Dont Blame The Tools

Those managing organisations are often criticised for being ‘faddish’ in their use of new management ideas or innovations, too easily falling into the trap of adopting the latest new idea or concept because it is ‘flavour of the month’. This research-based report presents an in-depth account and analysis of the adoption and implementation of two popular large-scale managerial innovations in four different organisations. It provides case studies of actual adoption and implementation of the balanced scorecard and programme/project management offices. The study explores the reasons for the adoption of the innovations and how these reasons shape implementation success. The report also provides examples of good practice that practising managers use to improve the implementation of new management practices in their own organisations. Presents an original research-based study that explores the reasons why organisations adopt new management practices (e.g. balanced scorecard and programme/project management offices) Links the reasons for adoption with the success of implementation Provides examples of good practice that can improve the implementation of new management practices in organisations

As a member of the board of directors of several major international financial services corporations, Patricia Pitcher was in a privileged position to observe the inner workings of the corporate world. What she witnessed was a crisis of leadership rooted in a misunderstanding of what leading is all about. Not content to simply offer an opinion-opinions come cheap-she embarked on an eight-year research project to document the reasons for the rapid collapse of a global giant. That collapse, she shows us, began with one critical succession error and was compounded by a chronic failure to understand the importance of personality in the leadership equation. One wrong person at the helm turned a dream into a nightmare. In The Drama of Leadership, Patricia Pitcher shares her findings and, in the process, explodes a number of popular myths about leadership, including the one that leadership and vision are qualities that can be taught in management seminars. She refutes the common belief that leaders are in short supply and proves that the corporate talent pool abounds with potential leaders whose talents either go unrecognized or are tragically undervalued. And she explains why, at a time when vision, innovation, humanity, and passion are so desperately needed, so many companies cast in leadership roles people who possess none of these qualities, and who distrust anyone who does. But who are the good and bad leaders, and how do you identify them? In answer to this question, Patricia Pitcher identifies three types of leaders: Artists, who are people-oriented, open-minded, intuitive, and visionary; Craftsmen, to whom the adjectives "humane," "dedicated," and "wise" best apply; and Technocrats - brilliant and well-schooled in the latest theory, they are detail-oriented, rigid, methodical, self-centered, and, when left in control, pose a serious threat to corporate competitiveness. The power struggles between these types are dramas being played out in companies everywhere. Whether the story has a happy or an unhappy ending depends entirely upon which type gets top billing. The author also offers her wise recommendations on what companies can do to protect themselves against a technocratic hegemony and how to cultivate the talents of Artists and Craftsmen. She also tells you how to determine what type of leader you are and how to interact with other types to achieve both personal and corporate success. The Drama of Leadership is an articulate, insightful, passionate appeal to develop the kind of leaders and organizations that can take us into the twenty-first century.

Written by the founder and executive director of the Quality Assurance Institute, which sponsors the most widely accepted certification program for software testing Software testing is a weak spot for most developers, and many have no system in place to find and correct defects quickly and efficiently This comprehensive resource provides step-by-step guidelines, checklists, and templates for each testing activity, as well as a self-assessment that helps readers identify the sections of the book that respond to their individual needs Covers the latest regulatory developments affecting software testing, including Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404, and provides guidelines for agile testing and testing for security, internal controls, and data warehouses CD-ROM with all checklists and templates saves testers countless hours of developing their own test documentation Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

This text comprises a comprehensive handbook pertaining to the designing and making of vintage lamps and light fixtures. Complete with detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions for each piece, this text is perfect for both the amateur and seasoned designer alike, and is sure to be of interest to creative types with a penchant for handcrafting. The chapters of this book include: Electric Light Standards, Novelty Table Lamps, Walnut Table Lamp, Octagonal Table Lamp, Oak Table Lamp, Wood Turning-Boring Lamp Standards, Wood Turning, Vase Table Lamp... and many others. This antique book has been chosen for modern republication due to its timeless educational value, and we are proud to republish it now complete with a new introduction on making lampshades.

Preface Heavenly Stems endorsed the Year of Snake (2013), and the blossoming of the yellow chrysanthemum in autumn (fall) signifies celebration of the sages’ teachings.Many generations have come and gone, yet Dao, being eternal, has remained. One can recollect that Lao ji left West Valley, leaving behind 5,000 words that are still as alive as they were in the ancient times. Daoism texts, books and scriptures discuss a wide range of significant and insignificant topics, some of them barely. The content and context of these manuscripts have rarely been translated into other languages to benefit non-Chinese speaking people. It is heartening to know that one of my disciples Kerby Kuek, who is well-versed inthe Chinese metaphysics and is relentlessly pursing Dao, has authored this meaningful book after exhaustive research. This book will be released in the Year of Horse (2014) to benefit all mankind. Revered Master Lu Ju Planchette Writing (Fu Ji)-The Mystic Connection with the God 2013 Mid-autumn at Tse Nam Koon, Sheung Wan Hong Kong 華玉講堂志為揚理與振玄。 玄道合壹義理各彰者，講堂行事之宗旨矣。 宏揚玄學、儒釋道國學等道義。 設免費班，義書給有緣學生。 談經論道宣揚呂祖之九美、道祖之道德、孔聖之大仁及佛祖之慈悲！ 望世人能早覺悟！

An ordinary leader is someone who leads a small organization or team that is doing great things. They manage the majority of the world’s workforce, but they don’t lead large corporations or big government agencies. Ordinary leaders are rarely written about in books or quoted in magazines. They are, however, important. Maybe not globally, but in their own realm of influence, their leadership makes a difference. The term “ordinary” is also used to highlight the belief that no one ever arrives as a leader. In fact, if someone thinks of themselves as extraordinary, they will not be a very effective leader. Author Randy Grieser presents 10 key insights for building and leading a thriving organization. These are the principles he identifies as instrumental to success as a leader. Writing for leaders everywhere, he inspires, motivates, and explains how to make each insight a reality in your organization. Become a more passionate, productive, and visionary leader by exploring and embracing these 10 insights: Motivation and Employee Engagement: Organizations flourish when employees go beyond what is expected of them. Passion: A passionate, inspired workforce begins with the leader. Vision: Visionary leaders energize and inspire people to work towards a future goal. Self-Awareness: Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is vital for leading any organization. Talent and Team Selection: The right employees must, first and foremost, fit the workplace culture. Organizational Health: Employees are most engaged when leaders are committed to the emotional well-being of everyone. Productivity: Focusing on how and what things get done increases efficiency. Creativity and Innovation: Building processes for innovation puts creativity to work. Delegation: As you free up your time, you will also increase employee engagement. Self-Improvement: Personal development makes all the other principles easier to achieve. Also included are the perspectives of 10 ordinary leaders from a range of professions, survey feedback from over 1,700 leaders and employees, and a resource section that provides detailed guidance and examples for putting these ideas into action.

While the technology of filmmaking has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, the basics of effective studio gripping are the same-a thorough knowledge of equipment, safety, and tools remains the foundation for success. A heavily illustrated reference and learning tool, Uva's Basic Grip Book provides grounding in basic grip equipment, techniques, and safety issues. It distills the most beginner-friendly information offered in Uva's original Grip Book into a handy reference and guide prepared especially for the beginning professional. Updated with the latest studio grip equipment, the book also offers a complete list of personal grip tools that every grip should have, more than 100 tricks of the trade, and a review test designed to affirm new knowledge. Uva's Basic Grip Book also offers safety tips for gripping, detailed descriptions of positions within the grip department, and advice designed to help land that first job and get established in this very competitive industry. A fully updated and expanded glossary completes the book. Uva's Basic Grip Book covers beginners' most frequently asked questions and helps them to acquire basic skills. It also looks at the different positions within the grip department and offers helpful advice in getting that first job. Like its predecessor, Uva's Basic Grip Book is filled throughout with Tricks of the Trade, as well as tips on common practice and safety. An improved and expanded glossary completes the book.

Most of us want to be able to parent from a place of peace, no matter what is happening around us, no matter what struggles our children are having. Don't Fix Me I'm Not Broken, Changing Our Minds about Ourselves and Our Children takes us on a spiritual parenting journey to learn what it means to parent from love instead of fear.