Business, Finance & Law Books

Book SynopsisAccording to the World Economic Forum, creativity is considered to be the third-most-important skill for employees, behind complex problem-solving and critical thinking. This book will help you rethink your creativity and its value in the work life, giving you access to intellectual, emotional, and reputational benefits that were previously unattainable. Based on a collection of interviews and research, this book translates the latest findings on the creative beliefs, confidence, and mindset into digestible thoughts for experts with an itch for improvement and innovation in domains like technology, entrepreneurship, and education. It brings a new perspective to creativity by focusing on how individuals can understand their creativity and what the implications are on what they want to achieve.  How to Develop Your Creative Identity at Work is based on the most recent creativity research, which analyzes how creativity plaTable of ContentsIntroductionIn this section, readers are introduced to the importance of integrating personal creativity with the professional role. To this view, the readers are invited to explore their own creativity beyond implicit biases. Who is recognized as a creative individual? When creativity is needed? The benefits of the book are promoted so that readers may be encouraged and prepared to engage fully in the four major parts which follow.Part 1. Exploring the fit between how you see yourself as a creative person and the activities you perform.The way you understand your creativity defines the kind of projects you get involved in. In the first part, we’ll look into what you presently think of your own creativity and how you can gain a higher level of awareness of new aspects of creativity that you can manifest in the environment. What if you showed more curiosity in your current role? What would that look like?Chapter 1 Four types of creatorsThree defining characteristics of creatorsYou don’t have to see yourself as an artist. You are a creator when: 1) work holds a central role in your life; 2) to be creative is important for you and the work you perform; 3) you are willing to take initiative for personal growth and cross-disciplinary learning. When there’s hope, there are opportunities to craft your role as a creatorThere are four ways of relating to your work role. They dictate the way you use your personal creativity. Chapter 2 Definitions of personal creativityThe most common definition of creativity is the ability to make unusual connections in the mind, which result in novel, surprising and useful ideas. The outside-in view: how researchers study creativityCreativity as a type of thinkingCreativity as a processCreativity as an outcomeThe inside-out view: how established creators talk about their creativityAbility to hear music or write a poemAbility to change perspective on obstaclesAbility to come up with many ideasAbility to diverge from the habitual way of thinking and experimentingAbility to express yourself in meaningful ways for yourself and others.In this book, creativity is defined as the intuition that you have an intellectual or life interest to be discovered and the willingness to experiment with different ativities as a creator in work contexts.Chapter 3 Breaking free from biases The ways in which you use creativity in your current work shows the level of creative self-awareness. Upon reaching a higher level of awareness, you get motivated to change to a professional role that fits better with the newly discovered sense of creative self. A story of creative achievement that defied others’ gender biasesHere, the reader is introduced to the career story of the astronomer Cecilia Payne, the woman who paved the way in science for other women in the 1920’s. Gender stereotypes that make you confused about the roles that suits your personal creativity“It wasn’t a teacher. It was a man.”, a 6 year old boy said. Already in preschool age, we form gender stereotypes on who is more suitable to perform in a professional role. As we grow, unconscious mental processes can influence our career choices and consequently, hinder the development of a unified sense of identity. Social biases on creativity go back to the elementary schoolHow others see us influences how we see ourselves. Research shows that some teachers can be confused about who a creative pupil is and who is a favorite pupil. To avoid the risk of limiting the children's chances to use their creative thinking and potential, teachers can learn how to provide honest feedback on the right way to use creativity in school. How many of your teachers inspired you in this way?Teachers have strong beliefs on what’s an appropriate display of creativity in the classroomHow to guide children on how to use creativity in school? When it comes to teaching and leadership, showing is preferable to telling. To facilitate learning spaces where creativity is encouraged, teachers could integrate their creativity into their teaching style. However, there seems to be a gap between how teachers understand their creativity and the teaching behaviours they are willing to engage in. Whenever you get excited about a new idea but think you should not develop it, try to do the opposite Pedagogues are not an exception. The rest of us, in leadership and expert roles, may not be willing to show at work any of the creative qualities we think we have. Some may have given up on exercising their creative side at work, leaving it for exploration in their free time. While others may be intimidated by an ideal creative person, living in their heads. These kinds of beliefs restrain us from experimenting with new ideas and behaviours in work contexts.Chapter 4 Four impulses to createIn the disinhibited pathways of memory, speech production and social awareness, there can be four types of creative urges: self-expression, helping others’ self-expression, fixing social problems, and solving conceptual problems. What are the ones that define you most? Towards creative self-realization with the right creative habitsThere can be three psychological statuses that determine the extent to which you develop your potential as a creative person. 1) creative mortification. 2) creative suppression.3) creative self-realization.Three pathways to exploring new creative drives1) Prioritise your emotions. 2) Spend time looking for new curiosities. 3) Take the risk to engage in new roles as a creator. Chapter 5: The Physical SpaceThere can be six types of work environments based on the compatibility between individual preferences for work activities and the activities of other people with whom you work: 1. artistic; 2. realistic; 3. investigative; 4. social; 5. entreprising; 6. spiritual. When you discover a new creative curiosity, you have the chance to experiment new skills in a new environment.Summary Part 1Part 2. Priming your mind for creative insight.Another way to think of creativity is the ability to see and the desire to do something about what you see. The second part of the book discusses how to pay attention in the right way to stimuli in the environment, which will steer your focus towards opportunities to create.Chapter 6 Cultivate habits of inner observation In between the discovery of a word, sound, or idea that captivates your mind and the moment when you find your niche, there are many episodes of experimental creations when you refine your creative focus. Take the creator in you for a date to observe new sensitivitiesTo manage the uncertainty of developing new skills, you’ll build trust in your creative competence in bits and pieces as you learn to look at the world through the eyes of the creator. Commit to your attraction towards a particular domainHow does the newbie creator prepare their mind for the first act of creation? Getting to know your sensitivities is the new habit of the mind that enables you to notice opportunities to create.Chapter 7 In search of creative insight Habit 1: Follow your sense of beautyHigh levels of sensitivity are correlated with creativity. Especially in the first stages of the creative process, - problem identification, problem definition and incubation-, your creative sensitivities shed light on the information that really matters. Habit 2: Heed your interpretationsInterpretation is a core function of the human brain and the seedbed of possible creative ideas. Through a series of thought experiments, the reader is shown the importance of paying attention to the questions stemming from interpretations. Habit 3: Cultivate your intuition about what questions to focus onThe reader is guided on how to differentiate between two types of intuition - instinctive intuition and creative intuition - and moreover, how not to confuse creative intuition with hope or fear.Chapter 8 Emotional wellbeing as a creator Habit 1: Manage your mood for creative intuitionWe are not always in the mood to follow our intuition. Emotions management is a habit that can create more space around the intuitive voice guiding the creator’s path.Habit 2: Let your body sink in gratitudeGrateful thinking is needed to broaden the creative thinking and the next courses of action.Habit 3: When the self-criticism is loud, bring in some self-compassion to keep companySelf-criticism is a constituent theme of the creator’s self-talk and it should be handled with integrity, sincerity and patience. A dose of questioning what you do is beneficial to ensure quality work. The challenge is to stay in the space of constructive debate of your limitations as a creator.Chapter 9 Reassess the creative sensitivities The reader is taken through an experimental thought which shows how the top-down attentional system, represented by creative tendencies, will match the bottom-up attentional system, represented by the creative sensitivities as you approach the zone of best fit as a creator. Summary Part 2Part 3. Live like a creator.In this part, we mapp out the three psychological milestones in the development of the identity as a professional creator. Two moments of trial are worthy of being under scrutiny: what you choose to do before and after the awakening of an unexplained interest.First is the moment of encountering the idea or object that arouses your curiosity, 'Oh, this is a captivating topic! I want to know everything about it.'And second is the moment when the crippling self-doubt gets loud, 'Why do I want to create?'To make it to the third developmental stage, it’s important to connect with the psychological needs that ground you in acts of creation.Chapter 10 Making Your Own LuckIs luck the result of divine intervention that brings the success you want to enjoy in your life? Or can luck be nudged through personal initiative, exploration and careful observation? Chapter 11 New curiositiesWhat happens to your identity when you become interested in learning a new domain of knowledge or expertise? The actual self, the ought self and the desirable self negotiate their priority in directing your actions and decisions. Who is going to win the inner conflict between the one you used to be and the one you could be? Chapter 12 Create for different audiencesWhy do you want to create what you create? OK, it seems to be important to you but why would it be important to others? As you persevere in new acts of creation, the creative self can be distracted by the social self or the collective self.Four personal needs to createAt stage 2 of creative identity development, some creators may uncover a new interest, which brings the dilemma of what curiosity to follow and delays the moment of committing to your creative focus. In accordance with the self-determination theory, there can be four kinds of awakened needs that can ground creators in their acts: the love of autonomy, the desire for fairness, the need for relatedness and the intention to leave a leagacy of life values.Chapter 13 Committing to your creative focusThe third stage is about proving to others why your creations are important to them and maintaining your status. To this view, creators can benefit from a creative growth mindset. Despite the popularity, there's a need for reinvention, to explore your radical creativity, now and then. Summary Part 3Part 4. Develop a creative communication style when collecting feedback on your work.Becoming a creator is a matter of social interactions with suitable people as much as it is a matter of pushing inner boundaries. Describing your original ideas in a compelling way is a test of your budding creative identity. The fourth part of the book is about integrating your creative personality in the way you communicate your ideas.Direct communication is composed of listening and speaking. We’ll discuss a certain type of listening, listening for inspiration and imagination. In addition, we’ll elaborate on what kind of humour can increase other people's motivation to offer help with your work-in-progress.Chapter 14: The importance of constructive conversations during the creative processIn between the moment when you get a new idea and the moment when your audience interacts with it, you’ll benefit from choosing with whom and when to talk about the progress. To this view, you’ll have to learn how to speak and listen so that you raise the interest in your ideas.Creative integrityPreconceived ideas as a key barrier to learning. Creative integrity is about the intention to learn something we didn’t expect to learn at the outset of the conversation. It’s about your willingness to accept the uncomfortable moments of a conversation and initiate a change in perspective, starting with your perspective.Taking with humourHumour is a form of creativity. In addition, in educational and organizational settings, the use of humour by teachers and leaders appears to be significantly correlated with increased creative thinking skills among listeners: imagination, flexibility, originality, and open-mindedness. Chapter 15: Spontaneous HumourYou don’t have to feel the most comic person so you can talk about your original work in a funny way. It’s enough that now and then you see the humorous side of a conversational situation and are willing to express it. You’ll create an atmosphere of psychological safety, engaged creativity and intellectual honesty.Three stages in the development of conversational humourGet a playful mind by reframing your thoughts.Keep making up witty comments during dialogue.Find the appropriate style of humour for every situation.How to manage the situations when an interlocutor is not amusedDoes the listener feel uncomfortable about not getting the joke? Or are they judgemental about the joke? Whatever the reason, reestablish the interlocutor’s sense of psychological status.Chapter 16: Listen for inspirationTrain your brain to be more receptive to inspiration by learning to hold your judgement as you listen. Speaking in analogiesUse analogies to sort out more difficult concepts and ideas. But what are the criteria for making a good analogy? Chapter 17: Listen for imaginationListening for imagination is about transforming what you hear into a possibility which is not yet materialized in the world. And it may never be materialized as such, but it can be conducive to an insight, which will become reality.Three imagination activities that can lead to new ideasDaydreamingMindwanderingPerspective-takingFour tactics to boost the imagination during dialogueThe time perspectiveEngage in role playContrasting beliefsFalsifying constraintsSummary Part 4

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Book Synopsis This project-oriented book gives you a hands-on approach to designing, developing, and templating your Snowflake platform delivery. Written by seasoned Snowflake practitioners, the book is full of practical guidance and advice to accelerate and mature your Snowflake journey. Working through the examples helps you develop the skill, knowledge, and expertise to expand your organization''s core Snowflake capability and prepare for later incorporation of additional Snowflake features as they become available. Your Snowflake platform will be resilient, fit for purpose, extensible, and guarantee rapid, consistent, and repeatable, pattern-based deployments ready for application delivery. When a Snowflake account is delivered there are no controls, guard rails, external monitoring, nor governance mechanisms baked in. From a large organization perspective, this book explains how to deliver your core Snowflake platform in the form of a Landing Zone, a consistenTable of ContentsIntroductionPart I. The Landing Zone1. Maturing the Snowflake Data Cloud2. PrivateLink3. Security4. Costs5. Share6. Usage7. Catalog8. SSO9. SCIM10. Templates11. Disaster RecoveryPart II. The Center for Enablement12. What is a Center for Enablement?13. Training14. Tooling15. Outreach and Engagement16. SandpitPart III. End User Consumption17. Self-Service Options18. Cloud Data Management Capabilities

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Book SynopsisLeverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive the growth and success of your organization. This book thoroughly explores the reasons why it is so hard to implement AI, and highlights the need to reconcile the motivations and goals of two very different groups of people,business-minded and technical-minded.Divided into four main parts (First Principles,The Why,The What,The How), you'll review case studies and examples from companies that have successfully implemented AI. Part 1 provides a comprehensive overview of the First Principles approach and its basic conventions. Part 2 provides an in-depth look at the current state of AI and why it is increasingly important to businesses of all sizes. Part 3 delves into the key concepts and technologies of AI. Part 4 shares practical guidance and actionable steps for businesses looking to implement AI.Grow Your Business with AI is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and harness the power of AI for business growth and to stTable of ContentsPart I. Introduction and First Principles.- 1. Defining the Problem and Opportunity.- 2. First Principles Methodology.- 3. First Principles for the Key Areas Needed for AI.- 4. The Barriers for Implementing AI.- Part II. The WHY- 5. Introduction to AI and its Role in Business.- 6. Key Trends in AI.- 7. Data Monetization with AI.- Part III.The WHAT.- 8. Overview of AI Concepts and Technologies.- 9. Supervised and Unsupervised Learning.- 10. Neural Networks, Deep Learning and Foundational Models.- 11. Creating an AI Roadmap fully aligned to Enterprise Strategies.- 12. Funding and Measuring the AI Journey.- 13. How to Approach Open Data.- Part IV. The HOW.- 14. Organization & Governance.- 15. Identifying Use Cases and Assembling a Team.- 16. Selecting Tools and Platforms.- 17. Architecting AI Apps: When/How to be Cloud Native.- 18. Integrating AI into Existing Systems and Processes.- 19. Case Studies and Examples.- 20. Responsible AI: Understanding the Ethical and Regulatory Implications of AI.- 21. Scaling AI in the Enterprise: AI Maturity Model.- Part V. The Future.- 22. How Younger Generations See the Future.- 23. AI Future Trends and It's Considerations for Business.- 24. Conclusion.- Appendix.

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Book SynopsisThis book was shortlisted for the National Business Book Award 2022. What accounts for the lack of diversity in leadership positions? Looking carefully at how current leaders view the relationship between top tier management and diverse groups, Opening Doors to Diversity in Leadership examines recruitment selection, performance evaluation, workplace succession, working conditions, and corporate culture and how they impact hiring, promotion, and retention of diverse groups. Using a psychological, organizational, and cultural framework Opening Doors to Diversity in Leadership will help businesses integrate a more diverse presence in leadership, Emphasizing the interlocking relationship between our thoughts and actions, this book stresses the importance of organizational review and self-reflection as well as the pivotal role of removing unconscious biases from the workplace and identifying the systemic biases embedded in many aspects Trade Review"Opening Doors to Diversity in Leadership is not just a book that looks into the deepest crevasse of societal oppression; it takes the opportunity to explore the root causes, attitudes, and prejudices that undermine marginalized groups and lead to systemic disadvantages in the workplace. This book acts as a highly valuable guidepost for anyone interested in being part of a solution-oriented organization or those just looking to gain a better understanding of the impact of systemic oppression on marginalized communities. I strongly recommend that anyone who is compelled toward leadership, in a leadership role, or can act as an agent of change should be introduced to this text as the insights provided and the comprehensive overview shared paint a thorough picture of societal norms and leaves just enough a silver lining for the reader to believe that true corporate and societal change is possible." -- Amanda Paul, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education * Leadership *Table of ContentsList of Figures List of Tables 1. A Changing World 2. Diversity Gaps in Leadership 3. Concepts of Leadership 4. Perceptions and Attitudes 5. Moving In – Recruitment and Selection 6. Moving Up – Promotion, Performance and Succession 7. Moving Out – Retention, Work Environment and Corporate Cultures 8. Diversity, Business and Government Appendices Appendix I: Representation Data Issue – Benchmarking Appendix II: Representation Data Issue – Comparability Appendix III: Summary of Best Options and Practices for Building Diversity in Leadership Bibliography Index

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on a development of optimal, flexible, and efficient models and algorithms for cell formation in group technology. Its main aim is to provide a reliable tool that can be used by managers and engineers to design manufacturing cells based on their own preferences and constraints imposed by a particular manufacturing system.Trade Review“The book under review is a very good source … continuing the long term passion of Panos Pardalos and his collaborators in exact solution of difficult problems … . It also adds a very valuable contribution to the body of knowledge of the cell formation problem that can be used in both teaching and research including in bioinformatics.” (Boris Mirkin, Optimization Letters, 2015)Table of Contents1. The problem of cell formation.- 2. ​The p-Median problem.- 3. Application of the PMP to cell formation in group technology.- 4. The minimum multicut problem and an exact model for cell formation.- 5. Multiobjective nature of cell formation.- 6. Pattern-based heuristic for the cell formation problem in group technology.- 7. Branch-and-bound algorithm for bi-criterion cell formation problems.- 8. Summary and conclusions.- A. Solutions to the 35 CF instances from [71].- Index.- References.

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Book SynopsisSome companies think that adopting devops means bringing in specialists or a host of new tools. With this practical guide, you'll learn why devops is a professional and cultural movement that calls for change from inside your organization.

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Book SynopsisThis insightful book presents interviews with nearly 100 leading product managers from all over the world. Authors Richard Banfield, Martin Eriksson, and Nate Walkingshaw draw on decades of experience in product design and development to capture the approaches, styles, insights, and techniques of successful product managers.

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Book SynopsisIn this practical book, author Susan Fowler presents a set of microservice standards in depth, drawing from her experience standardizing over a thousand microservices at Uber. You'll learn how to design microservices that are stable, reliable, scalable, fault tolerant, performant, monitored, documented, and prepared for any catastrophe.

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Book SynopsisUsing practical examples throughout the book, author Yves Hilpisch also shows you how to develop a full-fledged framework for Monte Carlo simulation-based derivatives and risk analytics, based on a large, realistic case study. Much of the book uses interactive IPython Notebooks.

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Book SynopsisTechnologists who want their ideas heard, understood, and funded are often told to speak the language of business—without really knowing what that is. This book’s toolkit provides architects, product managers, technology managers, and executives with a shared language—in the form of repeatable, practical patterns and templates.

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Book SynopsisWith this practical, hands-on book, you'll learn how to do it faster and smarter using Lean UX techniques. UX expert Laura Klein shows you what it takes to gather valuable input from customers, build something they'll truly love, and reduce the time it takes to get your product to market.

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Book SynopsisTap into the wisdom of experts to learn what every engineering manager should know. With 97 short and extremely useful tips for engineering managers, you'll discover new approaches to old problems, pick up road-tested best practices, and hone your management skills through sound advice

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Book SynopsisIn this practical book, author Heidi Helfand shares techniques for reteaming effectively. Engineering leaders will learn how to catalyze team change to reduce the risk of attrition, learning and career stagnation, and the development of knowledge silos.

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Book SynopsisOver the next few decades, machine learning and data science will transform the finance industry. With this practical book, analysts, traders, researchers, and developers will learn how to build machine learning algorithms crucial to the industry.

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Book SynopsisThis concise, easy-to-use reference puts one of the most popular frameworks for deep learning research and development at your fingertips. Author Joe Papa provides instant access to syntax, design patterns, and code examples to accelerate your development and reduce the time you spend searching for answers.

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Book SynopsisDo you wish the existing books on site reliability engineering started at the beginning? Do you wish someone would walk you through how to become an SRE, how to think like an SRE, or how to build and grow a successful SRE function in your organization? Becoming SRE addresses all of these needs and more.

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Book SynopsisHow well does your organization respond to changing market conditions, customer needs, and emerging technologies when building software-based products? This practical guide presents Lean and Agile principles and patterns to help you move fast at scaleand demonstrates why and how to apply these paradigms throughout your organization.

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Book SynopsisThe general ledger is the backbone of your financials system. Learn everything you need for configuring and using the general ledger in SAP S/4HANA. Walk step by step through setting up fiscal years, posting periods, parallel ledgers, and more. See routine processes like posting, document control, and year-end closing in action.

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Book SynopsisThis pioneering text provides a comprehensive introduction to systems structure, function, and modeling as applied in all fields of science and engineering. Systems understanding is increasingly recognized as a key to a more holistic education and greater problem solving skills, and is also reflected in the trend toward interdisciplinary approaches to research on complex phenomena. While the concepts and components of systems science will continue to be distributed throughout the various disciplines, undergraduate degree programs in systems science are also being developed, including at the authors' own institutions. However, the subject is approached, systems science as a basis for understanding the components and drivers of phenomena at all scales should be viewed with the same importance as a traditional liberal arts education. Principles of Systems Science contains many graphs, illustrations, side bars, examples, and problems to enhance understanding. Frombasic principles of orgaTrade Review“Principles of systems science consists of 14 chapters organized in five parts. … This book is a feast--full of systems theory and sage guidance about systems practice.” (Ernest Hughes, Computing Reviews, computingreviews.com, August, 2016)Table of ContentsPart I: Introduction to Systems Science.- A Helicopter View.- Systems Principles in the Real World: Understanding Drug Resistant TB.- Part II: Structural and Functional Aspects.- Organized Wholes.- Networks: Connections Within and Without.- Complexity.- Behavior: System Dynamics.- Part III: The Intangible Aspects of Organization: Maintaining and Adapting.- Information, Meaning, Knowledge, and Communications.- Computational Systems.- Cybernetics: The Role of Information and Computation in Systems.- Part IV: Evolution.- Auto-Organization and Emergence.- Evolution.- Part V: Methodological Aspects.- Systems Analysis.- Systems Modeling.- Systems Engineering.

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Book SynopsisIndustrial agriculture is generally characterized as either the salvation of a growing, hungry, global population or as socially and environmentally irresponsible. Despite elements of truth in this polarization, it fails to focus on the particular vulnerabilities and potentials of industrial agriculture. Both representations obscure individual farmers, their families, their communities, and the risks they face from unpredictable local, national, and global conditions: fluctuating and often volatile production costs and crop prices; extreme weather exacerbated by climate change; complicated and changing farm policies; new production technologies and practices; water availability; inflation and debt; and rural community decline. Yet the future of industrial agriculture depends fundamentally on farmers’ decisions.In Defense of Farmers illuminates anew the critical role that farmers play in the future of agriculture and examines the social, economic, and envirTrade Review“Valuable for food system leaders and policy-makers and in graduate seminars. . . . [Analyses] highlight unsustainable methods and suggest improvements that could serve as a starting point for dialogues and decisions on changing the food system framework.”—Stacey F. Stearns, Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development "In Defense of Farmers delivers a timely contribution to helping us better understand how we got to the corporate-hijacked food system we have today and how farm managers navigate this framework as they simultaneously promote and resist it. This edited volume is sharp in its critique while careful in its delivery, making it an important book for both scholars in the humanities and practitioners in the agricultural sciences. Through its successful disciplinary bridging, certainly contributing to its considerate tone, In Defense of Farmers will prove a useful foundation for practical conversations about the future of food production."—Nicole Welk-Joerger, H-Environment"In Defense of Farmers provides a solid overview of the current moment in industrialized agriculture and its human costs."—Megan Birk, New Mexico Historical Review“Feeding the world’s population in a sustainable manner is a topic of critical importance for all humankind. Those of us living in the developed world need to be cognizant of the perils of the industrialized model of agricultural production and the consequences of its adoption around the world. . . . Farmers’ voices are rarely heard, but this book now allows them to be heard with respect to the challenges of groundwater depletion, ‘big chicken,’ climate change, or the consequences of adopting new precision farming technologies.”—Michael J. Broadway, professor of geography at Northern Michigan University and coauthor of Slaughterhouse Blues: The Meat and Poultry Industry in North America“In Defense of Farmers is critical from the empirical standpoint of those disturbing processes that have taken us to a standardized place where too few corporate actors make too many decisions about what we eat, where we eat it, and who reaps food production’s benefits while others bear the costs of compromising animal welfare, the environment, and the quality of food. Gibson and Alexander have assembled an impressive, interdisciplinary volume of authors who know their subjects so well that their disgust at capital concentration, environmental destruction, and routine violations of human and animal rights is palpable.”—David Griffith, professor of anthropology at East Carolina University and author of American Guestworkers: Jamaicans and Mexicans in the U.S. Labor MarketTable of ContentsList of Illustrations Foreword by John K. Hansen Acknowledgments Introduction: A Food System Imperiled Jane W. Gibson 1. Power, Food, and Agriculture: Implications for Farmers, Consumers, and Communities Mary K. Hendrickson, Philip H. Howard, and Douglas H. Constance 2. Chickenizing American Farmers Donald D. Stull 3. Industrial Chicken Meat and the Good Life in Bolivia Sarah Kollnig 4. Automating Agriculture: Precision Technologies, Agbots, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Jane W. Gibson 5. Water to Wine: Industrial Agriculture and Groundwater Regulation in California Casey Walsh 6. Forecasting the Challenges of Climate Change for West Texas Wheat Farmers Sara E. Alexander 7. From Partner to Consumer: The Changing Role of Farmers in the Public Agricultural Research Process on the Canadian Prairies Katherine Strand 8. Transmission of the Brazil Model of Industrial Soybean Production: A Comparative Study of Two Migrant Farming Communities in the Brazilian Cerrado Andrew Ofstehage 9. The Price of Success: Population Decline and Community Transformation in Western Kansas Jane W. Gibson and Benjamin J. Gray 10. An Alternative Future for Food and Farming John Ikerd List of Contributors Index

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Book SynopsisContributions by Ted Atkinson, Gloria J. Burgess, David A. Davis, Sarah E. Gardner, Richard Godden, Ryan Heryford, Robert Jackson, Gavin Jones, Mary A. Knighton, Peter Lurie, John T. Matthews, Myka Tucker-Abramson, Michael Wainwright, Jay Watson, and Michael ZeitlinThe matter of money touches a writer's life at every point--in the need to make ends meet; in dealings with agents, editors, publishers, and bookstores; and in the choice of subject matter and the minutiae of imagined worlds. William Faulkner's Yoknapatawpha was no exception. The people and communities he wrote about stayed deeply entangled in personal, national, and even global networks of industry, commerce, and finance, as did the author himself. Faulkner's economic biography often followed, but occasionally bucked, the tumultuous economic trends of the twentieth century. The Faulkner met within these pages is among modern literature's most incisive and encyclopedic critics of what one contempora

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Book SynopsisIt is widely recognized that professionals such as doctors, nurses, engineers, and teachers have duties that go far beyond those of ordinary citizens, but there is much disagreement as to why they have such duties. In Professional Ethics: A Trust-Based Approach, Terrence Kelly argues that such duties come from the unique trust that professionals must invite, develop, and honor from those they serve. Without trust, professional practice would be significantly impoverishedboth ethically and instrumentally and the autonomy enjoyed by many professions would evaporate. Professionals therefore have good reasons to be effectively trustworthy that is, to develop the virtues necessary to be responsive to the vulnerability of those they serve; and effectively communicate that responsiveness to others. Being effectively trustworthy requires a commitment by professionals as individual practitioners and as members of ethical communities committed to building a culture of trust. Such communities canTrade ReviewTerry Kelly has written a book on professional ethics that will be of great value and interest to professionals in a variety of fields, as well as to academics and the general public. The book is clear, tightly argued, and very well informed. Kelly argues for a rich and pragmatic account of trust that focuses on the responsibilities both of individual practitioners and of the profession as a whole. He advocates for an account of trust that is both instrumental and dispositional, one that makes a strong case for the view that trustworthiness is linked to authenticity, the “I/Thou” relationship, and the development of an ethical community. Kelly’s book will make a significant contribution to the applied ethics literature, and it will be of considerable practical value to those interested in building and strengthening ethics in their profession. -- Tom Buller, Illinois State UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One: A Puzzle About Professional Ethics Chapter Two: Vulnerability and Trust in the Professions Chapter Three: The Trustworthy Professional Chapter Four: The Profession as an Ethical Community Chapter Five: Effective Trustworthiness in the Professions Chapter Six: Conflicts of Interest Chapter Seven: The Limits to Professional Trustworthiness Conclusion Bibliography

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Book SynopsisOperational Excellence is achieved when all employees in your organization can see the flow of value to your customers and can make adjustments to that flow before it breaks down. Operational Excellence in Your Office: A Guide to Achieving Autonomous Value Stream Flow with Lean Techniques presents nine time-tested guidelines for designing business process flow that enable Operational Excellence in the office. Each chapter describes one guideline by using text, illustrations, and practical examples to provide a comprehensive understanding of why creating flow in the office is essential and how to achieve it.Accounting for the reality that most office employees are required to work on many different projects throughout the day, this book details a step-by-step methodology for leveraging traditional value stream flow to establish Operational Excellence in an office environment. In addition, it describes a more advanced form of flow called self-healing flTrade Review"Kevin’s definition and approach to achieving Operational Excellence in the office is profound, as it provides a true destination for office personnel (and managers!) improving the processes. It makes sense immediately. The five questions for flow in the office are empowering and drive office employees to create not just flow, but a self-healing, autonomous flow that does not require management intervention. Work every page of this book and watch your organization thrive and innovate in the office to achieve top line business growth. Along with Kevin’s other books, the best series of improvement documents available."—Chuck Miles, Director, Materials Management, Logistics and Inventory, GoGo"Operational Excellence is a complete change in philosophy. Lean and Six-Sigma are generally viewed as tool sets, and mostly applied in manufacturing/operations, whereas Operational Excellence is the establishment of a holistic operating system for the entire enterprise. Duggan and Healey’s guide to creating flow in the office makes this a powerful transformation, whether you’re a seasoned CI professional or an office manager seeking to create value for your customers."—H. Scott Parkin, Director, Operational Excellence, United Technologies Aerospace Systems"Operational Excellence in Your Office is a very practical guide for transforming office value streams to create flow and provide value stream resources with the visual controls necessary to quickly assess the health of value flow and immediately correct any anomalies. Utilizing the nine guidelines effectively will provide the structure for improving office value streams and processes, creating Operational Excellence throughout the organization."—Stephen M. Moore, Vice President, Lean Enterprise & Quality, Parker Hannifin Corporation "This book is a great complement to Creating Mixed Model Value Streams and should be well-received by the many people who have found it a challenge to apply lean concepts in an office environment. Operational Excellence in Your Office provides practical approaches to understanding and managing service value streams while addressing the real world complexity of high-mix service environments. The book presents Operational Excellence concepts in an office setting in a straightforward and non-technical way. The examples will resonate with those familiar with Operational Excellence concepts as well as those considering them for the first time." —Gerry McCool, Senior Director, Lean Six Sigma, Jabil"Achieving Operational Excellence in an office environment can be challenging, but Duggan and Healey have developed a robust process that visually shows when office flow becomes abnormal and corrects it autonomously, resulting in self-healing flow throughout the organization. Creating standard work to correct abnormal flow is ingenious and eliminates e-mails, meetings, phone calls, and everyday firefighting, allowing you to focus on the needs of the customer."—Mark Vidic, Aftermarket Cost Reduction Manager, Caterpillar, Inc."Kevin Duggan’s new book, Operational Excellence for the Office, challenges the widely-held belief that only traditional manufacturing environments – and not offices – realize significant benefits from applying the principles of Operational Excellence. In the book, Kevin shows that office processes are not "different" and provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to effectively apply Operational Excellence principles to dramatically improve office flow and successfully operate a business in today’s globally competitive environment. The significant advantages to production environments have been well demonstrated – now Kevin shows how offices can realize the same gains."—Jeffrey M. Corbin, Operations Manager, Laitram Machinery"Kevin’s definition and approach to achieving Operational Excellence in the office is profound, as it provides a true destination for office personnel (and managers!) improving the processes. It makes sense immediately. The five questions for flow in the office are empowering and drive office employees to create not just flow, but a self-healing, autonomous flow that does not require management intervention. Work every page of this book and watch your organization thrive and innovate in the office to achieve top line business growth. Along with Kevin’s other books, the best series of improvement documents available."—Chuck Miles, Director, Materials Management, Logistics and Inventory, GoGo"Operational Excellence is a complete change in philosophy. Lean and Six-Sigma are generally viewed as tool sets, and mostly applied in manufacturing/operations, whereas Operational Excellence is the establishment of a holistic operating system for the entire enterprise. Duggan and Healey’s guide to creating flow in the office makes this a powerful transformation, whether you’re a seasoned CI professional or an office manager seeking to create value for your customers."—H. Scott Parkin, Director, Operational Excellence, United Technologies Aerospace Systems"Operational Excellence in Your Office is a very practical guide for transforming office value streams to create flow and provide value stream resources with the visual controls necessary to quickly assess the health of value flow and immediately correct any anomalies. Utilizing the nine guidelines effectively will provide the structure for improving office value streams and processes, creating Operational Excellence throughout the organization."—Stephen M. Moore, Vice President, Lean Enterprise & Quality, Parker Hannifin Corporation "This book is a great complement to Creating Mixed Model Value Streams and should be well-received by the many people who have found it a challenge to apply lean concepts in an office environment. Operational Excellence in Your Office provides practical approaches to understanding and managing service value streams while addressing the real world complexity of high-mix service environments. The book presents Operational Excellence concepts in an office setting in a straightforward and non-technical way. The examples will resonate with those familiar with Operational Excellence concepts as well as those considering them for the first time." —Gerry McCool, Senior Director, Lean Six Sigma, Jabil"Achieving Operational Excellence in an office environment can be challenging, but Duggan and Healey have developed a robust process that visually shows when office flow becomes abnormal and corrects it autonomously, resulting in self-healing flow throughout the organization. Creating standard work to correct abnormal flow is ingenious and eliminates e-mails, meetings, phone calls, and everyday firefighting, allowing you to focus on the needs of the customer."—Mark Vidic, Aftermarket Cost Reduction Manager, Caterpillar, Inc."Kevin Duggan’s new book, Operational Excellence for the Office, challenges the widely-held belief that only traditional manufacturing environments – and not offices – realize significant benefits from applying the principles of Operational Excellence. In the book, Kevin shows that office processes are not "different" and provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to effectively apply Operational Excellence principles to dramatically improve office flow and successfully operate a business in today’s globally competitive environment. The significant advantages to production environments have been well demonstrated – now Kevin shows how offices can realize the same gains."—Jeffrey M. Corbin, Operations Manager, Laitram MachineryTable of ContentsIntroduction -- About the Authors -- Acknowledgments -- How to Use This Book -- Part One: Getting Started -- Chapter One: Operational Excellence in the Office -- Chapter Two: The Key Function of Any Office -- Chapter Three: Value Stream Design for the Office -- Chapter Four: Determine Service Families -- Chapter Five: Create a Current State Value Stream Map for Each Service Family -- Part Two: Applying the Nine Guidelines for Office Flow -- Chapter 6: Guideline #1 Takt and Takt Capability -- Chapter 7: Guideline #2 Continuous Flow -- Chapter 8: Guideline #3 FIFO -- Chapter 9: Guideline #4 Workflow Cycles -- Chapter 10: Guideline #5 Integration Events -- Chapter 11: Guideline #6 Standard Work -- Chapter 12: Guideline #7 Single-Point Initialization -- Chapter 13: Guideline #8 Pitch -- Chapter 14: Guideline #9 Changes in Demand -- Chapter 15: Applying the Nine Guidelines: The Acid Test -- Part Three: Creating Operational Excellence.

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Book SynopsisThis book is among the first to present the mathematical models most commonly used to solve optimal execution problems and market making problems in finance. The Financial Mathematics of Market Liquidity: From Optimal Execution to Market Making presents a general modeling framework for optimal execution problemsinspired from the Almgren-Chriss approachand then demonstrates the use of that framework across a wide range of areas.The book introduces the classical tools of optimal execution and market making, along with their practical use. It also demonstrates how the tools used in the optimal execution literature can be used to solve classical and new issues where accounting for liquidity is important. In particular, it presents cutting-edge research on the pricing of block trades, the pricing and hedging of options when liquidity matters, and the management of complex share buy-back contracts.What sets this book apart from others is that it focuses onTrade Review"This excellent monograph covers the mathematical theory of market microstructure with particular emphasis in models of optimal execution and market making. Gueant’s book is a superb introduction to these topics for graduate students in mathematical finance or quants who want to work in execution algorithms or market-making strategies."—Jose A. Scheinkman, Charles and Lynn Zhang Professor of Economics, Columbia University, and Theodore Wells '29 Professor of Economics Emeritus, Princeton University"This is a very timely book that cuts across various fields (applied mathematics, operations research, and quantitative finance). Execution costs due to market illiquidity can significantly reduce returns on investment strategies and, for this reason, affect asset prices. It is therefore important to design trading strategies minimizing these costs and to account for their effect on prices. In the last decade, ‘quants’ and researchers in quantitative finance have made considerable progress on these issues, integrating in their models changes in the way financial markets work (e.g., the development of continuous limit order books, market fragmentation, dark pools, the automation of trading, etc.). "Olivier Guéant’s book takes stock of this effort by providing a rigorous and expert presentation of mathematical tools, models, and numerical methods developed in this area. I strongly recommend it for researchers and graduate students interested in how illiquidity costs affect trading strategies and should be accounted for in asset valuation problems."—Thierry Foucault, HEC Foundation Chair Professor of Finance, HEC, Paris"This book is a must-have for quantitative analysts working at algorithmic trading desks. Olivier Guéant could have written a sophisticated book dedicated to cutting-edge research. He rather decided to put his talent at the service of a far more difficult task: deliver a clear view of modern algorithmic trading to strats or quants having decent scientific training. Scientists will find here all the needed keys to control the intraday risk of their trading models, improving their overall efficiency. Covering brokerage algorithms, market making, hedging, and share buyback techniques, this book is the definitive reference for algorithm builders.Moreover, Olivier links algorithmic trading with market microstructure during the first chapter of the book, including interesting thoughts on corporate bonds trading. On the other hand, he provides a nice introduction to mathematical economics in the Appendix. This book is resolutely more than a bunch of equations thrown on blank pages. I consider it an important step forward in the building of the mathematics of market microstructure."—Charles-Albert Lehalle, Senior Research Advisor, Capital Fund ManagementTable of ContentsIntroduction. Optimal Liquidation. Liquidity in Pricing Models. Market Making.

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Book SynopsisIn today's rapidly changing business landscape, organizations are challenged not only to adapt to evolving market dynamics but to excel in the face of uncertainty. Continuous improvement emerges as a strategic imperative, offering a systematic approach to enhance processes, boost efficiency, and drive innovation. This book delves into the heart of continuous improvement, providing a roadmap for organizations to navigate their journey toward maturity. The continuous improvement maturity model (CIMM) described in this book is not just a framework, but a holistic guide designed to support organizations in assessing and advancing their continuous improvement capabilities. As the author embarks on this exploration, he presents an approach that spans from foundational practices to advanced strategies. CIMM is a versatile tool adaptable to diverse industries, sectors, and organizational sizes. The key components of CIMM are: Integration with Best PracticesCIMM is

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Book SynopsisThis book presents what the training within industry (TWI) program is and how its presence affects the understanding of work standardization, focusing on the practical aspects of the implementation of work standardization in the elimination of human errors in manufacturing and service processes.Table of ContentsIntroduction to the Work Standardization Process. Production Process Documentation. Kaizen-Based Improvement of Production Processes. Training Workers. Work Standardization Process Implementation and Management. Practical Workshop Dedicated to Work Standardization According to the TWI Program. Afterword. References.

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Book SynopsisIn the 1950âs, the design and implementation of the Toyota Production System (TPS) within Toyota had begun. In the 1960âs, Group Technology (GT) and Cellular Manufacturing (CM) were used by Serck Audco Valves, a high-mix low-volume (HMLV) manufacturer in the United Kingdom, to guide enterprise-wide transformation. In 1996, the publication of the book Lean Thinking introduced the entire world to Lean. Job Shop Lean integrates Lean with GT and CM by using the five Principles of Lean to guide its implementation: (1) identify value, (2) map the value stream, (3) create flow, (4) establish pull, and (5) seek perfection. Unfortunately, the tools typically used to implement the Principles of Lean are incapable of solving the three Industrial Engineering problems that HMLV manufacturers face when implementing Lean: (1) finding the product families in a product mix with hundreds of different products, (2) designing a flexible factory layout that fits hundreds of different product routings, and (3) scheduling a multi-product multi-machine production system subject to finite capacity constraints.Based on the Authorâs 20+ years of learning, teaching, researching, and implementing Job Shop Lean since 1999, this book Describes the concepts, tools, software, implementation methodology, and barriers to successful implementation of Lean in HMLV production systems Utilizes Production Flow Analysis instead of Value Stream Mapping to eliminate waste in different levels of any HMLV manufacturing enterprise Solves the three Industrial Engineering problems that were mentioned earlier using software like PFAST (Production Flow Analysis and Simplification Toolkit), Sgetti and Schedlyzer Explains how the one-at-a-time implementation of manufacturing cells constitutes a long-term strategy for Continuous Improvement Explains how product families and manufacturing cells are the basis for implementing flexible automation, machine monitoring, virtual cells, Manufacturing Execution Systems, and other elements of Industry 4.0 Teaches a new method, Value Network Mapping, to visualize large multi-product multi-machine production systems whose Value Streams share many processes Includes real success stories of Job Shop Lean implementation in a variety of production systems such as a forge shop, a machine shop, a fabrication facility and a shipping department Encourages any HMLV manufacturer planning to implement Job Shop Lean to leverage the co-curricular and extracurricular programs of an Industrial Engineering department Table of ContentsForeword. Testimonial. Acknowledgments. Author. 1 About This Book. 2 Introduction to Job Shop Lean. 3 Is Job Shop Lean Right for You?. 4 Design For Flow (DFF): The Essential Foundation for Job Shop Lean. 5 Overview of Production Flow Analysis (PFA). 6 Overview of Production Flow Analysis and Simplification Toolkit (PFAST). 7 Functional, Cellular, and Hybrid Cellular Layouts for Any Job Shop. 8 Designing Functional, Cellular, and Hybrid Cellular Layouts for Any Job Shop Using PFAST. 9 How Data Mining Guides Various Production Flow Simplification Strategies. 10 Improving Flow at Any Level in a Factory. 11 Industry Applications of Production Flow Analysis by IE Students. 12 Production Flow Analysis Using Metrics-Aided Visual Assessment of Material Flow Diagrams. 13 Product Mix Segmentation. 14 Determining the Correct Layout Shape for a High-Mix Machining Cell. 15 Lessons Learned from Implementing the Lean Principles in a Single High-Mix Low-Volume Make-To-Order Compressor Parts Machining Cell. 16 How Cell Formation Drives the Implementation of Job Shop Lean. 17 How to Make a Machine Shop Lean and Flexible. 18 How to Make a Custom Fabrication Shop Lean and Flexible. 19 Introduction to Operations Scheduling for High-Mix Low-Volume Manufacturers. 20 Finite Capacity Scheduling of a Flexible and Lean (FLean) Machining Cell. 21 Classroom Tutorial on the Design of a Cellular Manufacturing System. 22 Teaming Industrial Engineers with Employees to Improve a Shipping Department. 23 Implementation of Job Shop Lean in a Forge Shop. 24 Implementation of Job Shop Lean in a CNC Machine Shop. 25 Implementation of Job Shop Lean Using a One-Cell-at-a-Time Approach. 26 Educational and Training Resources for Job Shop Lean. 27 Introduction to Value Network Mapping. 28 Starter Advice for Implementing Job Shop Lean. Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the first book to finally address the umbrella term corporate defense, and to explain how an integrated corporate defense program can help an organization address both value creation and preservation. The book explores the value preservation imperative, which represents an organization's obligation to implement a comprehensive corporate defense program in order to deliver long-term sustainable value to its stakeholders. For the first time the reader is provided with a complete picture of how corporate defense operates all the way from the boardroom to the front-lines, and vice versa. It provides comprehensive guidance on how to implement a robust corporate defense program by addressing this challenge from strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives. This arrangement provides readers with a holistic view of corporate defense and incorporates the management of the eight critical corporate defense components. It includes how an organization needs to integrate its governanTrade Review"Sean Lyons’ book ought to be required reading for every C-level and member of the board of the organization. He manages to capture the issues top down from the value proposition all the way down to implementation models. This is a groundbreaking achievement in my opinion and the basis for moving the necessary management of risk into the 21st Century for any corporation." -- Prof. Daniel P. Shoemaker - Author, academic researcher and former expert advisor to US Federal Agencies (DHS and DoD) on Cyber Security and Intelligence Studies "Sean Lyons covers a complex and rapidly evolving subject with confidence and a systematic approach. He lays out a comprehensive review of corporate defense, especially what it can be and how upgrading and integrating its various components can add value and help organizations to achieve sustainable results in value creation and preservation. Lots of great suggestions, both in terms of macro concepts and micro practical tips." -- David A.H. Brown, C.Dir., Pro.Dir. Canada's leading thinker, speaker, writer, and practitioner in Corporate Governance"Corporate Defense and the Value Preservation Imperative is a much needed addition to the research and practice of corporate strategy. Sean Lyons argues convincingly that in a highly competitive and multi-polar global economy, corporate sustainability needs to be predicated on both value creation and value preservation. Creating and seizing short-term business opportunities must not be at the cost of safeguarding long-term stakeholder interests and should always be supported by a system for defending existing value. It is this juxtaposition of offensive and defensive principles and processes that makes this book such a compelling read. I highly recommend it to consultants and managers engaged in the design and delivery of corporate strategy." -- Professor Thomas C. Lawton - International Strategy Advisor and Author of Breakout Strategy and Aligning for Advantage.Table of ContentsA Strategic Perspective. A Tactical Perspective. An Operational Perspective. An Integrated Perspective.

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Book SynopsisIntroduction to Functional Data Analysis provides a concise textbook introduction to the field. It explains how to analyze functional data, both at exploratory and inferential levels. It also provides a systematic and accessible exposition of the methodology and the required mathematical framework.The book can be used as textbook for a semester-long course on FDA for advanced undergraduate or MS statistics majors, as well as for MS and PhD students in other disciplines, including applied mathematics, environmental science, public health, medical research, geophysical sciences and economics. It can also be used for self-study and as a reference for researchers in those fields who wish to acquire solid understanding of FDA methodology and practical guidance for its implementation. Each chapter contains plentiful examples of relevant R code and theoretical and data analytic problems.The material of the book can be roughly divided into four parts of approximaTrade Review"This well-written book provides a great and intuitive introduction to functional data analysis (FDA) which has emerged as an important area in statistics and found tons of scientific applications...This book succeeds at introducing this novel statistical concept and methodology while keeps the level of mathematical and statistical sophistication required to understand at the level of an introductory graduate-level course, which makes for pleasant reading. A nice feature of the book is its strong focus on implementation using R, which makes it a great candidate of textbooks or reference books for (master-level) graduate students and applied researchers...Some unique features of this book as compared to existing ones include (1) its strong focus on implementation using R; (2) chapters on Sparse FDA, generalized functional linear models, functional time series, and spatial functional data; (3) well-designed exercises that can be used as homework problems." ~Xianyang Zhang, Texas A&M University"The main advantage of the book is its emphasis introducing the material through realistic examples and computational tools, while also providing mathematical guidance for the methodologies. Also, important topics like functional time series and spatial functional data are not adequately covered in comparable texts like Ramsay and Silverman, Ramsay and Hooker, Ferraty and Vieu, and Hsing and Eubank. In that respect, the book offers additional and practically relevant material and perspective." ~Debashis Paul, University of California, Davis"The classic tools from the field of functional data analysis are introduced comprehensively and immediately put into a framework of potential application. I would probably advise any reader that is new to functional data analysis to start by reading this book." ~Claudia Klüppelberg, Technische Universität München"Being more advanced and up to date than the Ramsay and Silverman, it complements various topics that are just briefly mentioned or not covered at all by Ramsay and Silverman." ~Laura Sangali, Politecnico di Milano"As a relatively young subfield of statistics, functional data analysis (FDA) has not had a large glut of textbooks pertaining to it. The most famous of the FDA books is the classic text by J. O. Ramsay and B. W. Silverman [Functional data analysis, Springer Ser. Statist., Springer, New York, 1997; second edition, 2005; MR2168993], which introduced many statisticians to the area. Ramsay and Silverman [Applied functional data analysis, Springer Ser. Statist., Springer, New York, 2002; MR1910407] provided a useful collection of FDA case studies, and Ramsay, G. Hooker and S. Graves [Func-tional data analysis with R and MATLAB, Use R, Springer, New York, 2009, doi:10. 1007/978-0-387-98185-7] presented R and MATLAB code for analyzing real functional data sets. [F. Ferraty and P. Vieu, Nonparametric functional data analysis, Springer Ser. Statist., Springer, New York, 2006; MR2229687] and [T. Hsing and R. L. Eubank, Theoretical foundations of functional data analysis, with an introduction to linear opera- tors, Wiley Ser. Probab. Stat., Wiley, Chichester, 2015; MR3379106] are well-respected theoretical presentations of FDA.This book by Kokoszka and Reimherr provides a nice mix of foundational material, accessible theory, and practical examples (including much R code). It is a valuable addition to the FDA literature, and is perhaps an ideal choice of a course textbook for either an undergraduate or graduate course in FDA, whereas several of the other textbooks are more valuable as references for researchers and practitioners than as tutorials for learners. At the end of each chapter is a nice variety of problems that instructors could use for homework assignments.Chapter 1 introduces basic terminology related to FDA, such as the ubiquitous tool of basis expansion and the distinction between dense and sparse functional data. Summary statistics and plots (sample mean and covariance functions, principal components analysis (PCA), functional boxplots) for FDA are briey presented. Chapter 2 continues basic FDA topics with a discussion of derivative information, penalized smoothing, and alignment/registration of curves.The theoretical underpinnings of FDA are presented quickly in Chapter 3, where topics such as square integrable functions, random functions following some distribution, and operator theory are defined briey. A fuller coverage of theoretical concerns is saved for (the optional in a course setting) Chapters 10 and 11. The heart of the book is Chapters 4 through 9, which cover functional linear models in detail, before moving on to specialized FDA topics such as sparse FDA, functionaltime series, and spatial functional data. Scalar-on-function regression, in which the response is a scalar and the predictor is a function, is treated in Chapter 4, and illustrated via the use of the refund package in R. Nonlinear scalar-on-function regression is briey mentioned. Chapter 5 covers both the function-on-scalar regression case and the fully functional regression model in which both response and predictor are functions. Testing and validation of the functional linear model are also shown. Chapter 6 covers functional generalized linear models (GLMs) which have a nonnormal scalar response and a functional predictor. The somewhatnebulous situation with functional-response GLMs is briey covered as well. The next chapter deals with sparse functional data, and presents methods for mean function estimation, covariance function estimation, PCA, and regression in the sparse case when relatively few points are measured for each observed curve. Functional time series occur when the sample functions are observed sequentially over time rather than cross-sectionally. The assumption of independent functional data fails in this case, and Chapter 8 presents a functional autoregressive model for such data that can be used for forecasting. Spatial functional data may commonly be encountered in geostatistics when curves are observed both over time and at various spatial locations. Chapter 9 discusses models for such data and prediction using functional kriging. Chapter 12 discusses treating a functional data set as a sample from some population of functions and performing inference on the population. Of particular interest are the methods presented for formal hypothesis tests and confidence bands about the population mean function.Clustering and classification of functional data are not discussed in detail in thisbook, nor is FDA on manifolds, although references are given to guide readers to recentresearch in these areas."~David Benner HitchcockTable of ContentsFirst steps in the analysis of functional data Basis expansions Sample mean and covariance Principal component functions Analysis of BOA stock returns Diffusion tensor imaging Problems Further topics in exploratory FDA Derivatives Penalized smoothing Curve alignment Further reading Problems Mathematical framework for functional data Square integrable functions Random functions Linear transformations Scalar- on - function regressionExamples Review of standard regression theory Difficulties specific to functional regression Estimation through a basis expansion Estimation with a roughness penalty Regression on functional principal components Implementation in the refund package Nonlinear scalar-on-function regression Problems Functional response models Least squares estimation and application to angular motionPenalized least squares estimation Functional regressors Penalized estimation in the refund package Estimation based on functional principal components Test of no effectVerification of the validity of a functional linear model Extensions and further reading Problems Functional generalized linear models Background Scalar-on-function GLM's Functional response GLM Implementation in the refund package Application to DTI Further reading Problems Sparse FDA Introduction Mean function estimationCovariance function estimation Sparse functional PCA Sparse functional regression Problems Functional time seriesFundamental concepts of time series analysis Functional autoregressive process Forecasting with the Hyndman-Ullah methodForecasting with multivariate predictors Long-run covariance function Testing stationarity of functional time series Generation and estimation of the FAR(1) model using package fda Conditions for the existence of the FAR(1) process Further reading and other topics Problems Spatial functional data and modelsFundamental concepts of spatial statistics Functional spatial fields Functional kriging Mean function estimation Implementation in the R package geofd Other topics and further reading Problems Elements of Hilbert space theoryHilbert space Projections and orthonormal sets Linear operators Basics of spectral theory Tensors ProblemsRandom functions Random elements in metric spaces Expectation and covariance in a Hilbert space Gaussian functions and limit theorems Functional principal components ProblemsInference from a random sampleConsistency of sample mean and covariance functions Estimated functional principal components Asymptotic normality Hypothesis testing about the mean Confidence bands for the mean Application to BOA cumulative returns Proof of Theorem Problems

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Book SynopsisThe book shows how to use Planning by Design (PxD) for developing working models to any type of subject area. Section 1 describes the nature of planning in general, the formula of planning, the features that make it systematic, the essence of PxD, and developing and using the working model. Section 2 demonstrates personal application of creative planning to real life cases and practical working models on different subject areas. The book provides a general planning master guide that shows how to develop a working model of any definable subject matter. This objective will be accomplished by introducing the concepts, the process, and the methodology of PxD.Table of ContentsPlanning by Design (PxD): Nature of Planning. Formula for Planning. Systematic Planning. Essence of Planning by Design.Sample Systematic Methodologies: Systematic Innovation Planning. Systematic Competency-based Training Needs Analysis. Systematic Wide Area Network Planning. Skyscrapers Terrorist Attack ResponsePlanning. Systematic Planning of Globalizing Local Firms. References

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Book SynopsisWe can all point to random examples of innovation inside of healthcare information technology, but few repeatable processes exist that make innovation more routine than happenstance. How do you create and sustain a culture of innovation? What are the best practices you can refine and embed as part of your organization''s DNA? What are the potential outcomes for robust healthcare transformation when we get this innovation mystery solved? Loaded with numerous case studies and stories of successful innovation projects, this book helps the reader understand how to leverage innovation to help fulfill the promise of healthcare information technology in enabling superior business and clinical outcomes.Trade Review"Edward's Voices of Innovation gives us glimpses of the people harnessing unstoppable forces to move the ultimate immovable object - Healthcare." - Daniel Crane, CEO, Modernizing Medicine"An unparalleled assembly of innovative healthcare IT leaders in one book. Healthcare is a complicated and rapidly evolving industry, and information technology sits as its cornerstone. Whether you are an IT professional, or a layman looking to expand your knowledge, this single source book will serve as your definitive guide to the most contemporary thinking in the healthcare IT industry."- James Merlino, MD, Chief Transformation Officer of Press Ganey, and former Chief Experience Officer of Cleveland Clinic. "With the cost development in healthcare, things must change. And change depends on Innovation. However, it is not easy to encourage innovation in healthcare. This book addresses this fundamentally important issue for both institutions and ourselves as future patients. Ed Marx is one of the most influential and experienced CIOs in the US, and he has by this compiled a very important book that is a must read for everyone interested in improving future healthcare."-Torbjörn Kronander, Ph.D., CEO and President, Sectra"Voices of Innovation is a rare collection of real life anecdotes shared by some of the most prominent healthcare informatics leaders without eschewing in technical jargon or banality. Punctiliously arranged in sections following HIMSS’s Innovation Pathway, this book will prove to be an essential reference for all Health IT innovators, regardless of areas of interest and proficiency. "- Eric Wong, Group Chief Clinical Informatics Officer, National Healthcare Group, Singapore"The stories and experiences shared in Voices of Innovation allow aspiring healthcare leaders the confidence to challenge themselves to stimulate new opportunities for their organizations but more importantly for the patients and caregivers they serve. The integration of technology into a business model always drives improved quality and better efficiency and this book provides a foundation for the necessary change in healthcare that will occur."- Dr. Brian Donley, Chief of Staff, Cleveland Clinic London"Marx’s writing is always enjoyable to read, and in this book, he’s focused on creating a guide for innovation in healthcare to help others start their own journeys."- Judith Faulkner, CEO of Epic Systems"I had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the development of Ed Marx as a great leader who builds and inspires teams to innovate in serving patients and clinicians. This book is a much-needed compilation of proven techniques to foster and stimulate innovation."- Kevin Roberts, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Geisinger Health"Rising costs are exerting tremendous pressure to change the value equation for healthcare in the USA. At the same time Digital technologies are enabling dramatic changes in healthcare around the world. The timing is perfect of a book like Voices of Innovation that explores how embracing Innovation is required to manage the changes that we know are coming."- Peter O’Neill, Executive Director- Innovations, Cleveland Clinic"There is no more important role for innovation than to humanize and enhance the delivery of healthcare. The insights from this book serve as an excellent guide to making this a reality."- Russ Rudish, President & CEO of Rudish Health"Ed Marx has served his country both in uniform and as a civilian. He is my brother and friend. His genius approach of getting a lot of great minds to collaborate and to inspire is innovative by itself. Voice of innovation is about simplicity and collaborative approach to bring value. If I can innovate so can you approach makes it possible to improve humanity and healthcare This is just the recipe that healthcare needs today."- Shafiq Rab, Senior Vice President & CIO Rush System for Health and Rush University Medical Center"The electronic medical record is just this one small part of innovation in contemporary academic medical practice. Innovation defined by new ideas, practically deployed, has the potential to reimagine the experience of healthcare for patients and providers as well as organizations, payers and communities. At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi we have leveraged wired and wireless biometric sensors, and artificial intelligence in literally every corner of our clinical, educational and academic mission. Each lightbulb has an IP address and every breath on a ventilator is tracked, analyzed and adjusted with the aid of learning algorithms. Ed Marx's book, fully appreciated has the potential to take us to the next level in the integration electronic innovation into the heart and science of healthcare delivery. Hold onto your Apps - the future has just begun! "- Dr. Rakesh Suri, Chief of Staff, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi"Kudos to Ed Marx for curating a powerful mosaic of experiences in the pursuit of greater efficiency and outcomes in healthcare. A timely roadmap to navigating the challenges technology brings about but can also solve, Voices of Innovation is required reading for those leading the transformation of care around the world." - Carter Groome, Co-Founder and CEO, First Health Advisory"As we enter a new generation of technology and knowledge enablement, the skill of innovation has become critical to both leadership and organization success. This book highlights both the individual and organization focus on innovation realization. Let us not forget the very reason we innovate: to provide the highest quality care in the safest environment at the most affordable cost while improving the well-being of all. We strongly encourage you to read this book as a spark to light your own innovation journey."- Russ Branzell, CHCIO, FCHIME - CEO/President, CHIME"Ed Marx, a feet-firmly-planted-on-the-ground legend in healthcare IT, has provided a refreshingly practical guide to innovation. This book could not have been written by anyone who didn’t have the deep knowledge, experience and relationships that Ed and those who contributed to this book bring to the table." - Ivo Nelson, Chairman and CEO of Next Wave Health"Ed Marx has dedicated his career to leveraging technology as a strategic asset in improving healthcare delivery. He has been at the forefront of driving information innovation in a variety of different healthcare institutions and is currently helping enable a digital transformation inside one of the top academic medical centers in the world."- Eric Sigurdson, CIO Practice Leader at Russell Reynolds Associates"Some of the most important technology innovations for the world center around health and wellness. When people are well, they can work, learn, teach, achieve, take care of families, and contribute to society. Voices of Innovation steps up to the challenge, not only describing some amazing medical innovations, but providing a much needed "how-to" guide for other technology and medical leaders to follow for future advancement. Ed, you’ve hit the Marx!"- Sue B. Workman, Vice President University Technology and CIO University Technology, Case Western Reserve University"Leading innovators in healthcare are starting with the needs of the end users — doctors, nurses, and patients — and working backwards to create amazing experiences for each (words not often used to describe healthcare). This is improving communication and delivery of care, both in the hospital and in the home. And when done well, this creates a sustained ‘pull’ for these solutions rather than the ‘technology push’ in healthcare that has at times gotten in the way."- Steve Gipstein, M.D."Voices of Innovation provides novel insights into the world of healthcare innovation, and how information technologies are transforming our healthcare systems, by improving the speed and quality of care delivery. Written by one of the foremost experts and leading CIOs, Edward Marx, the book provides a compelling look at new types of IT-enabled innovations in healthcare, along with practical examples on how to lead and sustain innovation across organizations, potential outcomes for healthcare transformation, and best practices from case studies of healthcare providers which implemented these disruptive innovations."- Indranil Bardhan, Foster Parker Centennial Professor of Information Technology, The University of Texas at Austin"Healthcare has always attracted its fair share of the best and brightest the world has to offer, but when lives are on the line -- and the guiding principal is to, above all else, do no harm -- many of those best and brightest have shied away from the necessary risk that innovation requires. Fortunately, Edward Marx's new book, Voices of Innovation, provides models and blueprints of how those gifted administrators and caregivers can engage in the innovation their industry so desperately needs while maintaining their commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality. Marx's book is the new required reading for anyone who truly wishes to make a difference by doing things differently in the healthcare industry."- Anthony Guerra, Editor-in-Chief,healthsystemCIO.com"The art of innovation does not mean buying the latest technology from the market. It starts with authentic leadership and understanding how you have to create a culture of creative thinking. The stories in this book highlights those examples."- David Chou, Chief Information & Digital Officer, Children’s Mercy Hospital"The healthcare sector is experiencing digital disruption form all spheres of medicine. The health eco system is now challenged with leaping to new levels of safety, service and cost predictability. Moving beyond digitization into transformation is the new opportunity, and health organizations across the globe are beginning to rally. Voices of Innovation promises to be a guide that will inspire each reader to bulldoze through obstacles and collaborate on all accessible data points, fulfilling the Hippocratic Oath to serve and teach to the best of ones’ abilities."- James Peelman, Managing Partner, Blue Chip Consulting Group"Voices of Innovation is the first practical roadmap to Healthcare Transformation bringing the convergence between key elements of Process Management and Innovation Factors. New healthcare leaders will find this Innovation Handbook invaluable and experienced professionals will use it to rapidly deploy technology to enable clinical workflow optimization. This guide will also provide a Data Driven and Workflow Centric Innovation Pathway for vendors to better understand customer challenges, value creation processes and to apply Machine Learning techniques leveraging from the collaborative process that leads to continuous disruption."- Alan Portela, CEO & Chairman, AirStrip"As the drumbeat for need of healthcare innovation and disruption gets louder this is a great ‘How to’ book with practical and pragmatic solutions to achieve that."- Ram Raju, MD, Senior Vice President, Northwell Health"Innovation is a critical contributor to ensuring that we are collectively able to transform healthcare. Voices of Innovation is a remark contribution to these efforts, bringing together a diverse array of experiences and insights from leading innovators in the field. This book is both a textbook and a handbook."- John Glaser, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Population Health, Cerner"I’ve known Ed for many years, and I know one thing for sure. Ed is a transformational change agent who works alongside his teams around innovative healthcare technologies—not just ideas that sit on a shelf, but ones that get implemented on mountain tops and hospital rooms and that ultimately save lives. That said, Ed has high standards—for the organizations with which he works and for himself—so expect some of this to be quite hard. Know that there no silver bullets herein, only golden nuggets of wisdom earned as scar tissue by Ed and his colleagues over time. In short, Voices of Innovation has valuable content that may just save the life of you or someone you love."- George Sheth, MBA, FHIMSS, Managing Partner, Diligent Partners, LLC"Ed Marx is one of the brightest and most innovative leaders in healthcare. He is passionate, he is smart, and he understand things both technically and holistically. Ed a very gifted speaker and thinker."- Scott Becker, Healthcare Partner at McGuireWoods LLP"Ed is one of the most experienced technology executives in healthcare so he is a top authority on innovation. More importantly, he applies the personal insight he gained from his own experiences to select a group of people and innovative solutions that provide relief to the frustrations of patients and caregivers. Ultimately, Voices of Innovation provides a sense of hope to individuals who interact with the current system." - Jennifer Covich Bordenick, Chief Executive Officer, eHealth Initiative and Foundation"In Voices of Innovation, Ed Marx takes us on an uncomfortable ride that shows the reader where our healthcare information gaps are, and where we have underperformed. Fortunately, it also offers a glimpse into the incredible future that awaits us as we harness the opportunities of innovation. A must read for anyone looking to disrupt the norms in healthcare."- Wael K Barsoum, MD, CEO and President, Cleveland Clinic Florida"This is a great collection of practical examples of innovation, which reinforces the fact that innovation comes in many forms and can deliver great outcomes. It is a great read that can help anyone make a real difference in their organization and in the mission they serve!"- Rod Dykehouse, SVP and CIO, Penn State Health and College of Medicine"Voices of Innovation is a brilliant handbook on how professionals are leading change . . . and that is exactly what we need in healthcare!! Integrating technology and clinical care is exactly what we need in healthcare. Ed Marx provides inspiring insights that lead us into the next era of change! A message to aspiring healthcare leaders ... consider, ponder and absorb the stories and experiences shared in Voices of Innovation You will be leading change in the most dynamic and challenging era of healthcare. And the convergence of technology and clinical care will drive unimaginable change. Get ready. Get prepared. And let’s get going."- Britt Berrett, Program Director/ Faculty, University of Texas at Dallas"Innovations in healthcare inspire us to do more and to think differently. The day to day can take its toll, but striving for something better through innovation inspires us to think differently and be the change that is needed in healthcare delivery. Finding a new and better way of doing something doesn’t always mean finding a new and better technology. Sometimes it’s a new approach to an ongoing challenge. This book is a wonderful framework to encourage us all to think differently in our pursuit of better healthcare."- Cara Babachicos, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, South Shore Health"Leading an IT organization in one of our nation’s leading academic medical centers is a privilege I have had for nearly 30 years. We serve amazingly passionate people, who are defined by a purpose, committed to science, discovery and the best possible clinical care. And now, this book challenges all of us to appreciate the fact that we also have the power of data and some of the newest tools and technologies that we must leverage to truly make a difference."- Stephanie Reel, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Johns Hopkins University and Health System"Disruptive information technology will be the catalyst for the next wave of healthcare advancement. One such innovation is leveraging the investment that has been made in digitizing medical records to allow pushed interoperability across disparate health systems enabling enhanced provider to provider and provider to patient communication. This digitized healthcare information provides a multitude of opportunities for healthcare advancement, as evidenced in this book.All successful innovative technology implementation requires first and foremost engaged leadership. Ed Marx is both an outstanding innovator and, or perhaps because, he is an excellent leader."- Holly Miller, MD, Chief Medical Officer, MedAllies, Inc."Timely, yet ahead of its time - I can’t think of anyone better equipped to put this work together. Ed’s professional knowledge, personal experiences, and incredible passion for and commitment to everything he does are palpable and are poured into this book. If this doesn’t move the needle on Healthcare Innovation, nothing will!"- Chris Teumer, Executive Partner, Gartner"Healthcare has entered the digital age where critical thinking using innovation is essential. This book offers us the opportunity to learn from others, to translate their experiences into our environment and to accelerate our journey as innovators. Every day patients depend on us to think faster, react more specifically to their needs and to return them to their lives. Take the challenge to make innovation the way you think and act."- Liz Johnson, Chief Innovation Officer, Tenet Healthcare"Ed Marx’s book addresses the journey healthcare is beginning around digital transformation. While we know almost all other industries have been going through this transition for years, this transformation is just starting in healthcare. Healthcare leaders must understand how to navigate this very brave new world, Ed’s book is an excellent guide to those on the journey. A highly recommended read for healthcare C-Suite leaders."- Eric Yablonka, Chief Information Officer, Stanford Health Care"Positive transformation of healthcare for humankind will be led by the "Voices" of innovators on the front lines caring for patients or working in partnership with those who do. If you are an IT professional, clinical provider or hospital executive interested in leading digital transformation in healthcare, this book is a must read."-Gregory J. Moore, MD, PhD Vice President, Google Inc, Google Cloud Healthcare and Life SciencesTable of ContentsForeword. Preface.Introduction - Voices of Innovation Introduction/ Innovation Pathways Review. Blend Cultures. Use People with IT. Create Roadmaps. Collaborate and Listen. Communicate and Eliminate Barriers. Stress Simplicity. Recognize and Reward. Co-Create Solutions. Closing- Voices of Innovation.

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Book SynopsisThis book deals with a hospital''s struggle to secure and maintain financial stability. In the story, the leadership team of a fictional hospital adopts the tools and principles associated with the Toyota Production System or Lean. The story takes the reader through leadership''s arduous journey from rejecting the methodology to embracing it, to successful implementation. This book is important because many of our nation''s hospitals are besieged with financial difficulties with declining reimbursement and the public is losing confidence in our hospital''s ability to provide quality care without error. Lean can provide relief from these issues but only if it is properly implemented.Trade Review"With this book, Tom Zidel expertly outlines the necessary elements and proper execution of process improvement in the form of a fast-paced business novel. Set in a hospital, we follow a senior management team overcoming organizational skepticism and resistance as it moves to rapidly implement a series of improvement initiatives as the core of its financial turnaround plan. Tom brilliantly incorporates descriptions of Lean principles and tools and the historical context of process improvement into this engaging book while demonstrating the power of Lean to dramatically improve patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes and business results."—James P. Hill, Senior Vice President, Administrative Services, MedStar Washington Medical Center"In this, his third book, Tom has chosen to use a narrative style that pulls the reader along through the experiences of a mythical, failing hospital and the efforts of the CEO to restore its health through the adoption of the Lean methodology. There is no mythology, however, about the situation he presents. They are all very real and will resonate with almost anyone who has ever worked in a hospital. Tom’s choice of a narrative style is brilliant. He avoids long discussions of foreign terminology and esoteric principles to hone right in on what really happens in hospitals. This is a book for anyone who is interested in how things get done in complex organizations and how they can get done much better."—Paul Martin, Retired President, Maryland Healthcare Education Institute"I just finished Tom Zidel’s Book and I can say I loved the format. The story format captured my attention and drew me into Nick’s journey to improve his facilities quality and turn around its performance. I loved the dramatic flair of the storyline because it added a focus I could personally identify with. Tom (the author) has outdone himself, this book should be required reading in Healthcare Administration degree programs!"—Robert S. Libberton, MBA FACHE CMPE, CEO, La Paz Regional Hospital"Is your bookshelf filled with Lean ‘How To’ books that start with ‘Step 1 – Obtain Leadership Support’? Have you struggled with this first step? This book will complement your efforts to get your leadership on board. It’s an easy to read narrative format that leadership will easily fit into their busy schedules. I found it as engaging as ‘The Goal’ and it excels at weaving improvement concepts into a story."—Ken Heffron, CPHQ, CQE, CQA, CSSBB, District Administrator, Marshfield ClinicTable of ContentsIntroduction. The Board Meeting. The Cement that Holds Everything Together. A Not So Restful Sunday. An Unwelcomed Suggestion. Identifying Waste. A Lean Experiment. Culture Change and Systems Thinking. Status Boards. The House of Lean. Applicable Stories. Creating the Plan. Some Results. The Board Meeting. No Time to Celebrate. Meet the New Lean Consultant. Kick-off Meetings. Training. Staff Overview. Rounding. A Year Later.

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things. The shipping container is all around: whizzing by on the highway, trundling past on rails, unloading behind a big box store even as you shop there, clanking on the docks just out of sight. 90% of the goods and materials that move around the globe do so in shipping containers. It is an absolutely ubiquitous object, even if most of us have no direct contact with it. But what is this thing? Where has it been, and where is it going? Craig Martin's book illuminates the development of containerizationincluding design history, standardization, aesthetics, and a surprising speculative discussion of the futurity of shipping containers.Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.Trade ReviewCraig Martin has brought real love and insight to the logistical life of the shipping container. He reveals its role in the distributive space of extensive global networks and other dark places and their knotty politics, without ever losing track of our personal attachment and alienation to this box of ubiquity, this vessel of choreographed capitalism. Shipping Container is an efficient little package, calculating, brisk, economical, and yet, it is anything but a standardized account; it just sings. * Peter Adey, Professor of Human Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK *Object Lessons’ describes themselves as ‘short, beautiful books,’ and to that, I'll say, amen. … [I]t is in this simplicity that we find insight and even beauty. Shipping Container by Craig Martin asks us to contemplate an object on which we depend to move 90 percent of what goes from point A to points B through Z on the globe, but also with which very few of us have had direct contact. If you read enough ‘Object Lessons’ books, you'll fill your head with plenty of trivia to amaze and annoy your friends and loved ones — caution recommended on pontificating on the objects surrounding you. More importantly, though, in the tradition of McPhee's Oranges, they inspire us to take a second look at parts of the everyday that we've taken for granted. These are not so much lessons about the objects themselves, but opportunities for self-reflection and storytelling. They remind us that we are surrounded by a wondrous world, as long as we care to look. * Chicago Tribune *Shipping Container discusses in detail the mechanics of this object. It broadens this out to reflect on the significance of design and the efficiencies of standardization. Verdict: Borrow. Shipping Container is impressive in the way it manages to spin an apparently dull object into intelligent and interesting explanations of design and commerce. * Book Riot *Table of Contents1. Introduction: Packaging Stuff 2. 20 x 40 x 8 feet: Design and Development of a Global Object 3. Twist Lock: Global Object of Capitalism 4. Breaking the Seal: Illicit Lives of the Container 5. Four Walls: Container Afterlives: 6. Conclusion: Global Object to Come Index

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Book SynopsisThis is a useful step-by-step guide for starting your own apparel boutique or online business. Marissa Zorola, University of North Texas, USWritten by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, the book explains management, market segmentation, financial statements, cash flow, accessing capital, e-commerce, and omni-channel retailing. A hypothetical business plan that builds with each chapter and examples of business models from Warby Parker and Etsy give you a framework for building a successful fashion company. Profiles of entrepreneurs and exercises in a book illustrated with more than 100 images show you how to apply the process to your own ideas.Instructor Resources -Instructor''s Guide provides suggestions for planning the course and using the text in the classroom, supplemental assignments, and lecture notes -Test Bank includes sample test questions for each chapter -PowerPoint presentations include images from the book and provide a framework for lecture and discuss

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Book SynopsisGuide to Producing a Fashion Show, Fourth Edition, explains all aspects of fashion show production including: reasons to produce a show, planning, model selection, merchandise selection, staging and music, budgeting, show preparation, execution, and evaluation. The fourth edition has behind-the-scenes examples, best practices and innovative approaches in fashion show productionfrom promotion using social media to selecting music and models. Whether you are experienced or a novice, this text shows you step-by-step how to plan, organize, promote, and execute an exciting fashion show.New to this Edition- Includes examples from couture and ready-to-wear shows, as well as innovative approaches including non-traditional fashion shows and fashion presentations- New information on careers in the fashion industry that are related to fashion show production, like styling, public relations, and event management- New perforated worksheets include documents and templates to pla

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