Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Flash 8 or Strategic Intelligence

Flash 8: Graphics, Animation & Interactivity

Author: James L Mohler

Through five releases of Macromedia's industry-standard Web graphics software program, James Mohler has become the indispensable resource for those looking to master the power of Flash. Flash:8 Graphics, Animation & Interactivity delivers Mohler's widely praised hands-on approach to learning for the newest version of Macromedia® Flash. Exercises and examples in the book, and the on back-of-the book CD, combined with step-by-step explanations, provide the best of both worlds-not just telling you how flash works, but showing you as well. For those new to flash, there are plenty of exercises designed to quickly get users up to speed quickly. Intermediate and advanced Flash users will find new exercises that demonstrate the latest features of version 8 as well as a valuable series of examples that illustrate some of the more complex elements of the software. The book features chapters on graphic techniques, bitmap graphic integration, typography and text, symbols, libraries, sound, animation, interactive techniques-plus an essential introduction to Flash's internal scripting language, Action Script.



Table of Contents:
Ch. 1An overview of Flash1
Ch. 2Getting started19
Ch. 3Flash basics47
Ch. 4Drawing and painting tools91
Ch. 5Working with text127
Ch. 6Symbols and libraries145
Ch. 7Bitmap graphics179
Ch. 8Sound elements197
Ch. 92D animation and effects227
Ch. 103D animations and Flash291
Ch. 11Video and Flash311
Ch. 12Testing, integration, and distribution337
Ch. 13Introduction to ActionScripting387
Ch. 14Working with actions457

Interesting book: Narrative of Sojourner Truth or Assata

Strategic Intelligence: Business Intelligence, Competitive Intelligence, and Knowledge Management

Author: Jay Liebowitz

Strategic intelligence (SI) has mostly been used in military settings, but its worth goes well beyond that limited role. It has become invaluable for improving any organization's strategic decision making process. The author of Strategic Intelligence: Business Intelligence, Competitive Intelligence, and Knowledge Management recognizes synergies among component pieces of strategic intelligence, and demonstrates how executives can best use this internal and external information toward making better decisions. Divided into two major parts, the book first discusses the convergence of knowledge management (KM), business intelligence (BI), and competitive intelligence (CI) into what the author defines as strategic intelligence. The second part of the volume describes case studies written by recognized experts in the fields of KM, BI, and CI. The case studies include strategic scenarios at Motorola, AARP, Northrop Grumman, and other market leaders. About the Editor Jay Liebowitz, D.Sc., is a full professor in the Graduate Division of Business and Management and program director for the Graduate Certificate in Competitive Intelligence at Johns Hopkins University. The first knowledge management officer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, he also served as the Robert W. Deutsch Distinguished Professor of Information Systems at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, professor of Management Science at George Washington University, and Chaired Professor of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the U.S. Army War College. A founder and chairperson of The World Congress on Expert Systems, he is a Fulbright Scholar, IEEE-USA Federal Communications Commission Executive Fellow, and ComputerEducator of the Year (International Association for Computer Information Systems).



Life After Television or Managing Scientists

Life After Television

Author: George Gilder

In his visionary new book George Gilder brilliantly and persuasively outlines the sweeping new developments in computer and fiber optic technology that spell certain death to traditional television and telephony. In their places, he argues, will emerge a new paradigm in which people-to-people communications give way to links among computers to be found in every home and office. The rise of the telecomputer (or "teleputer") will utterly transform the way we do business, educate our children, and spend our leisure time, and will imperil such large, centralized, top-down organizations as cable networks, phone companies, government bureaucracies, and multinational corporations. The stultifying influence of the mass media will give way to the power of the individual and the spread of democracy - and all through a technology in which America leads the world. The paperback edition of Life After Television has been completely revised and expanded to include almost fifty percent material new to this edition. George Gilder's liberating book is now, more than ever, an essential tool for a richer, more prosperous future for all citizens of the Computer Age.

Publishers Weekly

If Gilder ( Wealth and Poverty ) is correct, television will become irrelevant in the bright new interactive age of the telecomputer. A telecomputer is a personal computer adapted for video processing, and linked by fiber-optic threads to other telecomputers around the world. In an exciting, visionary glimpse of the future, Gilder conjures a global village where viewers can tap into any station or into newspapers, where people can transmit their own video images and access an endless feast of specialized programs. Scrutinizing the fledgling U.S. telecomputer companies and the massive resistance they face from entrenched interests, he predicts that the Japanese, already in the lead, will steal the show unless the American telecommunications industry mounts a coordinated effort. The age of the telecomputer may be decades away, but even couch potatoes will be stimulated by this thought-provoking essay. (June)

Library Journal

Gilder's thesis, written in layman's terms, is that the United States wil soon lose its rightful preeminence in the telecommunications field to foreign competitors, particularly the Japanese. Unless, that is, American business executives, legislators, judges, and consumers look beyond separate, limited, and hierarchical forms of communication such as television, telephones, and online databases to a multifunctional, interactive, and democratic ``telecomputer.'' Instead of envisioning a brave new telecomputerized world, the powers that be in American business, government, and law are wasting time protecting obsolete existing systems, he posits. Gilder also warns that expensive, user-unfriendly online databases such as Dialog and NEXIS are, at best, transitional technologies. Though much of Gilder's argument is based on his own opinions and peculiar personal preferences (Gilder doesn't seem to like to leave the house) rather than real evidence, his thoughts make interesting reading. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.-- Mary C. Kalfatovic, Telesec Lib. Svcs . , Washington, D.C.

Booknews

Predicts that personal computers linked into a global network will soon replace television, and thereby overthrow the tyranny of mass media, renew individual power, and promote democracy worldwide. Urges American business to get on the ball with fiber optics. Reprinted from the 1990 edition published by Whittle Books. No index or bibliography. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)



Read also Jump Start Your Book Sales or The Real Estate Agents Action Guide to Listing and Sales Success

Managing Scientists: Leadership Strategies in Scientific Research

Author: Alice M Sapienza

This updated edition provides managers with a practical guide focused on the particular management needs for research and development in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. It offers a way to improve the quality of interactions and creativity output in R&D, with real life case studies to illustrate key points.



Table of Contents:
1Introduction1
2Condition of being different19
3Understanding what motivates you and what motivates others37
4Understanding your leadership style and that of others70
5Communicating effectively88
6Dealing with conflict124
7Creativity : influence of structure, size, and formal systems145
8Project management167
9Discerning and assessing organizational culture196
10Leading change222

North American Economic Integration or Commercial Leasing

North American Economic Integration: Theory and Practice

Author: Norris C Clement

This book explains the theoretical, historical and political background of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), its impact and the debates surrounding its existence. In addition the authors provide a brief introduction to the theory of economic integration as well as a succinct overview of the evolution of the global economy, and the institutions that manage it, in the post World War II period.

Booknews

As part of a larger project funded by the US Information Agency's University Affiliation Program, Canadian, US, and Mexican economists explain the North American Free Trade Agreement to readers who understand the basic principles of economics. They consider how and why it emerged in the early 1990s and its performance since implementation, the economic development and commercial policy of each member country in the context of the global economy, the pact's technical strengths and limitation, and ongoing debates. They argue that it has introduced social and environmental innovations in trade agreements, but provides a less than perfect approach to managing the continent's economic integration. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)



Interesting book: Second Life or RESTful Web Services

Commercial Leasing: A Transactional Primer

Author: Daniel B Bogart

This book is the first among legal textbooks to examine a crucial component of real property practice: commercial lease law. Commercial leasing is the lifeblood of commercial real property development in the United States. Real property lawyers regularly represent landlords, tenants and lenders in the leasing of commercial space. This area of practice is transactional and centers on a single negotiated document - the commercial lease. By the end of a course based on this book, students will have developed a genuine understanding of the major terms of the commercial office lease, the goals and objectives of parties to the transaction, and the skills crucial to effective representation.

Bogart and Hammond have crafted a book uniquely suited to teaching this important area of practice. The book utilizes a sophisticated commercial office lease form promulgated by the ABA. Each chapter focuses on a particular lease provision. Chapters pull apart contractual language and terms of art, reveal the motivations of the parties to the deal, and finally, examine the underlying substantive law. In addition to presenting interesting case opinions, each chapter provides numerous challenging, real-world problems. Chapters typically conclude by asking students to apply what they have learned to provisions taken from the much-publicized "Killer Lease."

The book includes a chapter explicitly discussing professionalism, ethics and negotiations, and contains drafting and negotiation exercises that force students to pull together skills and substantive law lessons. This book will form the basis of an exciting elective real estate transactions course.



Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Exploring or The Elements of Statistics with Applications to Economics and the Social Sciences

Exploring: Getting Started with Microsoft Office

Author: Robert Grauer

 

For Introductory Computer courses in Microsoft Office 2003 or courses in Computer Concepts with a lab component for Microsoft Office 2003 applications.


Master the How and Why of Office 2003!  Students master the "How and Why" of performing tasks in Office and gain a greater understanding of how to use the individual applications together to solve business problems.



Interesting textbook: More Natural Cures Revealed or A Tooth from the Tigers Mouth

The Elements of Statistics with Applications to Economics and the Social Sciences

Author: James B Ramsey

Designed for readers who want to stress the understanding of basic concepts and the development of "statistical intuition," this book demonstrates that statistical reasoning is everywhere and that statistical concepts are as important to readers' personal lives as they are to their future professional careers. Ramsey aims to develop statistically literacy—from the ability to read and think critically about statistics published in popular media to the ability to analyze and act upon statistics gathered in the business world. The underlying philosophy of this book is that given a reasonable level of depth in the analysis, the reader can later acquire a much more extensive, and even more intensive, exposure to statistics on their own or in the context of the work environment. Some use of calculus is included. Use of the computer is integrated throughout.

Booknews

Written for sophomore-level undergraduates, this textbook provides an introduction to statistics, especially as they are used in the social sciences. It explains fundamental ideas and principles, including descriptive statistics, probability, distribution, inference, bivariate distributions, regression, and ANOVA. Appendixes review basic mathematical concepts and conventions, offer directions for the student version of S-Plus 4.5, and provide supplementary information on nonparametric measures and Bayesian inference. Ramsey teaches at New York University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)



Table of Contents:
Prefacexiii
Part 1Introduction and Fundamental Ideas1
Chapter 1Statistics as Science2
1.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter2
1.2Introduction2
1.3Statistics: A Framework for Decision Making3
1.4Statistics and the Methodology of Science7
1.5Statistics as a Science9
The Subject Matter of Statistics9
Statistics and Science Interwined10
1.6Summary12
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?13
1.7Addendum for the Reader14
Exercises17
Chapter 2Types of Variables, Measurements, and Explanation20
2.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter20
2.2Introduction20
2.3Types of Variables21
Cardinal Measurement23
Ordinal Measurement24
Categorical Variables25
Indices25
Time Series26
2.4Random and Deterministic Variables26
2.5Summary32
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?32
Exercises33
Part 2Descriptive Statistics37
Chapter 3How to Describe and Summarize Random Data by Graphical Procedures38
3.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter38
3.2Introduction38
3.3Describing Data by Box-and-Whisker Plots40
The Median41
The Range43
Quartiles44
Box-and-Whisker Plots45
3.4Plotting Relative Frequencies48
3.5Cumulative Frequencies51
3.6Histogram53
3.7Summary63
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?65
Exercises69
Chapter 4Moments and the Shape of Histograms77
4.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter77
4.2Introduction77
4.3The Mean, a Measure of Location77
An Aside on Notation79
Averaging Grouped Data81
Interpreting the Mean83
4.4The Second Moment as a Measure of Spread85
4.5General Definition of Moments88
The Third Moment as a Measure of Skewness90
The Fourth Moment as a Measure of Peakedness, or "Fat Tails"92
4.6Standardized Moments93
Some Practical Uses for Higher Moments99
4.7Standardization of Variables104
The Higher Moments about the Origin105
Higher Moments and Grouped Data106
4.8Summary106
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?107
Exercises110
Chapter 5The Description of Bivariate Data120
5.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter120
5.2Introduction120
5.3Three-Dimensional Histograms121
5.4Scatter Plots122
5.5Standardization for Pairs of Random Variables125
5.6Covariation and m[subscript 11], the First Cross Product Moment126
5.7Linear Statistical Relationships and the Correlation Coefficient135
5.8The Correlation Coefficient and Slope140
5.9Rank Correlation142
5.10Bivariate Categorical Data144
Row Comparisons145
Column Comparisons147
Joint Comparisons148
5.11Summary152
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?153
Exercises159
Part 3Probability and Distribution Theory169
Chapter 6The Theory of Statistics: An Introduction170
6.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter170
6.2Introduction171
6.3The Theory: First Steps173
The Sample Space173
Introducing Probabilities175
Probabilities of Unions and Joint Events177
A Mathematical Digression180
Calculating the Probabilities of the Union of Events182
The Definition of Probability for Sample Spaces of Discrete Events184
6.4Conditional Probability185
Summing Up the Many Definitions of Probability190
6.5Random Variables: Intuition Made Formal191
An Example Using Two Random Variables193
6.6Statistical Independence197
Application of the Results to Continuous Random Variables199
Consequences of the Equally Likely Principle200
6.7Summary202
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?203
Excercises205
Chapter 7The Generation and Description of Discrete Probability Distributions214
7.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter214
7.2Introduction215
7.3Combinations and Permutations215
7.4Generating Binomial Probabilities220
The Convolution Sum222
Deriving the Binomial Distribution222
Parameters and the Shape of the Probability Distribution228
Theoretical Moments and the Shape of the Probability Distribution230
7.5Expectation236
Moment-Generating Functions for Discrete Variables242
7.6The Cumulative Distribution Function246
7.7The Poisson Probability Distribution246
7.8Summary253
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?254
Exercises254
Chapter 8The Generation of Some Continuous Probability Distributions267
8.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter267
8.2Introduction267
8.3How to Express Probability in Terms of Continuous Random Variables268
8.4Theoretical Moments and Density Functions277
8.5The Uniform Distribution278
8.6The Normal, or Gaussian, Density Function and the Central Limit Theorem281
Standard Deviation and the Nonstandard Gaussian286
The Gaussian, or Normal, Distribution as an Approximation to the Binomial Distribution288
Moment-Generating Functions for Continuous Variables296
The Chebyshev Inequality299
Terminology301
8.7Summary302
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?303
Exercises303
Part 4Basic Principles of Inference313
Chapter 9Elementary Sampling Theory314
9.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter314
9.2Introduction314
9.3An Illustrative Example316
9.4An Introduction to the Theory of Simple Random Sampling320
9.5Stratified Random Sampling325
9.6Summary329
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?330
Exercises332
Chapter 10Estimation of Theoretical Moments and the Parameters of Probability Distributions337
10.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter337
10.2Introduction337
10.3Estimating Theoretical Moments: Large Sample Results339
10.4Estimating Moments and Parameters: Confidence Intervals and Small Sample Results347
Estimating a Binomial Probability356
Estimating the Poisson Parameter360
The Student's T Distribution363
The Chi-square Distribution and Confidence Intervals for the Variance372
10.5Maximum Likelihood Estimators375
10.6Summary379
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?380
Exercises381
Chapter 11Hypothesis Testing: How to Discriminate between Two Alternatives393
11.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter393
11.2Introduction393
11.3The Basic Idea of Hypotheses Tests394
A Digression on the Interpretation of Rejection Regions399
How to Choose an Optimal Decision Rule399
Why Type I Error Is Usually Small407
The Special Rofe of the Null Hypothesis409
11.4Simple and Composite Hypotheses Tests411
11.5Two-Sided Hypotheses Tests415
11.6Tests of Proportions417
11.7Hypotheses Tests When the Variance Is Unknown418
Testing the Difference between Two Means421
An Aside on Statistical Significance425
P Values426
11.8Some Practical Examples428
11.9Summary433
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?435
Exercises436
Part 5Bivariate Distributions, Regression, and ANOVA449
Chapter 12The Generation of Bivariate and Conditional Probability Distributions450
12.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter450
12.2Introduction450
12.3Some Pragmatic Examples454
12.4The Generation of a Bivariate Discrete Distribution457
12.5The Generation of a Bivariate Continuous Distribution458
The Conditional Normal Density Function468
Moments of Joint and Conditional Density Functions470
12.6Bivariate and Conditional Distributions Obtained by Sampling474
12.7Summary476
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Unility?476
Exercises477
Chapter 13The Theory and Practice of Regression Analysis481
13.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter481
13.2Introduction481
13.3The Regression Model483
13.4Estimation and Inference: The Basics489
The Coefficient of Determination and the Degree of Fit500
13.5Estimation and Inference: Confidence Intervals and Hypotheses Tests505
Confidence Intervals for the Regression Parameters506
Predicting the Dependent Variable508
Confidence Intervals for the Error Term Standard Deviation515
The F Distribution and Measuring the Goodness of Fit516
Testing Hypotheses in Regression Equations520
Calculations522
13.6The "Regression" in Regression Analysis524
13.7Summary527
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?528
Exercises531
Chapter 14Comparing Populations through the Analysis of Variance541
14.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter541
14.2Introduction541
14.3An Introduction to One-Way Analysis of Variance543
For Multiple Treatments, Which Is Best?550
The Link to Regression Analysis555
14.4Summary558
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?559
Exercises561
Part 6Retrospective567
Chapter 15Retrospective568
15.1What You Will Learn in This Chapter568
15.2Introduction568
15.3A Schematic Review of What You Have Learned568
15.4The Role of Statistics in Everyday Life572
Case Study: Was There Age Discrimination in a Public Utility?574
15.5The Relationship between Science and Statistics575
15.6What Might You Learn Next in Statistics?576
Exercises577
Part 7Appendixes581
Appendix AMathematical Appendix: Review of Concepts and Conventions582
A.1Notational Conventions583
A.2Indexing586
A.3Sigma Notation587
A.4Elementary Set Theory593
A.5Elements of Calculus596
Exercises616
Appendix BDirections for Using the Student Version of S-Plus 4.5620
B.1Installing, Starting, and Closing S-Plus620
B.2Using S-Plus in This Text621
B.3General Notes about S-Plus621
B.4Data Files622
B.5Windows in S-Plus622
B.6Menu Bar Commands624
B.7Probability and Density Calculations628
B.8Statistical Tables636
Supplemental Material
Supplement CNonparametric Measures
Supplement DBayesian Inference
Index643

The California School of Organizational Studies Handbook of Organizational Consulting Psychology or Competency in Home Care

The California School of Organizational Studies Handbook of Organizational Consulting Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide to Theory, Skills, and Techniques

Author: Rodney L L Lowman

Discover a wealth of issues in the field of consulting psychology with this landmark book. Explore key topics in assessment and evaluation, building teams, executive coaching, career counseling, interpersonal conflicts and relationships, benefit design, personality testing, and much more. Learn to delineate and better understand the wide array of information you are faced with, and become more adept and knowledgeable in the field of consulting psychology. This comprehensive volume has expert contributors recruited by the volume's editor--himself an eminent educator and practitioner in the field.

You will get:

  • Special issues in consulting to specific types of organizations including industry, schools, government, non-profit, and international
  • Informative guidelines for professional practice procedures
  • Organized sections on individual, group and organizational issues
  • And much more!



Book about: Awaken Healing Energy through the Tao Mantak Chia or Raising Vegetarian Children

Competency in Home Care

Author: Terasa Astarita

Competency in Home Care doesn't just describe the standards of practice... It gives you the resources to meet them. It provides practical, authoritative guidance for: creating effective staff development plans, designing orientation programs that get caregivers up to speed immediately, establishing performance criteria for every position in the home care continuum, and ensuring ongoing competency. Plus you get powerful insights into the growth of modern home care, the role of competency programs in staff recruitment and retention, and how to get it done in any organization, regardless of background, makeup, or affiliation.

Carole E. Torok

This book addresses the multiplicity of components related to competency in the specialty practice of home care. It is a timely resource for staff developers. The authors present a wealth of material relevant to competency issues in home healthcare. They provide valuable information and resources relating to the "how-to" of setting up a home care competency program, integrating the importance of the staff development role for organizational success. This book provides a foundation for a successful competency program, and also offers current and strategic resources for agency planning and implementation. Mainly targeted to staff development personnel in the home health setting, it is equally useful for educators in community health, performance improvement specialists, and managers and administrators. The authors write from experience and identify their search for the limited information and knowledge that was available as they struggled to develop a competency program. This book explores the concept of competency, its historical development in general, and its rising importance in the growing specialty of home care. Preliminary considerations for and basics of program planning are incorporated in the model and blueprint design. Reflections on the multiple aspects of orientation, the educational process, and performance improvement are linked to ongoing evaluation. Over one third of this book--the appendix--contains key foundational competency assets. These include standards of care and practice for home care providers, with sample competency templates and orientation modules for professional and paraprofessional personnel. Additionally there is discussion of tort liability byexpert contributors. Extensive information and resources for professionals responsible for assuring competency of home care staff are provided. Since the home care area of practice continues to escalate, vital components necessary for staff competency assessment and training are addressed. The authors target this niche and tailor the knowledge specifically to the home care arena. As professional and regulatory requirements become more demanding, this book offers a beacon to quality patient care and a base for accountability for the providers of that care.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Carole E. Torok, PhD, RN, C (SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome)
Description: This book addresses the multiplicity of components related to competency in the specialty practice of home care. It is a timely resource for staff developers.
Purpose: The authors present a wealth of material relevant to competency issues in home healthcare. They provide valuable information and resources relating to the "how-to" of setting up a home care competency program, integrating the importance of the staff development role for organizational success. This book provides a foundation for a successful competency program, and also offers current and strategic resources for agency planning and implementation.
Audience: Mainly targeted to staff development personnel in the home health setting, it is equally useful for educators in community health, performance improvement specialists, and managers and administrators. The authors write from experience and identify their search for the limited information and knowledge that was available as they struggled to develop a competency program.
Features: This book explores the concept of competency, its historical development in general, and its rising importance in the growing specialty of home care. Preliminary considerations for and basics of program planning are incorporated in the model and blueprint design. Reflections on the multiple aspects of orientation, the educational process, and performance improvement are linked to ongoing evaluation. Over one third of this book:the appendix:contains key foundational competency assets. These include standards of care and practice for home care providers, with sample competency templates and orientation modules for professional and paraprofessional personnel. Additionally there is discussion of tort liability by expert contributors.
Assessment: Extensive information and resources for professionals responsible for assuring competency of home care staff are provided. Since the home care area of practice continues to escalate, vital components necessary for staff competency assessment and training are addressed. The authors target this niche and tailor the knowledge specifically to the home care arena. As professional and regulatory requirements become more demanding, this book offers a beacon to quality patient care and a base for accountability for the providers of that care.

Booknews

A guide to developing a competency program in a home health care setting. Covers aspects to be considered in developing a well- planned competency program, including external forces, internal support, program development, principles of adult learning, and affordability. Appends standards of practice, competency templates, and competency-based orientation modules. Intended primarily for staff development personnel in the home health setting. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Rating

4 Stars! from Doody




Table of Contents:
Contributors
Foreword
Preface
Ch. 1Competency Dynamics1
Ch. 2Pre-Development Considerations25
Ch. 3The Role of Staff Development33
Ch. 4Constructing Competency Programs in Home Care61
Ch. 5The Educational Process Applied to the Home Care Setting71
Ch. 6Frameworks and Models for Competency Program Development97
Ch. 7A Blueprint for Design of a Competency Program103
Ch. 8Competency-Based Orientation113
Ch. 9Ongoing Competency Evaluation Program135
Ch. 10Performance Improvement169
Ch. 11Tort Liability of Home Health Care Organizations and Their Employees177
App. AStandards of Practice187
App. BCompetency Templates245
App. CCompetency-Based Orientation Modules265
Resources291
Index295

Dictionary of Business Terms or Business to Business Marketing Research

Dictionary of Business Terms

Author: Jae K Shim

This volume is a general business dictionary covering every functional aspect of an organization, including nearly 3,200 business terms. All terms include definition, a description in context, and examples. For some of the more complex topics, an analysis is provided. Some terms include URLs to web pages that further illustrate or clarify the term.



Look this: Marketing Research or Accounting Theory

Business to Business Marketing Research

Author: Martin Block

Marketing research is vital—especially investment in the "right kind" of research. While basic, general research techniques are similar for all kinds of marketing, B2B is unique in many ways. The exciting new book is written by proven research powerhouses. Drawing upon their collective years of experience, the authors examine topics unique to B2B, equipping readers with the tools and the techniques for effective research. The book spotlights new techniques related to focus groups and in-depth interviews, as well as the impact of data mining and other computer and technology-driven types of research—topics that aren't covered anywhere else! In addition, an accompanying CD enables users to apply the tips and techniques to live data.



Table of Contents:
1The business-to-business research landscape1
2Managing business-to-business market research25
3Secondary sources of information39
4Marketing databases64
5Analytical tools90
6Designing survey research113
7Fielding survey research138
8Qualitative research methods175
9Focus group interviews191
10Conjoint analysis218
11Multidimensional scaling and preference mapping235
12Marketing mix models and financial returns260

Monday, December 29, 2008

Globalization in World History or Computer Manual in MATLAB to Accompany Pattern Classification

Globalization in World History

Author: A G Hopkins

Globalization has become an issue of the greatest urgency in the first decade of the new century. Recent world events, especially the terrorist attacks on the United States and the evolving conflicts in the Middle East, have sparked wider concern for global issues in general. Globalization in World History has two distinctive features. First, it traces the history of globalization across nearly three centuries. Second, it emphasizes a feature that the current debate greatly underestimates: the fact that globalization has non-Western as well as Western origins. The contributors bring their expertise to bear on themes that give prominence to China, South Asia, Africa, and the world of Islam, as well as to Europe and the United States. The result is a coherent and thought-provoking collection of essays. Globalization will become a major theme of historical research during the next decade; this book will help set the new agenda.



Go to: Introducing Human Resource Management or Management

Computer Manual in MATLAB to Accompany Pattern Classification

Author: David G Stork

Computer Manual to Accompany Pattern Classification and its associated MATLAB software is an excellent companion to Duda: Pattern Classfication, 2nd ed, (DH&S). The code contains all algorithms described in Duda as well as supporting algorithms for data generation and visualization. The Manual uses the same terminology as the DH&S text and contains step-by-step worked examples, including many of the examples and figures in the textbook.
The Manual is accompanied by software that is available electronically. The software contains all algorithms in DH&S, indexed to the textbook, and uses symbols and notation as close as possible to the textbook. The code is self-annotating so the user can easily navigate, understand and modify the code.



Principles of Advertising or The Law of Corporations and Other Business Organizations

Principles of Advertising: A Global Perspective

Author: Monle Le

Principles of Advertising: A Global Perspective, Second Edition, updates the classic first edition of this exceptional classroom resource, which was selected as one of CHOICE magazine's Outstanding Academic Titles for 1999. Ideal for use as an introductory textbook, the book presents an integrated marketing approach that is essential for keeping up with the changing world of contemporary advertising and reflects the authors' expertise not just in advertising, but also in the larger field of integrated marketing communications. The new edition of the book examines the environment in the advertising industry following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, including market segmentation, target marketing, product positioning, buyer behavior, legal and political concerns, the creative aspects of advertising, and much more.



Table of Contents:
Forewordxiii
Preface to the Second Editionxvii
Acknowledgmentsxxi
Chapter 1Introduction to Advertising1
Advertising Defined3
Advertising Classifications4
The Global Perspective: Global Brand Creation5
Advertising Functions10
Advertising and Marketing12
Ethics Track: Has the Top Pharmaceutical Advertiser Abused Its Power?13
The Evolution of Advertising17
Summary23
:30 Spot: Integrating an IMC Philosophy24
Chapter 2The Advertising Environment: Economy, Society, and Technology27
The Advertising Environment29
The Global Perspective: Know When to Back Off30
Economic Forces and Advertising31
Social Forces and Advertising32
Ethics Track: Invasive Technologies33
Technological Forces and Advertising37
Summary41
:60 Spot: The Times They Are Changin'42
Chapter 3Legal and Political Forces and Advertising45
The Political and Legal Environments in the United States47
The Global Perspective: The Impact of Advertising Environment on International Advertising48
The Political and Legal Environments in Other Selected Countries55
Ethics Track: Tobacco's Woes55
Summary66
:30 Spot: The Benefits of a Graduate Degree67
Chapter 4The Advertising Business and Advertising Agencies69
The Advertising Business71
The Global Perspective: "I'm Lovin' It" in China72
The Advertising Agency74
Agency Compensation79
Ethics Track: The Canadian Conundrum82
Client-Agency Relationships83
Summary86
:60 Spot: The Milk Mustache Story87
Chapter 5Market Segmentation, Target Marketing, and Product Positioning89
Market Segmentation91
The Global Perspective: A Week in Marketing93
Target Marketing97
Ethics Track: Marketing Cosmetic Surgery98
Product Positioning101
Summary103
:30 Spot: "Paws-itively Hilarious"105
Chapter 6Buyer Behavior and Advertising107
The Buyer Decision Process109
The Global Perspective: We Can Create It, but We Can't Show It110
Factors Influencing the Business Market113
Factors Influencing the Consumer Market114
Ethics Track: Marketing to Men115
Consumer Behavior121
Summary122
:60 Spot: "Marketing Professional Services"124
Chapter 7Marketing and Advertising Research125
Marketing Research128
The Global Perspective: Consumer Intelligence129
Advertising Research131
Research Trends137
Ethics Track: Janet Jackson Exposed138
Summary139
:60 Spot: Writing the Road to Success140
Chapter 8The Marketing and Advertising Planning Process143
The Marketing Plan145
The Global Perspective: When Coke May Not Be "It"146
The Advertising Plan151
Ethics Track: Olympic Sponsorship Ambushed153
Making Budget Decisions156
Summary158
:30 Spot: A Day in the Life of an Evolving Brand159
Chapter 9The Creative Aspect of Advertising163
Creative Concepts or Creativity in Advertising165
The Global Perspective: Hard Sell Is a Hard Sell Overseas167
Development in Creative Strategy171
Ethics Track: Advertising As Programming?174
Summary185
:30 Spot: The Key to Great Creative186
Chapter 10Advertising Production187
Print Advertising Production189
The Global Perspective: When the Big Idea Goes Abroad190
Broadcast Advertising Production193
Ethics Track: The War on Advertising195
Internet Advertising Production205
Summary209
:60 Spot: "Vicki's Choice: Healthy Challenges"211
Chapter 11Advertising Media Planning and Selection213
Media Planning216
The Global Perspective: The Optimizer and the British Invasion217
Media Buying222
Summary223
Ethics Track: Placing the Blame for Obesity224
Chapter 12Print Media227
Magazine Advertising229
The Global Perspective: Defined by the World and Times233
Newspaper Advertising239
Ethics Track: Magazines on Trial241
Summary247
:30 Spot: First Day Print Ad249
Chapter 13Broadcast Media251
Television Advertising253
The Global Perspective: Television Globalizes and Specializes256
Radio Advertising261
Ethics Track: The Controversial Campaign Commercial266
Summary267
:60 Spot: The Two Sides of Radio268
Chapter 14Internet Advertising269
The Internet272
The Global Perspective: Interactive in Canada274
Web Advertising275
Ethics Track: The Ambulance Chasers278
Internet Directory Advertising283
Summary285
:60 Spot: Stargazing286
Chapter 15Alternative Advertising Media289
Out-Of-Home Advertising291
Other Alternative Advertising Media296
The Global Perspective: International Billboard297
Ethics Track: Coming Soon to a Theater Near You302
Summary308
Chapter 16Direct Marketing/Direct Response Advertising309
Direct Marketing: Definition and History311
The Global Perspective: A Diamond in the Trash?312
Direct Marketing Media316
Ethics Track: Behavioral Targeting or Online Stalking?318
Summary331
:30 Spot: Not a Change at All332
Chapter 17Sales Promotion335
The Role of Sales Promotion in Marketing337
The Global Perspective: The Cellulite Dilemma339
Types of Sales Promotion341
Ethics Track: The Carbo Craze344
Summary351
Chapter 18Public Relations, Publicity, and Corporate Advertising353
Public Relations356
The Global Perspective: Worth a Thousand Words357
Publicity372
Ethics Track: Even Heroes Make Mistakes374
Corporate Advertising375
Summary379
:60 Spot: Defining Public Relations-What's Your Function?380
Notes383
Index401

Go to: The American Occupational Structure or The Economics of Feasible Socialism Revisited

The Law of Corporations and Other Business Organizations

Author: Angela Schneeman

The Law of Corporations and Other Business Organizations, fourth edition is the latest edition of this practical and informative book. Created with the paralegal in mind, the main focus of the book is on corporations with other types of business organization also addressed. These include sole proprietorship, general and limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, and limited liability companies. The law of corporations and business organizations is based largely on state law, so the discussions are geared toward the Uniform and Model laws used by most state legislatures. Each chapter includes a multitude of features to help the reader retain the information and learn how to apply it in a professional situation. Those features include sample documents and paragraphs, cases, charts, tables, graphs, and resources. Each chapter also has a special section called "The Paralegal's Role" that profiles a corporate paralegal, giving insight into the professional responsibilities and tasks, and ending with words of advice. "Ethical Considerations" are featured throughout the book and include discussions specific to the paralegal, covering client confidentiality, conflicts of interest, and insider trading. The chapters conclude with summary questions, practical problems, and workplace scenarios that allow the reader to further explore what they have learned and test their knowledge. With many important updates added to this fourth edition, this book is the definitive resource for the paralegal professional learning about the law of corporations and other business organizations.



The American Occupational Structure or The Economics of Feasible Socialism Revisited

The American Occupational Structure

Author: Peter M Blau

This book is the classic source of empirical information on the patterns of occupational achievement in American society. Based on an unusually comprehensive set of data, it is renowned for its pioneering methods of statistical analysis as well as for its far-reaching conclusions about social stratification and occupational mobility in the United States. The American Occupational Structure received the Sorokin Award of the American Sociological Association in recognition of its significant contribution to the social sciences.



Interesting textbook: The Methodology of Economics or Probablty Theory Statist Inference

The Economics of Feasible Socialism Revisited

Author: Alec Nov

The Economics of Feasible Socialism--originally published in 1983--was a pathbreaking book. It identified a workable socialist program, achievable in the lifetime of a child born today, that avoided farfetched or Utopian assumptions and the deformations of "actually existing socialism" of the Soviet species. It has been immensely influential in the West, and is available in translation in China, Hungary and the Soviet Union.

Incorporating the many recent changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, Alec Nove has updated his book to produce this second edition. Characteristically readable, controversial, and full of insights, The Economics of Feasible Socialism Revisited will become essential reading for anyone concerned with evaluating the relevance of Marxism to contemporary social and economic problems and of the anti-socialist reaction typical of many economists in Eastern Europe.



Sunday, December 28, 2008

Job Search or International Communication

Job Search: Career Planning Guide, Book 2, Vol. 2

Author: Robert D Lock

Plan a successful job search with JOB SEARCH: CAREER PLANNING GUIDE, BOOK 2! Whether you're a first time job seeker or someone re-entering the job market or changing careers, this counseling text provides you with the tools you'll need for your search. You'll learn interviewing techniques as well as how to develop sources of job leads, complete employment applications, and prepare resumes and cover letters. Examples and exercises help you master the skills necessary for finding a job.



Interesting textbook: When Life Becomes Precious or The Healing Runes

International Communication: Concepts and Cases (with Infotrac(r))

Author: Lin

This edited volume of 16 readings is a collection of works from the foremost scholars of international communication. Divided into seven parts, the text is comprehensive in its coverage, including perspectives on issues and topics such as press freedom, propaganda, gatekeeping, colonialism and mass media development, globalization, cultural concerns, and diffusion.



Table of Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Introduction1
1International Mass Communication from the Tower of Babel to the Babel Fish1
IPress Freedom5
2Press Freedom in Europe7
3Freedom of the Press in the Eyes of the Dragon: A Matter of Chinese Relativism and Pragmatism24
IIPropaganda47
4Propaganda in Spanish and French Referendum Campaigns: An Analysis of Propaganda Techniques49
5U.S.-Cuba Propaganda Wars: The Case of Television Marti73
IIIGatekeeping89
6Waters of Death in Central America: News Values and Myth91
7Social and Institutional Influences on News Values and Routines in Brazil: From Military Rule to Democracy110
IVColonialism and Mass Media Development129
8Development Communication in Africa: Concepts and Case Studies133
9Dateline Addis Ababa: Our Special Correspondent Evelyn Waugh Reports War Preparations with Italy, Vivid Colonial Discourse Used153
VGlobalization173
10The Americanization of Global Film175
11International Advertising and Global Consumer Culture190
12Globalization and Media Development in Asia's Four Tigers: Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea205
VICultural Concerns223
13Globalization, Media Imperialism, and Dependency as Communications Frameworks225
14Impact of the Electronic Media on the Arab World239
VIIDiffusion253
15Technology Diffusion and the Global Village255
16The Changing Shape of Global Telecommunications267
Index285

Derivatives or World Business

Derivatives: An Introduction

Author: Robert A Strong

Bob Strong's practical, applied approach, and his ability to explain the intuition underlying the math, makes this text the first truly accessible, yet comprehensive, derivatives book.



Go to: Gotham or At the Center of the Storm

World Business: Globalization, Strategy and Analysis

Author: John S Hill

This text includes many traditional International Business topics such as Internationalization and Global Strategy. While most texts take a functional approach (i.e. Marketing, HR, Production), this text integrates the functions with global/multi-market sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain distribution, along with integrative mechanisms, such as, global HRM, IT systems, and new product development. Localization issues are viewed as essential parts of strategy, which are more important in some industries and situations than others. The underlying rationale, explained in chapter one, and reinforced throughout the text, is that globalization; technology transfers and modernization take time to diffuse across world markets and within individual countries.



Table of Contents:
Preface
Ch. 1The world business challenge2
Ch. 2Globalization and worldwide infrastructure development38
Ch. 3Globalization, technology transfers, economic development, and cultural change80
Ch. 4Geopolitical analyses of regional markets130
Ch. 5Analysis of national markets171
Ch. 6Analyzing global industries and competitors206
Ch. 7International strategic planning and market screening234
Ch. 8Internationalization and globalization processes302
Ch. 9Market entry and serving strategies338
Ch. 10Global and multi-market strategies372
Ch. 11Global and multi-market supply chain management412
Ch. 12Managing cultural differences450
Ch. 13Localization strategies : managing stakeholders and supply chains486
Index585

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Introduction to Intellectual Property or Morality of Spending

Introduction to Intellectual Property: Cases and Materials

Author: Thomas G Field Jr

Introduction to Intellectual Property is a relatively conventional casebook with many notes and several problems. The book is designed to provide the comprehensive foundation needed, regardless of students' intention to specialize in IP or, more likely, some subset of it. IP issues have become so pervasive that few lawyers can afford to be ignorant of the cumulative and alternative strategic value of IP options. Moreover, strategic choices cannot be made in isolation and the foundation for making them cannot be acquired in focused, advanced IP courses.

Topics covered include: patent background; patent basics; other patent requirements; limitations on rights; copyright basics; copyright ownership and enforcement; copyright defenses and sanctions; trade secrets; preemption reconsidered; trademark rights; scope of trademark rights; and speech-related concerns.



Go to: Who Owns the Media or The Emergent Organization

Morality of Spending: Attitudes toward the Consumer Society in America, 1875-1940

Author: Daniel Horowitz

A brilliant history of American misgivings about the consequences of their comfort, affluence, and luxury.

Clear, judicious, thorough and unfailingly interesting; a solid work on a most significant topic.



Texas Politics or Call Centers

Texas Politics: Economics, Power, and Policy

Author: James W Lamar

This text uses an economic elite perspective to provide a concise and candid portrayal of traditional Texas politics. A thorough analysis of the state constitution, governmental institutions (the legislature, the executive branch, and the judicial system), and political processes (voting, political parties, and interest groups and lobbying) is included.

Booknews

This look at the world of Texas politics and government focuses on the interplay between the state's political system and its economic elite, through a thorough analysis of the state constitution, legislature, executive branch, judicial system and political process. This new edition also examines the impact of recent business mega mergers on the state's government and the rise of the Republican Party influence within the state. Well illustrated, primarily with political cartoons. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)



Table of Contents:
Preface
Introduction: Political Power in Texas1
Pt. IThe Context of Contemporary Texas Politics11
Ch. 1About Texas13
Ch. 2The Texas Economy35
Pt. IIAccess to Political Decision Makers in Texas: Elections and Lobbying59
Ch. 3Elections and Political Parties in Texas61
Ch. 4Economic Influences: Campaign Contributions and Lobbying83
Pt. IIIPolitical Institutions105
Ch. 5The Legislature107
Ch. 6The Executive Branch124
Ch. 7Justice and the Judiciary147
Pt. IVPublic Policy in Texas167
Ch. 8Revenues and Expenditures169
Ch. 9Government Regulation: Natural Resources, Financial Institutions, Consumer Protection, and Labor191
Pt. VLocal Politics and the Economically Powerful in Texas223
Ch. 10Local Politics225
Epilogue: Texas Politics: A Note on Change244
A Recapitulation244
Implications for Political Change247
Note249
Index251
About the Author265

Read also Encyclopedia of Sauces Pickles and Preserves or Cognac

Call Centers: Technology & Techniques

Author: Jack A Green

This text develops the necessary communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills needed for success as a call center, customer service, or help desk representative or manager. Each topic has the necessary content to focus specifically on soft-skill effectiveness using a problem solving approach. The most current technology is covered, including web and e-commerce support, and Internet resources are integrated throughout. A student CD is included that contains additional cases, self-assessments, key terms with definitions, and links to useful Internet resources.

Booknews

For those who take orders and perform customer service over the phone, this textbook discusses developing interpersonal skills, improving voice quality, establishing customer rapport, listening and questioning, maintaining control of a call, adjusting to the customer's communication style, and managing stress. The CD-ROM contains case studies and self-assessments. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)



Designing and Planning Programs for NonProfit and Government Organizations or E Business Implementation

Designing and Planning Programs for Nonprofit and Government Organizations

Author: Edward J Pawlak

Designing and Planning Programs for Nonprofit and Government Organizations is a comprehensive guide for practitioners who must carry out program planning projects in nonprofit or government human service organizations. Authors Edward J. Pawlak and Robert D. Vinter—experts in the field of program planning—show how planning is a goal-directed activity that will succeed when its tasks are carried out in orderly, progressive stages. In this important resource, the authors walk practitioners and students through the entire process from initiation to completion of planning projects and examine the relationship between planning, implementation, and program operations.



New interesting book: The Great Democracies or America Alone

E-Business Implementation: A Guide to Web Services, Eai, Bpi, E-Commerce, Content Management, Portals, and Supporting Technologies

Author: Dougal Watt

'E-business Implementation' is written as a complete guide to successful e-business delivery, from both a project management and a detailed technological perspective.

E-business provides a powerful mechanism for organizations to increase productivity and lower costs. However, in order to utilise these considerable benefits, companies must ensure their e-business is implemented correctly and is appropriate to their market segment.

'E-business Implementation' provides a comprehensive guide to successful implementation and is divided into three parts:

* Part one begins with a project management structure designed to deliver successful e-business functionality within time and budget, while avoiding the high failure rates common to many technology projects.

* Part two details key concepts, technologies, products, vendors, benefits, limitations, and high-level design architectures for e-business, in a phased and risk-managed approach. These include publishing through the Internet and Intranets, portals and content management systems, transacting using e-commerce, integrating internal enterprise applications, integrating with external partners and suppliers, and responding in real-time to changing levels of demand through dynamic e-business and web services.

* Part three details a set of critical foundation technologies that must be implemented correctly for the e-business initiative to be successful. These technologies include e-business development languages such as Java, XML and .Net, hardware platforms and their operating systems, security and networking systems, the Internet Domain Name System, and Open Source technologies.

An invaluable andin-depth guide for businesses and IT professionals implementing and integrating e-business technologies and for trouble shooting existing e-business systems.A holistic approach to the latest issues facing e-business in the modern economy.Provides detailed information on Project Management, Intranets, Portals, Content Management, Transactional e-commerce, Application Server EAI, Hub and Spoke EAI, Message Bus EAI, Extended EAI, Business Process Integration (BPI), Real Time Business Intelligence, Web Services (SOAP, WSDL, UDDI), Java, XML, .Net, Hardware and Operating Systems, Security, Networking Systems, DNS and Open Source technologies.



Table of Contents:
Butterworth-Heinemann - Computer Weekly Professional Series
Overview
Pt. 1Project management phases1
1Structuring an e-business project3
2Resourcing an e-business project39
Pt. 2E-business technology phases49
3The five phases of e-business adoption51
4Phase 1: Internet-based e-business publishing55
5Phase 2: Transacting with customers94
6Phase 3: Internal enterprise application integration112
7Phase 4: External integration140
8Phase 5: Dynamic e-business and web services170
Pt. 3E-business supporting technologies187
9Critical technologies supporting e-business189
10E-business development technologies191
11Hardware platforms and operating systems211
12Security227
13Networking systems255
14DNS269
15Open Source technologies291
16Summary and conclusion305
References307
Index325