Saturday, April 9, 2011

Understanding Sport Organizations

Understanding Sport Organizations Review


See more picture


Understanding Sport Organizations Feature

Understanding Sport Organizations: The Application of Organization Theory, Second Edition, a new edition of a ground-breaking text, continues to give readers a strong foundation in organization theory and application of that theory by providing a real-world context to all its issues. It engages readers by providing opportunities to discover the theory in practice through use of profiles, case studies, and examples of sport organizations in each chapter.

Updated with new research and current examples that will help the reader develop a clearer understanding of organization theory, this edition benefits the reader by featuring:

-A new chapter on strategic alliances explores the growing complexity of sport organizations and the impact that complexity has on the planning and decision making of sport managers. It will help current and future professionals recognize and understand the opportunities that exist both outside and within the sport industry to benefit their organizations.

-A new chapter on research in sport management prepares readers to become competent researchers by providing guidance on research design and methodology, data collection and analysis, and issues of quality.

-A new section in each chapter, titled “Key Issues for Managers,” details vital concepts that will help managers apply information taken from topics in the text to specific issues they face on the job.
To enhance understanding and bring the material to life, Understanding Sport Organizations: The Application of Organization Theory, Second Edition, references numerous current examples. Each chapter opens with a practical example of a sport organization and closes with a case for analysis that allows the reader to directly apply the information from the chapter. Throughout the text, “Time-Out” sidebars present examples to illustrate specific concepts under discussion. The examples are effective in highlighting for students and professionals the many different areas in which organization theory occurs.

The book also employs chapter objectives, summaries, key concepts, review questions, and suggestions for further reading for each chapter, guiding readers to a greater and more practical understanding of core issues. It also examines organizational goals, strategy, environments, culture, technology, power, conflict, leadership, change, and many other issues affecting sport managers.

This new edition provides readers with opportunities to discover sport organization theory in practical terms and to apply the knowledge in real-world situations. It engages readers in the many different areas in which organizational theory occurs; it also recognizes the dynamic, increasingly sophisticated sport industry, both in academic and applied settings. Understanding Sport Organizations: The Application of Organization Theory, Second Edition, is an invaluable resource for students and practitioners alike.


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review

Friday, April 8, 2011

Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read

Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read Review


See more picture


Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read Feature

Ever been betrayed by a pretty cover and a pair of alluring blurbs?

Rest assured: Read This Next will never hurt you. The 500 book recommendations contained within these pages have all been carefully vetted and approved by two literary professionals with discerning taste and witty wit. Arranged into delightful thematic lists, these suggestions cover the best of literature high and low, from page-turning classics to mind-expanding fluff; from murder mysteries and post-apocalyptic visions to historical fiction and bathroom books. Each book is paired with deeply insightful, deeply hilarious discussion questions, perfect for book groups or for readers who just enjoy talking to themselves.

In a world where so many books disappoint— robbing you of your time and money, promising more than they can deliver—Read This Next is the wickedly smart, faithful, and attractive partner you’ve always dreamed would bring you true and lasting reading happiness.


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

English: Meaning and Culture

English: Meaning and Culture Review


See more picture


English: Meaning and Culture Feature

It is widely accepted that English is the first truly global language and lingua franca. Its dominance has even led to its use and adaptation by local communities for their own purposes and needs. One might see English in this context as being simply a neutral, universal vehicle for the expression of local thoughts and ideas. In fact, English words and phrases have embedded in them a wealth of cultural baggage that is invisible to most native speakers. Anna Wierzbicka, a distinguished linguist known for her theories of semantics, has written the first book that connects the English language with what she terms "Anglo" culture.

Wierzbicka points out that language and culture are not just interconnected, but inseparable. This is evident to non-speakers trying to learn puzzling English expressions. She uses original research to investigate the "universe of meaning" within the English language (both grammar and vocabulary) and places it in historical and geographical perspective. For example, she looks at the history of the terms "right" and "wrong" and how with the influence of the Reformation "right" came to mean "correct." She examines the ideas of "fairness" and "reasonableness" and shows that, far from being cultural universals, they are in fact unique creations of modern English. This engrossing and fascinating work of scholarship should appeal not only to linguists and others concerned with language and culture, but the large group of scholars studying English and English as a second language.


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Buffett Beyond Value: Why Warren Buffett Looks to Growth and Management When Investing

Buffett Beyond Value: Why Warren Buffett Looks to Growth and Management When Investing Review


See more picture


Buffett Beyond Value: Why Warren Buffett Looks to Growth and Management When Investing Feature

A detailed look at how Warren Buffett really invests

In this engaging new book, author Prem Jain extracts Warren Buffett's wisdom from his writings, Berkshire Hathaway financial statements, and his letters to shareholders and partners in his partnership firms-thousands of pages written over the last fifty years. Jain uncovers the key elements of Buffett's approach that every investor should be aware of.

With Buffett Beyond Value, you'll learn that, contrary to popular belief, Warren Buffett is not a pure value investor, but a unique thinker who combines the principles of both value and growth investing strategies. You'll also discover why understanding CEOs is more important than studying financial metrics; and why you need an appropriate psychological temperament to be a successful investor.

  • Reveals Buffett's multifaceted investment principles
  • Discusses how Buffett thinks differently from others about portfolio diversification, market efficiency, and corporate governance
  • Highlights how you can build a diverse and profitable investment portfolio

With this book as your guide, you'll learn how to successfully invest like Warren Buffett.


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Optimization Edge: Reinventing Decision Making to Maximize All Your Company's Assets

The Optimization Edge: Reinventing Decision Making to Maximize All Your Company's Assets Review


See more picture


The Optimization Edge: Reinventing Decision Making to Maximize All Your Company's Assets Feature

Steve Sashihara's latest book offers a groundbreaking approach to decision making. Using the newest advances in mathematics and computer software, companies can fully maximize their assets at every decision point. The Optimization Edge quickly introduces readers to this strategy in clear, nontechnical terms, with examples from the trenches.

Based on Steve's extensive experience working with major corporations across the industrial landscape, the book analyzes a variety of companies that are working on the frontier of Optimization. These multi-national organizations employ Optimization to make time-sensitive, complex decisions that drive up market share and profitability.

"For executives who don't have an optimization strategy, this book is a must read," says Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS. "There's a good chance that the competition already has an active optimization battle plan--and the bottom-line savings to prove it."

The Optimization Edge provides real-life examples of Optimization, drawn from some of the most successful corporations--and optimizers--in the world. Top executives share their insights into the tremendous production and profit benefits of Optimization, while telling readers how to avoid pitfalls along the way. 

The book is written for a nontechnical business audience interested in moving from cut-back management to value creation and from decision making "by ear" to data-driven strategies that combine high-end algorithms with human judgment.


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms (Wiley Professional Advisory Services)

Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms (Wiley Professional Advisory Services) Review


See more picture


Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms (Wiley Professional Advisory Services) Feature

Praise for Implementing Value Pricing: A Radical Business Model for Professional Firms

"Ron Baker is the most prolific and best writer when it comes to pricing services. This is a must-read for executives and partners in small to large firms. Ron provides the basics, the advanced ideas, the workbooks, the case studies—everything. This is a must-have and a terrific book."
—Reed K. Holden, founder and CEO, Holden Advisors, Corp., Associate Professor, Columbia University www.holdenadvisors.com

"We've known through Ron Baker's earlier books that he's not just an extraordinary thinker and truly brilliant writer—he's a mover and a shaker on a mission. This is the End of Time! Brilliant."
—Paul Dunn, Chairman, B1G1 www.b1g1.com

"Implementing Value Pricing is a powerful blend of theory, strategy, and tactics. Ron Baker's most recent offering is ambitious in scope, exploring topics that include economic theory, customer orientation, value identification, service positioning, and pricing strategy. He weaves all of them together seamlessly, and includes numerous examples to illustrate his primary points. I have applied the knowledge I've gained from his body of work, and the benefits to me—and to my customers—have been immediate, significant, and ongoing."
—Brent Uren, Principal, Valuation & Business Modeling, Ernst & Young www.ey.com

"Ron Baker is a revolutionary. He is on a radical crusade to align the interests of service providers with those of their customers by having lawyers, accountants, and consultants charge based on the value they provide, rather than the effort it takes. Implementing Value Pricing is a manifesto that establishes a clear case for the revolution. It provides detailed guidance that includes not only strategies and tactics, but key predictive indicators for success. It is richly illustrated by the successes of firms that have embraced value-based pricing to make their services not only more cost-effective for their customers, but more profitable as well. The hallmark of a manifesto is an unyielding sense of purpose and a call to action. Let the revolution begin."
—Robert G. Cross, Chairman and CEO, Revenue Analytics, Inc. Author, Revenue Management: Hard-Core Tactics for Market Domination www.revenueanalytics.com


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review

Friday, April 1, 2011

Organizational Psychology: A Scientist-Practitioner Approach

Organizational Psychology: A Scientist-Practitioner Approach Review


See more picture


Organizational Psychology: A Scientist-Practitioner Approach Feature

Thorough and up-to-date coverage of both the science and practice of organizational psychology

This Second Edition reflects the latest developments and research in the field using a scientist-practitioner model that expertly integrates multicultural and international issues as it addresses the most current knowledge and topics in the practice of organizational psychology.

Beginning with a foundation of research methodology, this text examines the behavior of individuals in organizational settings and shows readers how psychological models can be used to improve employee morale, productivity, and quality of service.

Written in an accessible style that brings the material to life, author Steve Jex and new coauthor Thomas Britt use their experiences as consultants and educators to bring new features to the Second Edition, including:
*

Updated chapters, particularly those on job attitudes, teams, and leadership
*

New "People Behind the Research" and "Illuminating Examples" boxes
*

New coverage of workplace stress, teams, and multicultural socialization
*

More material on personal difference, personality, and considerations of diversity
*

Extended coverage of financial incentives and executive compensation
*

Using descriptive cases to illustrate workplace issues, Organizational Psychology, Second Edition thoroughly addresses the major motivational theories in organizational psychology and the mechanisms that organizations use to influence employees' behavior.


Check price now


Rerate Products


Customer Review