Results Rule!: Build a Culture That Blows the Competition Away

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Results Rule!: Build a Culture That Blows the Competition Away

Why there are so many unsuccessful companies.

Right on Target

Great, practical advice!

Results Rule! Build a culture that blows away the competition

Results Rule!: Build a Culture That Blows the Competition Away
Randy Pennington
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471782742

Book Description

Praise for RESULTS RULE!

"What on earth could pre-thawed turkeys, Eva the dolphin, and toothpaste tubes squeezed from the middle have to do with the success of your business? Everything. Results Rule! is that rare business book that you can't put down, and you shouldn't, because the lessons within aren't just helpful, they're vitally important. Don't put Results Rule! on the stack of books you mean to read soon. Buy it, take it home, and read every word before your competitor does."
--Joe Calloway, author of Indispensable: How to Become the Company That Your Customers Can't Live Without

"Most business books give you everything you need and want to do, except the only thing that matters--getting results. This book is well written, with great examples, stories, and real advice that will actually show you how to improve your results. Buy it--read it--heed it--and watch your results improve."
--Larry Winget, author of Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get a Life

"Results Rule! delivers practical ideas that will keep your organization on course for success in a competitive marketplace. Randy Pennington offers ideas that work if you are on the frontline or in the executive suite. He has nailed the essence and importance of culture."
--Howard Putnam, former CEO, Southwest Airlines author of The Winds of Turbulence

"If you hate your competition, it's because they're beating you. If you want your competition to hate YOU--read Randy Pennington's book, and give it to all your people."
--Jeffrey Gitomer, author of The Little Red Book of Selling

"Six rock solid concepts plus real examples in a quick and easy read equal real results. A guide to differentiating your organization in the marketplace."
--M. Cass Wheeler, CEO, American Heart Association

"Randy's business savvy and expertise are evident throughout this book. His thoughtful analyses produce vital points for any business that wants to grow and thrive in the twenty-first century."
--Nido Qubein, President, High Point University Chairman, Great Harvest Bread Company

"In a very engaging, quick read, Randy Pennington cuts through the hype of most management bestsellers to propose a deceptively simple premise--a culture that never loses focus on the desired result and always wins. Pennington takes you by the hand and shows you how to take an honest look at your own organization, then act immediately to create and nurture a culture that achieves results day in and day out. Results Rule! is one of those rare books you'll keep close at hand for years to come."
--Marci Armstrong, PhD, Associate Dean, Masters Programs Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University

Customer Reviews:

Results Rule!: Build a Culture That Blows the Competition Away.......2007-01-15

Very no-nonsense book for those who are accountable for making things happen in the organization. Very direct and to the point advice. A quick, must read for all executives.

Why there are so many unsuccessful companies........2006-08-24

The thing that I liked best about this book was it's emphasis on employees. It's employees that make the business work. The Fortune 1 company is Wal-Mart. I know a lot of people who say they won't shop at Wal-Mart because of their policies towards women, they don't pay enough, their health insurance is poor, or whatever. I hear all kinds of stories about big law suits against the company. I also know a lot of people who work at the local Wal-Mart. I ask them and they universally reply, 'best job I ever had, best company I ever worked for.' I bought some tires there (30% less than the tire company across the street). A month later I saw the lady that sold me the tires in the supermarket. She asked how the tires were doing.

That's the kind of culture that this book is talking about. Wal-Mart has it, UPS has it - not the same but a good culture, Southwest Airlines has it. The Post Office, you gotta be kidding.

No two companies are going to build the same culture. You have to develop your own that works for you. This book mostly talks about how a series of companies have built a culture that works for them.

Right on Target.......2006-06-30

I have worked with many companies who do all the regular management tricks (TQM, lean, reward results, etc.) well and still find themselves falling behind relative to today's global competitors. Pennington is right on target with his advice that culture is the most influential driver of behavior, and the only one that can encourage and support corporate innovation. He has many excellent examples, including non-profits and government, and he incorporates practical principles that apply to the kind of culture needed for both higher performance and innovation. My only disappointment is that his advice is mostly in the form of basic principles, and I believe many managers will have a difficult time knowing how to apply those principles to transform their organizations. Still, there is precious little practical material on this important topic out there--despite the huge numbers of business books released every year. Thus, in this new "flat" world, where all companies need to be innovative to sustain competitive advantage, this book stands above the crowd.

Great, practical advice!.......2006-05-31

Entertaining and easy to read with priceless information. This book is a must read for people in organizations of any size.

Results Rule! Build a culture that blows away the competition.......2006-05-16

This book is built around a unique vision of high-performing organizations. It is easy to read and has lots of managerial prescriptions for the professional practitionier. His use of vivid examples of "heros" who created powerful cultures in their own firms is eye-opening.

John W. Slocum, Jr.
Author, The Smarter Organization

Business Process Improvement Workbook: Documentation, Analysis, Design, and Management of Business Process Improvement

Average customer rating:

It is what it is...and provides solid material
A Very Useful Process Improvement Reference
Process Improvement Classic Reference
Buisness process improvment work book
Not bad, could be better

Business Process Improvement Workbook: Documentation, Analysis, Design, and Management of Business Process Improvement
H. James Harrington , K. C. Esseling , and Van Nimwegen
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Process Mapping, Process Improvement and Process Management
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Business Process Change: A Manager's Guide to Improving, Redesigning, and Automating Processes (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Data Management Systems)

Accessories:

Philips Nino 319 Windows Organizer

ASIN: 0070267790

Book Description

This long-awaited companion and update to H. James Harrington's best-selling Business Process Improvement is a hands-on implementation guide. It focuses on upgrading information distribution paths to optimize the many processes with which they come in contact. Filled with lists, charts, and appendices, this workbook tells how to document a company's processes, analyze current effectiveness, design new processes, use system enablers, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

It is what it is...and provides solid material.......2007-03-13

I agree with other reviewers who question the designation "workbook." Actually, what we have here is a book which suggests the work which each reader must complete -- individually and in collaboration with others -- with regard to the documentation, analysis, design, and management of business process improvement. It provides no head-snapping revelations, nor do its co-authors claim to offer any. Obviously, it is important to improve performance continuously by improving various processes during which tasks are completed. It is also important to measure only what matters. Finally, all organizations (regardless of size or nature) must develop leaders at all levels and within all areas who drive change initiatives to achieve these objectives. Harrington, Esseling, and van Nimwegen offer a comprehensive, cohesive, and cost-effective methodology. Once having identified the "what," they focus on "how."

As the authors explain, Business Process Improvement (BPI) consists of four different approaches designed to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and adaptability of administrative processes: Fast Analysis Solution Technique (FAST), process benchmarking, process redesign, and process reengineering. They recommend a six-phase process that leads to the implementation of the best-value future-state solution: Organization, Documentation, Analysis, Design, Implementation, and Management. They then focus on each approach and each phase, suggesting similarities and differences between and among them.

I would have rated this book even higher had the presentation of the material been more "reader-friendly." By the time I reached Chapter 5 on page 167, the monotonous tone of the narrative to that point made it difficult for me to sustain my concentration. I always appreciate the provision of checklists, for example, because they organize and summarize key points, and, because they facilitate (indeed expedite) review of them later. To repeat, the material is solid. The authors obviously know what they are talking about. Their observations are based on real-world situations. Their suggestions are sensible. That said, this reader (at least) had to work much too hard to locate, absorb, and then digest the authors' core concepts.

No doubt other readers will find the material more accessible. My guess (only a guess) is that many of those who do will be C-level executives in larger organizations who already know much more about BPI than I do. I wish them and their associates well, hoping they can effectively apply -- and then have their organization benefit substantially from -- what Harrington, Esseling, and van Nimwegen offer.

A Very Useful Process Improvement Reference.......2006-09-19

I agree with the other reviewers, as I first purchased this book assuming that it was a "workbook" with working examples. It wasn't this type of workbook, but is a very valuable resource for the process-improvement minded. It could have utilized more illustrations - I suggest creating your own diagrams as you read through this book. This is the approach I took whilst reading the book and was very satisfied with the results.

Documentation, a very important subject that is often overlooked and/or underutilized, is explained very well in this book, describing the level of detail required to support a successful process improvement initiative. The Appendix XI - guidelines for designing forms and documents is fantastic and I recommend it for anyone considering facilitating process improvement workshops.

The organization chapter on organizing a process improvement team is very good - managers and especially companies wanting to accelerate their process improvement successes could benefit from this instruction.

The Defining Improvement Opportunities chapter was also very informative, linking the need for standardization with IT, administration and operations.

And lastly, don't discount one of the authors - H James Harrington. He is one of the best business writers in the business for topics ranging from process improvement, project management, customer service or even human resources. Don't miss a chance to read anything he has written.

I would disagree that this book is dry - it is well written and researched and if it had contained a few more illustrations, I would have given this book a 5-star rating.

Process Improvement Classic Reference.......2006-05-31

This book serves as a powerful reference on process improvement.

The author, H.J. Harrington, is wise. We can learn a lot from him. He's got great experience from the firm, Ernst and Young.

The book provides a deep, well-structured and methodical glimpse into the practice of process improvement.

Although there are many books on the subject (older and newer) this book is foundational. It blends TQM and Industrial engineering concepts. At some degree it is a "deep dive" into the Six Sigma method's Business Process Architecture (BPA) tool.

This book is a great reference for consultants, line managers, business process managers/owners and business analysts as well as anyone wanting a thorough understanding of Process Improvement.

Reading it and applying the practices described within may save companies money. It can build career enhancing compentencies in those that adopt/practice what they have learned.

For the relatively low price you can have access to the mind of a sage.

Buisness process improvment work book.......2006-03-08

Provide an excellent overview of BPM and provide good examples.

Not bad, could be better.......2002-07-19

I'll agree with users who feel this book is dry, dry, dry. I also have some issues with the design of the book. There were concepts that I found confusing until I drew my own flow charts -such aids could certainly have been included in the book. There were too many bulleted lists that probably should have been numbered for easier reference and ranking. Where this book shines is on the mechanics on BPI; how to organize the project and the teams (although a good project manager should know how to do this), the sequence of steps to go through, and how to organize all the collected information.

What is missing from this book, in my opinion, is discussion on Risk Management and Change Management. You can document processes and manuals and forms until you're blue in the face, but in the end, you'll have to get human beings to buy into the difficult task of changing processes to reach the future state, and there is little discussion of this.

Designing Organizations for High Performance
Average customer rating:

A good primer and introduction to concepts in ODD.

Bringing Practicality to Esoteric OD Practice

Designing Organizations for High Performance
David P. Hanna
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0201126931

Customer Reviews:

A good primer and introduction to concepts in ODD........2001-05-17

This is not an end all be all book, but it provides very good insight into ODD and design of teams. It is easy to read and containts many relevant concepts that are in practice today. A friend of mine (With a Masters in OD) referred this book to me as not only an introduction for myself into the complexities of ODD but to use with clients in talking about the subject. If your new to the concepts of Org Design or are looking for a book to share with others, this is a very useful (and easy) read.

Bringing Practicality to Esoteric OD Practice.......2000-04-06

The book is written for those managers who would like to develop higher levels of performance in their organisation but aren't sure how to go about it. It addresses both types of people, the manager of a business unit and also organisational consultants who looks for tools to help others manage.

The book focusses on how to implement various theories to get better results, and therefore is more of a 'how-to' book rather than being comprehensive in treatment of concepts. The how-tos concern two aspects of design , (1) the rational part, including identifying the desired organisational model, structuring the various design elements to produce the required results, and assessing one's progress at any point of time and (2) the emotional part including educating membersabout organisational alternatives to the bureaucratic model, developing their commitment and support for the model actually chosen , changing habits and practices to fit with the "model system", maintaining commitment "when the going gets tough", and renewing the model when circumstances require it.

The Process Edge: Creating Value Where It Counts
Average customer rating:

The Process Edge

"Keen" Insight into Process Improvement

Thought Provoking!

Exceptional value! Replaces your TQM & Reengineering books.

Poor follow through

The Process Edge: Creating Value Where It Counts
Peter G.W. Keen
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
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Amazon.com

Even a company that dramatically improves its efficiency and product quality can fail miserably. Peter G. W. Keen names this phenomenon the "process paradox," a modern industrial problem that he deconstructs and defeats in his book The Process Edge. The basis of business acumen is common sense, Keen reminds us, but it must be combined with a rigor that measures pure worth. Processes--not only in customer service and quality assurance, but in larger, abstract notions such as acquisition and cultural initiatives--need to be approached in this basic manner. Using a broad, multidisciplinary approach (Keen was an English literature major in college but has since taught management science at Stanford and MIT), he immerses the theory of business processes in an economic bath, refining previously overlooked processes and debunking "magical" ones. Methods that businesses institute, after proving advantageous, can still build in value, and then must be incorporated into the entire business strategy. Keen substantiates his points with real-life cases and examples, from Dell and IBM to Wal-Mart and Boeing. Managers who wish to examine their businesses holistically and within sound theory will appreciate The Process Edge, but it will prove most valuable to managers who need to enact change now.

Book Description

The Process Edge proves that business process improvement is not a fad. It addresses the recent backlash against process movements like reengineering by explaining why businesses can decline even as process reform is creating dramatic new efficiencies and savings. Companies that experience this paradox are investing in the wrong processes. The book presents an economic model for deciding which business processes are worth the investment and provides the tools for applying the model. It shows that process can be the key to competitive edge. Applying the principles of The Process Edge will help managers resolve the process paradox by measuring the genuine cost and economic value of process improvements and investing only in those that will help their companies thrive.

Customer Reviews:

The Process Edge.......2003-02-02

Excellent overview and approach to project selection for business process improvement. Clear and original thinking on the matrix and balance sheet approach to process definition. Little detail however on what to do once the targeted areas are identified. Good companion to Good To Great by Collins (with similar levels of implementation detail).

"Keen" Insight into Process Improvement.......2001-12-11

Most improvement programs struggle with the project selection process. Mr Keen provides an interesting approach in identifying processes where improvement offers the greatest impact to the organization. There is also intriguing discussion contrasting benefits and value. This is a nice thought provoking book for folks tasked with identifying improvement opportunities in any organization.

Thought Provoking!.......2000-07-06

Keen excels at extending the definition of processes and providing a structured Salience/Worth matrix approach of thinking about them. An important read for developing an understanding of processes and their role.

Exceptional value! Replaces your TQM & Reengineering books........1999-10-08

The inability to understand the value of business processes is the pitfall of many reengineering projects especially in IT. Internalizing this book will certainly contribute to your future projects. A must in any business management library.

Poor follow through.......1998-07-01

The book raises some interesting issues (treating processes as capital, using EVA) but ultimately falls short somehow. The author points out that there are more processes than just the traditional workflow ones, but his examples are all of workflow processes. He never talks about succession planning processes or employee retention processes. The first few chapters were interesting but the rest was more or less useless.

The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising (AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series) (The AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series)

Average customer rating:

It isn't just a book; it's a fund raising curriculum . . . .

The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising (AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series) (The AFP/Wiley Fund Development Series)

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ASIN: 0471403040

Book Description

The Third Edition of this invaluable handbook provides a complete overview of the entire development function, from management and strategic planning to hands-on, practical guidance for the various kinds of fundraising. Written by leading fund-raising professionals and edited by James M. Greenfield, this volume is a classic in the field of fundraising.

Customer Reviews:

It isn't just a book; it's a fund raising curriculum . . . ........1998-01-19

One of the most experienced and respected fund-raising professionals in the United States, James M. Greenfield, ACFRE, FAHP, has assembled the best wisdom 42 other highly-regarded and experienced fund-raising leaders, into a comprehensive handbook covering nearly every conceivable aspect of fund development. The Nonprofit Handbook: Fund Raising isn't just a book; it's a fund raising curriculum between two covers. Indeed, I am unaware of any other volume which attempts -- and successfully so, I might add -- to map the entire scope of fund raising so thoroughly. A warning, though: It would be a monumental task to read this book in its entirety. Rather, its best use is as a fund raising reference - a one-volume library for articles covering just about any topic fund development professionals are likely to encounter. For example, folks who are involved with an annual fund will want to focus on Part III, entitled "Annual Giving Program." The section contains articles on "Overview of Annual Giving," "Direct Mail," "Benefit Event Fundamentals," "Benefit Event Enhancements," Telemarketing," and "Volunteer-Led Solicitations." To take another example, folks looking for major donors will turn to Part IV, entitled "Major Giving Programs," containing thorough treatments on these topics: "Overview of Major Giving," "The Corporate Support Marketplace," "The Grant-Seeking Process," "Major Gifts from Individuals," "Capital Fund Appeals," "Planned giving: Gift Vehicles," and "Planned Giving: Management and Marketing." One drawback is its price. At $210, it's one of the pricier books in fund raising. However, this is a two-volume set. I've described only the "Fund Raising" volume; there is also Management volume, covering -- again, in encyclopedic fashion -- all aspects of nonprofit management. We'll be reviewing that in the next installment of "We Review." Despite the price of the set, I cannot imagine any well-equipped fund development department not having these volumes available to the staff.

Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance

Average customer rating:

Breaking the Constraints to World Class Performance
Excelent book about the theory of constrains
A World-Class Book
Your company could be world-Class.
Great Book

Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance
H. William Dettmer
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Executives and managers seeking an alternative or complementary approach to TQM for systematic improvement of business results can realize impressive results with this book. The author, Bill Dettmer, explains the basics of the theory of constraints and how it can be applied to a variety of organizational systems for maximum performance. This book is for people who have little experience with Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (TOC). This book is intended for anyone who wants to understand how to apply the logical thinking processes invented by the million copy best-selling author E.M. Goldratt in his book The Goal without going into a lot of theory and details about Goldratt's concepts. This book explains how to identify and optimize the system constraints that inhibit your organization's overall performance, which is the key to becoming worldclass.

Customer Reviews:

Breaking the Constraints to World Class Performance.......2006-03-10

The book contains good overview information and good sample cases. The sample for future CRT sections seem to disconnect from the current CRT. This is very strange. Overall is good.

Excelent book about the theory of constrains.......2002-11-18

Contains an step by step general methodology for analizing problems by identifing the chains of causes and effects. It can be applied to solve business problems and analize personal situations. It is a very practical thinking process that you can use in a diversified variety of situations. Really powerfull. The book is very well written with examples of the use of the different tools of analysis: the current reality tree, the future reality tree, the conflict resolution diagram, the negative branch, the prerequisite tree and the transition tree.

A World-Class Book.......2002-03-03

As someone who read the entire series of Goldratt's books and as someone who has been practicing TOC in project management for a few years, I rate this book '5 stars' only because six is not an option.

Step-by-step and in a didactic manner, Mr. Dettmer takes the reader into the world of TOC. If you read Goldratt's books and left with the test but without the 'know how' then this is the book for you.

Mr. Dettmer explains the basic building blocks and the terminology of the 'Thinking Process Toolkit' and he then, step by step, explains the 'how'.

How to build a Current Reality Tree - The tool for understanding the one core problem (few root causes) preventing your organization from achieving its goal.

How to discover and solve conflicts that cause your company to stagnate.

How to systematically verify that the solution you want to apply will actually lead to the desired effects, without causing other adverse ones.

How to systematically understand what conditions should be fulfilled in order to reach the company's goal, and how to build a 'winning plan' to achieve the goal.

I also read the first book of Mr. Dettmer on the subject (Goldratt's Theory Of Constraints) and I liked this one better.

At last, I think that every executive who wants to do something beneficial to his company should get this book.

Tip: Read Appendix D first and then go back to page one.

Your company could be world-Class........2001-04-12

"Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance" "Can this book really tell me how to do that, Man that would be great. Well yes I believe it does.

So what is stopping your company from getting better? Do you know? The body of knowledge called the Theory of Constraints says there is usually only one constraint stopping you from making progress toward your goal, maybe two. Well, if you want a way of finding out what it is, it is in this book. But more can be done than just finding it. This book will teach you how to eliminate or manage the constraint to your advantage.

This book explains in general and in specifics how to change. You must answer, what to change, what to change to, and How to cause the change. These are the beginning thoughts. But think of it if you knew the answers to these questions.

If you want to learn HOW to do Theory of Constraints, no matter what level of experience you may be, this book is a must have. It is one of the most valuable resources on TOC that exists. It shows you step by step how to do things and also why they work. It is easy to use; Mr. Dettmer has a remarkable talent for clarity

How long do you stay on top as a world-class performer if you are just sitting back enjoying it. Not very long these days. This book is about making dramatic improvements with simple solutions. But it is more correct to say it's about a continual improvement process. I recommend you read this book and give it strong consideration. You just may find a Gem for your company, a whole new culture of winning.

Great Book.......1999-12-02

The short and sweet is that I have read many books on TOC and this is at the TOP of the heap. It covers the whole range and makes for one stop shopping.

Average customer rating:

Succinct description of simple/powerful tools & methods
Quick review

Business Process Improvement Toolbox
Bjorn Andersen
Manufacturer: ASQ Quality Press
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Quality Toolbox

ASIN: 0873894383

Book Description

What sets this book apart from others that explain individual improvement tools is the sequential organization and the integrated explanation for applying the tools. Using an overall process improvement framework the author groups the tools into a total approach, thereby helping you know when to use each tool and for what purpose. Every single tool includes an example of its use along with ready-to-use templates for matrices, forms, and charts so you can start using the tools right away. Business Process Improvement Toolbox starts by explaining all overall process improvement framework, presents the tools in sequence for this framework, and then concludes with one over-arching case demonstrating the use of all the tools in a concerted effort. As a result, you'll learn how tools fit together and how they can be used in a coherent process improvement system. The author focuses on providing clear, step-by-step instructions and describes an improvement process that can be used in real life.

Customer Reviews:

Succinct description of simple/powerful tools & methods.......2001-06-20

This is a small, information-packed book that contains a collection of tools and techniques, and an overreaching method.

The tools are standard TQM and process improvement implements, and are augmented by forms and templates that anyone who is tackling process improvement can quickly put to good use. These tools are classified by use: problem identification, analysis, brainstorming and consensus, etc. The author shows not only when, but how to effectively use the tools, and gives clear examples.

The overreaching method that is communicated in this book is: (1) when possible perform improvement activities in parallel, (2) activities that are sequenced can often be improved by examining the sequence and determining if it can be changed to promote greater efficiency (and reduce cycle time), and (3) pay attention to process flow and look for barriers and interruptions that need to be removed.

I like this book because it is short and to the point, is densely packed with information (even if a lot of it has been published elsewhere), and the author's approach which is to pay attention to seemingly minor details and perform rigorous analysis using the easy-to-use tools he provides in this book.

Quick review.......2000-05-03

Very interesting book, I think needs more practical cases.

Creating a World Class Organization: Ten Performance Measures of Business Success (Kogan Page Professional Paperback Series)

Average customer rating:

a clear aproach of world class

Creating a World Class Organization: Ten Performance Measures of Business Success (Kogan Page Professional Paperback Series)
Bryan D. Prescott
Manufacturer: Kogan Page
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Total Quality Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

New Business Enterprises | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0749425830

Customer Reviews:

a clear aproach of world class.......2000-03-27

This give us a clear and focused point of view of what is necessary for to adopt world class in our daily duties, and said us that in in our dinamically contantly changing world our unique option is improved everything every day.

The fierce competition beetwen companies impulse her to adopt a customer-centered strategy based on investment in people, loyalty among customers, holders, employees and technology in order to achieve a world class standard of performance.

Editors aid, that a world class organization, is a organization viewed from a standard that involves a comprise to improve and this will be related with details required to become a world class organization, this book is based in self assessment questionairres for help our management to identify performance deficiencies and prepare a performance profile that can be used to decide activities, devise action improvements and monitor and evaluate progress towards the achievement of world class standards, I think that tis book is useful for every employee in a corporation, making desition, now is a shared process, this is the brand of world class organization.

More importat comprise is without a complete insight don't try to learn more, is try to understand, how we can use our tools?, and understand what is the basis related with sucess, and what part of the other experience will be useful for us.

If you don't try to catch this method you will be lost in this changing world.

Total Improvement Management: The Next Generation in Performance Improvement
Average customer rating:

One of the best overall business improvement book ever

Making Sense out of Improvement Initiatives

Total Improvement Management: The Next Generation in Performance Improvement
H. James Harrington , and James S. Harrington
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Quality Control | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Total Quality Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Business Process Improvement: The Breakthrough Strategy for Total Quality, Productivity, and Competitiveness

Business Process Improvement Workbook: Documentation, Analysis, Design, and Management of Business Process Improvement

The Basics of Process Mapping

Business Process Change: A Manager's Guide to Improving, Redesigning, and Automating Processes (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Data Management Systems)

Process Mapping, Process Improvement and Process Management

ASIN: 0070267707

Book Description

Readers will get spectacular results by following Harrington's basic principles and step-by-step plan for achieving total improvement management. First, he shows how to integrate the four competing methodologies of total technology management, total quality management, total productivity management, and total cost management. Balancing each of these factors results in solid business decisions on where to spend limited resources to ensure long-term results. Next, he puts his total improvement management (TIM) pyramid into action in 15 steps that illustrate how to: Obtain upper management commitment and participation; Construct a strong business plan; Develop a customized 3-year improvement plan out of a clear vision statement; Establish process improvement teams; Upgrade systems to prevent problems before they occur; Motivate through employee recognition programs; And more! Armed with these tools, managers will be able to coordinate the many, often conflicting, improvement efforts going on in today's organizations--thereby achieving total improvement management and renewed customer loyalty. It's a goal that American business can't afford to miss, especially in today's highly competitive global marketplace.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best overall business improvement book ever.......2007-08-22

I'm wondering why this book only has one reader (now two) rating it 5 stars.

I've read scores of books about business improvement but most if not all of them focus only in one knowledge area, e.g., The Goal/Question/Metric
Method; Operational Performance Measurement: Increasing Total Productivity; Real Process Improvement Using the CMMI, and others.

I'm still on page 216 as of August 22, 2007 but I don't have to wait to finish this book to say that it's good. The author is the kind of person that leaves no doubt that he knows what he's talking about because I've experienced the same situations - positive and negative - he described in the book. For example, we had a former president who wanted us to be assessed at CMMI Level 2 because it will attract more customers. When he found out how much it would costs, CMMI suddenly slowly became history and we had to find another way to 'improve' which costs less or at no cost (Hello?). In page 187, he actually listed the reasons why organizations get certified (assessed or whatever) and my above example is #3, market advantage.

Most important of all is that he doesn't take an atomistic but rather a holistic approach to business improvement. He stressed the cliche, 'a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.' All the good intentions in the world like 5S can fall like a deck of cards when just one manager's desk looks like a garbage dump.

I only have one complaint though and it's about the book's reference to an article written in Wall Street about China shooting 18 factory managers and workers for shipping poor quality refrigerators. I Googled for it and it seems it was just a prank or hoax article similar to the North Korean's leader destroying the moon. I understand that this book was written in 1995 and it was probably an honest mistake to believe the article was factual. But this doesn't take away from my 5-star rating.

Making Sense out of Improvement Initiatives.......2000-09-10

Harrington does an excellent job of presenting a methodology to understand how all of those improvement 'flavors-of-the-month' can actually work TOGETHER to obtain that rosetta stone business strives for - synergy - in seeking improvement. The book is very well written, easy to understand, and will serve well as both a strategy book and a reference to keep handy when one more 'initiative' arises the next month. Well worth the money. His work makes sense out of improvement intiatives.

40 Tools for Cross Functional Teams (Tool Navigator)

Average customer rating:

A TREASURE TROVE OF TEAM BUILDING TOOLS!

40 Tools for Cross Functional Teams (Tool Navigator)
Michalski
Manufacturer: Productivity, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Workplace | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Quality Control | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Cross- Functional Teams: Working with Allies, Enemies, and Other Strangers (JOSSEY-BASS BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT SERIES)
The Basics of Cross-Functional Teams
From Cross Purposes to Cooperation: The Ten Factors that Unify a Cross-Functional Team
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

ASIN: 1563271982

Book Description

Cross-functional teams, that is, teams comprised of members from different departments, are an essential element in developing a world class organization. Yet anyone who has tried to build effective cross-functional teams knows that they often fade away; they lack the tools, training, and motivation that would enable them to tackle more challenging tasks.

In 40 Tools for Cross-Functional Teams: Building Synergy for Breakthrough Creativity, Walter Michalski cuts through the tangled thicket of team literature to give us a focused and comprehensive guide to building and sustaining cross-functional teams. This book will teach you everything you need to know about cross-functional teams. The author provides 40 carefully selected tools arranged in eight process stages, including getting cross-functional teams up and running, developing synergy/consensus, creatively solving problems, and recognizing and rewarding teams.

An engaging book with clear illustrations, 40 Tools for Cross-Functional Teams is based on the same user friendly design of the Tool Navigator's Master Guide for Teams. Each tool is presented in a two or three page spread describing the tool, its function, method for implementation, and example of the tool in use. These 40 tools will assist any company in the creation of cross-functional teams to compete in today's team based corporate environment.

Included are discussions of:

Why teams fail and tips for assuring team success.
Cross-functional teams and how to form them.
Forming a cross-functional Six Sigma Team.
Team communications and cross-functional synergy.
Recognizing and rewarding your teams.

Also by Walter J. Michalski:

40 Top Tools for Manufacturers: A Guide for Implementing Powerful Improvement Activities

Customer Reviews:

A TREASURE TROVE OF TEAM BUILDING TOOLS!.......1999-04-09

This is a highly useful book that presents forty training and development tools, arranged in eight process stages covering initiating cross-functional teams, developing synergy and consensus, creatively solving problems, and recognizing and rewarding teams. The author describes the functions and methods for implementation of each tool, along with an illustration. Lots of illustrations and charts. A solid team-building resource. Reviewed by Yvette Borcia, co-founder, Stern & Associates, co-author of Stern's Sourcefinder The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and Stern's Compensation and Benefits SourceFinder.

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