreditation criterion.<STRONG><EM>Addresses the standards of ISO 17025</EM></STRONG>The results of any laboratory examination have the potential to be presented in court and can ultimately affect the life and liberty of the parties involved. Therefore, a stringent quality assurance program, including well-documented policies and a procedure manual, is essential. Ensuring that laboratories meet the standards of ISO 17025, this volume is a critical component of any laboratory's accreditation process.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420073044?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 15% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420073044?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Implementing Quality in Laboratory Policies and Processes: Using Templates, Project Management, and Six Sigma</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-51712343630235845162011-10-01T07:25:00.000-04:002011-10-01T07:25:00.587-04:00Modern Project Management : Successfully Integrating Project Management
Knowledge Areas and Processes Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814406327?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51lOxHZzgaL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Modern Project Management : Successfully Integrating Project Management Knowledge Areas and Processes" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814406327?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>Modern Project Management does an excellent job of blending Modern Project Management ideas in concert with the latest IT methodology.The book is easy to understand and presents topics not found in similar books.The included software uses the excellent Access database system, which is another winner. I also discovered if you register on their web site you could request the latest Version II software update. Best book on this topic I have seen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814406327?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814406327?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Modern Project Management : Successfully Integrating Project Management Knowledge Areas and Processes</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />For project managers in charge of complicated,10-person-plus projects, one of the best ways to take control andproduce predictable, repeatable results is to focus on both complextheory and practical techniques.<br /><I>Modern Project Management</i> helps them do that, filling in theknowledge gaps and answering the questions of this often misunderstoodprocess. By going through project management step-by-step, the bookpresents an integrated approach that balances theory, methods,psychology, and practice, and helps even novice project managersachieve superior results. Readers will learn how to:<br /><br />* Plan the project to maximize productivity<br />* Motivate others to execute the plan<br />* Analyze the actual results <br />* Rework and tune the plan as the project is executed.<br />Also included with this book is a project management toolset calledModern Manager. Easily installed on a personal computer, this softwareis far more than just a scheduler. It features tools designed to helpproject managers plan, estimate, monitor, and control projects.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814406327?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814406327?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Modern Project Management : Successfully Integrating Project Management Knowledge Areas and Processes</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-66385073109619934352011-09-30T16:54:00.000-04:002011-09-30T16:54:00.629-04:00Managing Writers: A Real World Guide To Managing Technical
Documentation Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982219105?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41+nvKz0EuL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Managing Writers: A Real World Guide To Managing Technical Documentation" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4845068202_952b887062_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982219105?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>Managing Writers is clearly organized and a fast read. It often reads like a reference guide, a book you could keep on your bookshelf for years to come.<br /><br />It is a reference guide in my view, because you can go straight to the table of contents and pick from the list of topics. Want to get your arms around people? Refer to many chapters on Managing People. Need to know insider information on projects before it spirals out of control? Stop the spin machine and go to the pages about Managing Projects. Wondering if the latest alphabet-based tossed salad of acronyms will actually solve your user's information problems? Hightail it to the Managing Technology chapters. Each of his chapters offers the depth and detail you'd need when faced with a situation you hadn't seen before. For example, if you're new to Localization, the information offered will help you ask the right questions and help you get started while avoiding headaches and "time sinks."<br /><br />As I read through this book, I felt like I was having a nice long lunch with one of my favorite managers. It's sprinkled with stories and phrases like "gold-plated Cadillac." I enjoyed reading about his path to technical publications. It seems many people are eager to leave tech pubs once they start in it. Richard didn't know much about tech pubs, and wondered if he was leaving the world of technology, but accepted a position anyway. He was willing to learn and stay with it. And stay with it he did, for many years beyond the first two he promised to the hiring manager.<br /><br />Whether you're already managing a handful of writers or just starting out, or if you're hoping to move towards management in technical publications, I think you'll find this book helpful. Even an experienced tech pubs manager will enjoy hearing another's perspective and will find many familiar themes that match their own companies and product documentation.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982219105?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982219105?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Managing Writers: A Real World Guide To Managing Technical Documentation</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Managing Writers is a practical guide to managing documentation projects in the real world. It is informal, but concise, using examples from the author's experience working with and managing technical writers. It looks beyond big project, big team methodologies to the issues faced by smaller, less well-funded projects.Managing Writers is for technical writers, both freelancers and employees, documentation managers, and managers in other disciplines who are responsible for documentation; anyone who may need to manage, full or part-time, a documentation project.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982219105?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982219105?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Managing Writers: A Real World Guide To Managing Technical Documentation</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-33987998192889049652011-09-30T04:26:00.000-04:002011-09-30T04:26:00.346-04:00Project Management Step-by-Step Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814473873?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51PHSMY955L._AA160_.jpg" alt="Project Management Step-by-Step" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814473873?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>I'm only 4 chapters into this book, yet I have found practical application numerous times in my job from my reading.Having received an immediate return on investment for my time, I look forward to gaining additional insights for my work as I continue reading.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814473873?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814473873?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project Management Step-by-Step</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />"Project management can seem like a daunting endeavor to the untrained and uninitiated. Here is a book that spells out the basics of implementing a project management model and encourages critical thinking about how project management can help a company accomplish its business objectives.Offering clear, concise explanations of different project phases, <i>Project Management Step-by-Step</i> also includes six case studies -- positive and negative, real and fictional -- that show clearly how project management works in the real world. The book is fully consistent with the newly updated Project Management Body of Knowledge, so its observations and recommendations are consistently applicable and thoroughly field-tested. Richman's clear, accessible text is augmented with discussion questions, exercises, diagrams, charts, and a comprehensive glossary.Special passwords to free online information for students, instructors, and project management professionals are alone worth the price of the book.Written in plain, jargon-free English, <i>Project Management Step-by-Step</i> is an incisive and complete guide -- truly a perfect introduction to project management."<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814473873?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 10% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0814473873?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project Management Step-by-Step</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-41159085453006295682011-09-29T16:49:00.000-04:002011-09-29T16:49:00.052-04:00Master VISUALLY) Project 2003 Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764568795?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FSRV3T73L._AA160_.jpg" alt="Master VISUALLY) Project 2003" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764568795?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>I took a Project course through work years ago, but didn't end up using Project on the job. Now they want me to start using Project at my new job. I didn't want to slog through a lot of text, so I bought this step-by-step visual book. Now all my Project skills are coming back to me. A great way to quickly review Project or learn it for the first time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764568795?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764568795?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Master VISUALLY) Project 2003</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />* Delivers more than 600 two-color pages to help visually oriented project managers master the software, understand how changes affect the overall schedule, meet major milestones and deadlines, and get the job done on time and within budget<br /> * Helps new users get up to speed quickly and walks the estimated four million current Project users through new program features<br /> * Contains hundreds of succinctly captioned, step-by-step screen shots that show how to accomplish more than 300 tasks, from opening projects, defining task relationships, and assigning resources to evaluating progress and costs, resolving scheduling and resource conflicts, and creating professional-looking status reports<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764568795?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764568795?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Master VISUALLY) Project 2003</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-37644135053970012962011-09-29T05:52:00.000-04:002011-09-29T05:52:00.047-04:00CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You
Could Do! Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072264691?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nuwvaamUL._AA160_.jpg" alt="CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/4844449853_7e0ed18b9a_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072264691?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>I like the subtitle: 24 cool things you didn't know you could do! This book is a useful checklist of things you can do, and not just with laptops. <br /><br />The first project suggests the audience: "Make a Killer Car Stereo." In other words, teens and twenty-somethings. It starts with Easy projects--fun stuff like "Make Free Phone Calls" (use Skype). Then it takes up Challenging and Advanced projects that are mostly not-fun but practical (and not so challenging), like "Protect Your Laptop from a Data Disaster" (back it up) and "Make Your Laptop Safe for Surfing" (use anti-virus and other security software). This is either padding or useful beginner's stuff, depending on how you look at it.<br /><br />I bought the book for Project 7: "Transfer an LP or Cassette Tape to CD." I liked the approach: download a crippleware application, hook up the laptop to your amp, play and record, test, then decide if you want to upgrade the software to the full version. It's a good way to find out if you really want to do this stuff. (And, by the way, it's Chaka Khan, not Chaka Kahn.)<br /><br />There was one problem in Project 7, though, and it foreshadowed perils to come. The note on p. 55 reads: "If you have a standalone turntable, you can't just connect it directly to the laptop. . . . Your record player is probably already hooked up to a stereo receiver or amplifier, so just connect the laptop to the receiver's RCA output jacks. Alternatively, you can get an inexpensive preamp that will do the job."<br /><br />There's a better way to put this: "Almost all modern amplifier/receivers have no phono inputs at all, i.e. no built-in phono preamp. So if you're going to rip your old LPs using your old turntable, use your old amplifier/receiver, or buy a $25 preamp from Radio Shack." And this should have been on the first (project) page, so you don't gallop past it. For most interested parties, it's a constraint, not a casual comment.<br /><br />The perilous projects come at the end: "Upgrade Your Operating System," "Upgrade Your Memory," "Upgrade Your Hard Drive," "Upgrade Your Processor." Yeah, you can do it. I've done some. I'm interested in doing others. But this is NOT the place to find out how.<br /><br />I'm certainly interested in upgrading my hard drive, and this book tells me how to take my laptop apart sufficiently to view, remove, and replace the part. It tells me to have my Windows operating system reinstallation disks handy and to do a full backup of all my data. And it reassures me: "Once you've installed the new hard drive, you'll still be able to access your old drive using an external USB enclosure."<br /><br />Frankly, I'm not greatly confident that eight pages of instructions and nine steps are going to tell me everything I need to know to expand my mission-critical laptop, especially when Step 8: "Bring Back Those Apps" tells me to "grab all those old installation CDs and reinstall all of your applications." I have good reason to expect that I will run into innumerable licensing and configuration problems, lose the old applications that I can't replace or can't afford to update, and be forced to spend loads of money for new copies of essentials.<br /><br />In sum, it's a Hansel-and-Gretel story: go out for a romp in the woods, wander deep into the forest, and find a pretty gingerbread house.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072264691?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072264691?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br /><br /><strong>Trick out your laptop</strong>Take your laptop to the limit with the fun and practical projects packed inside this easy-to-use guide. Produced in conjunction with CNET.com, the place you go for the latest in tech and consumer electronics, this book shows you how to do all sorts of resourceful things with your laptop, like use it as a car stereo, broadcast a podcast, navigate a road trip, and more. Inside, you'll find 24 self-contained projects, step-by-step instructions, a list of tools needed at the beginning of each project, and hundreds of clear photos and screenshots. With CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects, you'll discover that you can get more out of your laptop than ever before. <br /><br /><ul><br />Build a wireless network<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072264691?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 10% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0072264691?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">CNET Do-It-Yourself Laptop Projects: 24 Cool Things You Didn't Know You Could Do</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-81567869556231289012011-09-28T16:49:00.000-04:002011-09-28T16:49:00.962-04:00Project Management Professional (PMP) Examination Specification Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930699883?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41S0G9Q378L._AA160_.jpg" alt="Project Management Professional Examination Specification" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4844449741_552b8d2481_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930699883?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>I was so disappointed in this book. It is VERY short and doesn't contain really any more information than I was able to get from the PMI website. It was way to expensive to be so limited in information. I was expecting much more information about the exam than it contained. : > (<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930699883?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930699883?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project Management Professional (PMP) Examination Specification</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930699883?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 32% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1930699883?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Project Management Professional (PMP) Examination Specification</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-14898394645790135412011-09-28T13:49:00.000-04:002011-09-28T13:49:00.672-04:00Early-Stage Technologies: Valuation and Pricing (Intellectual
Property-General, Law, Accounting & Finance, Management, Licensing,
Special Topics) Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471328561?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71CX36AP19L._AA160_.gif" alt="Early-Stage Technologies: Valuation and Pricing" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4845068202_952b887062_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471328561?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>I enjoyed reading Dr. Razgaitis book on the Early -Stage Technologies.It covered the different basic approaches to valuation.I specifically liked his analysis of the 25% rule and the Monte Carlo method for valuations.These two methods are on opposite ends of the difficulty spectrum of valuations.The details mentioned in those two methods has allowed me to strengthen the valuation reports that we do at Inavisis, Inc.<br />I also liked Chapter fivewhich covers the Rating/ranking method to determine valuation.Although the chapter was general in nature, it outlined the basic principles that appraisal professional use in their valuation report and in litigation environment to support their analysis.<br />I use the stories outlined in the book in many of my valuation training courses.Dr. Razgaitis book is a must for the libraries of appraisal professional. <br />Sam Khoury<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471328561?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471328561?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Early-Stage Technologies: Valuation and Pricing (Intellectual Property-General, Law, Accounting and Finance, Management, Licensing, Special Topics)</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Comprehensive coverage of the issues, methods, and art of valuing and pricing early-stage technologies To develop or not to develop; to license or not to license; what price will be a true reflection of the product's value from both the buyer's and seller's point of view? These questions are crucial to companies dependent on intellectual property-particularly technology companies, universities, and biotech companies. The risks associated with early-stage technology are high, and decisions must often be made years before any potential product will reach the market. In Early-Stage Technologies: Valuation and Pricing, Richard Razgaitis presents TR-R-A-DE™, a comprehensive approach to determining the future of new technologies based on technology rights, risk assignment, the art of deal-making, and deal economics. He considers the key components involved in a licensing transaction, offers a detailed presentation of six valuation methods for intellectual property, examines risk in both quantitative and qualitative terms, and explores the negotiation strategy and structuring of agreements that are the keys to the art of technology rights deal-making. Early-Stage Technologies is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the development, valuation, and licensing of intellectual property, the most valuable resource and driving force of the information age.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471328561?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471328561?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Early-Stage Technologies: Valuation and Pricing (Intellectual Property-General, Law, Accounting and Finance, Management, Licensing, Special Topics)</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-57123844546954178202011-09-27T09:21:00.000-04:002011-09-27T09:21:00.891-04:00PM 101 According to the Olde Curmudgeon: An Introduction to the Basic
Concepts of Modern Project Management Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410559?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y5K6QTEKL._AA160_.jpg" alt="PM 101 According to the Olde Curmudgeon: An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Modern Project Management" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410559?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>If you are new to the field of Project Management this book is very helpful.It draws upon the accepted practices of the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) but is written more for those who don't want to learn directly from a text book style reading.The story follows a character named Sam and how he deals with his first exposure to project management.The flow of the book is very smooth as it takes you from basically describing what a project is, through the skill sets required to be a successful PM, and finally to the development of a Work Breakdown Structures and project planning techniques.This is a great quick read for anyone interested in project management as a profession, or who uses project management skills in their day to day jobs but don't have any guidelines.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410559?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410559?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">PM 101 According to the Olde Curmudgeon: An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Modern Project Management</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Former editor-in-chief for the Project ManagementInstitute (PMI®), Francis M. Webster Jr. refers to himself as "theOlde Curmudgeon." After reading his new book, it is difficult tosee how this description applies. What Webster delivers in PM 101According to the Olde Curmudgeon: An Introduction to the BasicConcepts of Project Management is insider information dispensed with afriendly arm-around-the-shoulders approach.<br />This is a book of veteran do's and don'ts, generously shared withnovice project managers. Webster's passion is modern projectmanagement, those aspects of the field not given adequate attention inthe past. You'll learn the nine essential skills of modern projectmanagement, making this an essential book for your project managementlibrary.<br />Writing as the "Olde Curmudgeon," Webster lets new projectmanagers in on the tricks of the trade. By following his advice, themost inexperienced novice should look good. In PM 101, Webster shareshis well-reasoned, well-organized observations. This carefully writtenmanual is full of ideas, distinctions, rules, and metaphors-evencommandments.<br />PM 101 is essential for new project managers who need to come off theblocks on the right foot fast!<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410559?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880410559?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">PM 101 According to the Olde Curmudgeon: An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Modern Project Management</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-45981096408142487742011-09-27T04:12:00.000-04:002011-09-27T04:12:00.478-04:00Agile Excellence for Product Managers: A Guide to Creating Winning
Products with Agile Development Teams Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160773074X?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41unBxkEnPL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Agile Excellence for Product Managers: A Guide to Creating Winning Products with Agile Development Teams" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4845067922_fe937db46e_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160773074X?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This excellent book provides practical information for Product Management strategies for Agile product development.The ideas within will help you improve the role of PM in your organization and make you more effective.It guides the reader through all phases of product development with clear tactics for maximizing communication and impact.I have incorporated the technique into my work and have seen positive results already.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160773074X?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160773074X?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Agile Excellence for Product Managers: A Guide to Creating Winning Products with Agile Development Teams</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Organizations are constantly struggling with complex development projects and are in search for a few, straightforward, and easy to learn methods to help deal with their problems.For this reason, more and more software companies are rapidly turning to Agile development to cope with fast changing markets, unknown or changing product requirements, borderless competition, andto solve complex problems.Yet little has been written to guide product managers through the transition in working with Agile teams and the numerous benefits that it affords. <br /><i>'Agile Excellence for Product Managers'</i> is a plain speaking guide on how to work with Agile development teams to achieve phenomenal product success. It covers the why and how of agile development (including Scrum, XP, and Lean,) the role of product management, release planning, release management, road mapping, creating and prioritizing a product backlog, documentation, product launches, organizational implications and more.It is a must read for product managers making the switch to Agile development as well as product owners and project managers looking for better ways to organize and lead in their companies.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160773074X?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 10% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/160773074X?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Agile Excellence for Product Managers: A Guide to Creating Winning Products with Agile Development Teams</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-58357878311895496032011-09-26T16:38:00.000-04:002011-09-26T16:38:00.800-04:00Value Innovation Portfolio Management: Achieving Double-digit Growth
Through Customer Value Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932159576?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TX9e0d0zL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Value Innovation Portfolio Management: Achieving Double-digit Growth Through Customer Value" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4845068202_952b887062_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932159576?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>The co-authors of this book are colleagues at Product Development Consulting, Inc. where they and their PDC associates devised and have since refined the Market-Driven Product Definition (MDPD®) methodology in response to their clients' need for a customer value dimension in their product portfolio management."We watched many of our clients make MDPD an integral part of their product development processes, then go on to use the resulting database of customer value information as input to their portfolio processes. Thus was born our idea of providing a new methodology, philosophy, and criteria for evaluating changes to the portfolio [begin italics] before [end italics] making portfolio decisions and committing company resources." <br /><br />What Sheila Mello (lead author) and her collaborators have learned about value innovation portfolio (VIP) management is provided in this book. Whether or not the organizations of those who read it achieve "double-digit growth through customer value" will depend on how effectively the MDPD methodology is executed.<br /><br />Here are several of the questions to which Mayo and her collaborators respond:<br /><br />1. How to define or re-define a product portfolio along the value dimension?<br />2. What are the leading causes of product failure and how to avoid or correct them?<br />3. What is innovation's proper role within the MDPD methodology?<br />4. In what respect(s) is the "optimized" portfolio "the sweet spot"?<br />5. In terms of MDPD alignment, why is the "why?" so important? <br />6. What is an "actionable" portfolio? A "fortified" portfolio?<br />7. How to use MDPD to "hear the voice of the customer"?<br /><br />I especially appreciate the provision of the three appendices whose material will assist, indeed expedite the formulation and implementation of a successful value innovation portfolio (VIP). Decision-makers in smaller or at least less complex organizations may prefer to devise a mini-program, try it out, and then expand or modify it. This book will be invaluable to either approach.<br /><br />That said, I presume to share two caveats. First, when creating and then developing a VIP, focus on what is most important...and most appropriate. Nail the fundamentals. For example, make certain that all decisions are based on accurate, current, and sufficient information. Keep in mind what Peter Drucker once observed: Also, beware of over-complicating the VIP design and implementation process. Recall what Albert Einstein once observed: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932159576?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932159576?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Value Innovation Portfolio Management: Achieving Double-digit Growth Through Customer Value</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br /><b>Value Innovation Portfolio Management</b> offers a new, proven approach to product portfolio management and innovation that uses customer value as the key predictor of success. It illustrates how shifting the portfolio management metric from financials to customer value helps companies identify innovations that delight end users and drive double-digit growth. <b>KEY FEATURES</b><br /><br />* Introduces a new, proven approach to creating a valuable product portfolio based on high customer value, tight business strategy alignment, and optimal investment intensity<br />* Reveals how to exploit unfulfilled market niches by shifting to customer value as a top portfolio criterion<br />* Tackles tough questions about what products to launch, where to invest/divest, and how to avoid costly product failures<br />* Includes real case studies showing the merits of transforming the business drivers of your product portfolio to a customer value approach<br />* Provides strategic vision and a blueprint for measuring customer value and using it to reinvent your portfolio management process<br />* Offers free downloadable articles on collecting the voice of the customer and creating a framework for measuring innovation -- available from the Web Added Value Download Resource Center<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932159576?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932159576?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Value Innovation Portfolio Management: Achieving Double-digit Growth Through Customer Value</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2950825952472990061.post-64307384581084111692011-09-26T08:50:00.000-04:002011-09-26T08:50:00.665-04:00Agile Leadership and the Management of Change: Project Lessons from
Winston Churchill and the Battle of Britain Review<span style="float:left; padding-right:5px; padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554890357?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WB1umiHcL._AA160_.jpg" alt="Agile Leadership and the Management of Change: Project Lessons from Winston Churchill and the Battle of Britain" border="0"></a><br /><strong>Average Reviews:</strong><br /><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4844449927_4ab1e44e38_m.jpg" border="0" ><br />(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554890357?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">More customer reviews</a>)</span>This book provides an excellent view of how the project leadership of Churchill, Dowding, and others salvaged victory in the Battle of Britain.I enjoy history and IT/project management reading, and Kozak-Holland's books always provide an interesting union of two of my favorite interests.It's valuable to read books like this to realize that the challenges you face day to day as a project manager are not all that different from the challenges some of the most important individuals of history faced.Obviously the consequences of failure are drastically different, but there are nonetheless many leadership lessons for those of us who run IT projects.This is more about general leadership techniques for business agility than the Agile Manifesto or Agile software development methodologies, and the book lacks some editorial polish, but Kozak-Holland's passion for history and IT still shine through.It's definitely worth a read!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554890357?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><strong>Click Here</strong></a> to see more reviews about: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554890357?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Agile Leadership and the Management of Change: Project Lessons from Winston Churchill and the Battle of Britain</a><br /><br /><strong>Product Description: </strong><br />Around the turn of the millennium, there was a poll conducted in Britain that asked who people thought was the most influential person in all of Britain's history. The winner: Winston Churchill. What set Churchill above the others was his leadership qualities: his ability to create and share a powerful vision, his ability to motivate the population in the face of tremendous fear, and his ability to get others to rally behind him and quickly turn his visions into reality. By any measure, Winston Churchill was a powerful leader.What many don't know, however, was how Churchill used his leadership skills torestructure the British military, government, and even the British manufacturing sector to support his efforts to rearm the country and get ready for an imminent enemy invasion in early 1940. Churchill started making massive changes immediately after his appointment as Prime Minister, with little time for preparation. That summer, British and German aircraft skirmished in the skies above Britain in preparation for a full German assault on the island nation. Churchill's adaptive sense-and-respond approach to the invaders made the Royal Airforce much more agile and responsive to the changing situation, allowing them to repel a much larger and better-equipped enemy. In addition,his changes to the manufacturing sector allowed the nation to dramatically speed up the production of new aircraft to replace their staggering losses.A lot can be learned about how he managed this enormous change effort. Fortunately, documents and other evidence exists that explains how he did it. Join author Mark Kozak-Holland as he explores how Churchill acted as the head project manager of a massive change project that affected the daily lives of millions of people. Learn about Churchill's change management and agile management techniques and how they can be applied to today's projects.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554890357?tag=sundaygolfbag-20"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4719472627_e8bd8168dc_m.jpg" alt="Buy Now" border="0"></a><span style="font-size:1.1em;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:3px;color:#990000;">Get 19% OFF</span></p><p>Want to read more honest consumer review about <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1554890357?tag=sundaygolfbag-20">Agile Leadership and the Management of Change: Project Lessons from Winston Churchill and the Battle of Britain</a></strong> now ?</p>Inez W Dyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01200211932917173836noreply@blogger.com0