The Complete Guide to Systems Thinking & Learning Review

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The Complete Guide to Systems Thinking & Learning ReviewI purchased this book based on the reviews and have found it very disappointing. A real waste of money.
I have been following "Systems" since my father first taught me about them in the '60s. He was an early adopter of systems from computer and management viewpoints.
I find Mr. Haines book simplistic and inaccurate. It is hardly a prime addition to the Systems literature in any field.
It may have practical applications and it is nicely formated with lovely charts and graphs - but that's just bells and whistles.
If you are a Management type and can write it off buy it, otherwise - don't waste your money.The Complete Guide to Systems Thinking & Learning OverviewThe Complete Guide to Systems Thinking and Learning uses the Systems Thinking ApproachTM to guide transformation change in our personal lives and organizations. Systems Thinking was first popularized in 1990 by Peter Senge with his best-selling book, The Fifth Discipline. Unlike Analytical Thinking where the parts are primary and the whole is secondary, in Systems Thinking, the whole is primary and the parts are secondary. The Complete Guide to Systems Learning & Thinking explains how to use simple concepts and specific tools to move you from theory to practice and from chaos and complexity to elegant simplicity. This book will enable you to make the shift from seeing elements, structures, and functions to seeing the process, interrelationship, and outcomes.

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Alpha Teach Yourself Project Management (Alpha Teach Yourself in 24 Hours) Review

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Alpha Teach Yourself Project Management (Alpha Teach Yourself in 24 Hours) ReviewThis is a well written, very thorough book on an important topic. Project management can be dry (as my students will attest), but the clear writing, numerous examples, various kinds of sidebars, and case studies, make it interesting. The sidebars include FYI's, "Just a minute" advice, cautions, time savers, and "go to" cross references. The book is well organized, carefully covering the basics then moving through starting a project, developing, executing, controlling, and closing it out. It includes chapters on project management software, and she even includes a section on celebrating the end of a project with pizza and wings. Talk about being thorough!
The book was written primarily for self-education (the title is "Teach Yourself" ...), but it would serve equally well as the textbook in a project management course, or as a supplement in a systems analysis course.
Personally, I do not care for the "24 hour" idea, with the topics indicated by Hour 1, Hour 2, etc., but that artifact can be ignored.Alpha Teach Yourself Project Management (Alpha Teach Yourself in 24 Hours) OverviewA structured tutorial for learning how to organize, estimate, build and manage a complex project.-- Excellent use of the proven Teach Yourself in 24 Hours format, giving readers a one-hour lesson for each major portion of project management.-- Author is an experienced trainer and writer as well as an expert in software and other tool-based methods of project management.-- Covers the project in a chronological fashion going in-depth to each stage including the traditional and technical methods of tracking.--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Applied Software Product Line Engineering Review

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Applied Software Product Line Engineering ReviewThe authors of this book represent an all-star lineup of the best of the best in the Software Product Line Engineering (SPLE) field. They do a great job of providing a snapshot of the current SPLE best practices in the industry today.
Each chapter is written by a different author, or team of authors. This leads to some different perspectives on SPLE. This works for this type of book, but it does provide a conflict in the points of view taken in certain chapters. If you have experience with SPLE this shouldn't be an issue because you will already understand what those different views are, but for someone with little or no experience this could cause confusion. I found none of the points of view wrong, just different. Different domains require, and provide for, different approaches.
I recommend this book to those that are experienced as a guide to the evolution of the topics covered, and to the beginner I would use it as a road map of topics you should learn more about in order to get the full understanding behind each chapter. Each chapter provides an excellent reference section.
I would suggest also reading the following books. They provide more information about the material covered in some of the chapters.
"Software Product Lines: Practices and Patterns" is mentioned several places in the book. It is key to getting a more in-depth look at the 29 practice areas and the patterns that help to apply them.
"Designing Software Product Lines with UML: From Use Cases to Pattern-Based Software Architectures" goes in-depth into the use of Product Line UML based Software engineering (PLUS). UML and PLUS are mentioned several places in the book. PLUS is what I use when I build a software product line. I have created a UML stereotype in SPARX EA which you can download. Just google "UML STATIC MODELING IN PRODUCT LINE ENGINEERING (PLE) with SPARX EA".
The table of contents is below.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND MANAGERIAL ISSUES
Software Product Line Engineering: Overview and Future Directions
A Roadmap for Software Product Line Adoption
New Methods behind a New Generation of Software Product Line Successes
Evaluating Product Family Development Using the Balanced Scorecard Approach
Product Management for Software Product Lines: An Overview
METHODOLOGIES AND PROCESSES
A Systems Product Line Approach
Adoption of Software Product Lines to Develop Autonomic Pervasive Systems
Development of a Software Product Line for Validation
Environments
Building a Family of Compilers
Formal Verification and Software Product Lines
TECHNICAL ISSUES
Multiple-View Requirements Models for Software Product Line Engineering
Managing Flexibility and Variability: A Road to Competitive Advantage
Feature Oriented Analysis and Design for Dynamically
Reconfigurable Product Lines
Separating Application and Security Concerns in Modeling
Software Product Lines
Architecture as Language
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES AND CASE STUDIES
Management and Financial Controls of a Software Product Line Adoption
Efficient Scoping with CaVE: A Case Study
Model-Driven, Aspect-Oriented Product Line Engineering: An Industrial Case Study
Evaluation of Design Options in Embedded Automotive Product Lines
Product Line in the Business Process Management Domain
I found the material covered to all be of great value. There are a lot of great case studies through out the book beyond the section of chapters that cover case studies. They help to take the practices covered from theory to reality.
My biggest pain point with this book is the index. It is just down right sad. I am not going to ding the book for something technical the editors missed. I have been very tempted to grab an electronic version to make up for its weakness', although I have not seen one for sale.
All in all if you are involved with Software Product Line Engineering at all, this is a mandatory read. Software Product Line Engineering is an evolving field and this book brings us up to date on the evolution of the field.
Applied Software Product Line Engineering OverviewOver the last decade, software product line engineering (SPLE) has emerged as one of the most promising software development paradigms for increasing productivity in IT-related industries. Detailing the various aspects of SPLE implementation in different domains, Applied Software Product Line Engineering documents best practices with regard to system development. Expert contributors from academia and industry come together and focus on core asset development, product development, and management, addressing the process, technical, and organizational issues needed to meet the growing demand for information. They detail the adoption and diffusion of SPLE as a primary software development paradigm and also address technical and managerial issues in software product line engineering. Providing an authoritative perspective of the latest research and practice in SLPE, the text:Presents in-depth discussions and many industry / case studies Covers applications in various domains including automotive, business process management, and defenseOrganized according to the organizational, process, and technical aspects of software product lines within an organizationProvides the expertise of a distinguished panel of global contributorsEver-increasing global competition coupled with a fragile world economy means that the pressure is on for software engineers and software process improvement professionals to find ways to meet the needs of expanding markets-with greater efficiency and effectiveness. This book arms readers with the insight needed to harness the power of SPLE to increase productivity, reduce time to market, and to handle the growing diversity in the quickly evolving global marketplace.

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A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide): 2000 Edition Review

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A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide): 2000 Edition ReviewI found having the PMBOK in Adobe Acrobat format to be a real convenience and prefer it to the paper version. Note: while you can download a copy of this document from PMI's web site, it's a preview version that is missing chapters 2, 4-12 and appendices A through F. Therefore, if you need a copy of the PMBOK 2000 version your options are to purchase either the CD ROM or the book.
PMI has put a lot of work into this version. Compared to the 1996 version this one reads better, shows clearer relationships between knowledge areas, and has been greatly expanded in some of the knowledge areas - most notably risk management and earned value project management. The CD ROM version that I am reviewing has additional refinements that make this media easier to work with. The 1996 version in electronic format was a collection of standalone Adobe Acrobat files, this version is a single Acrobat file that makes good use of Acrobat's navigation features.
If your reason for buying the PMBOK 2000 is to prepare for the Project Management Professional certification you have two choices: CD ROM or book, because this is the primary source of test questions. Heed the previous reviewer's comments that the 2001 examinations will also use the 1996 version as a basis for test questions. If you are buying this book to implement project management processes that conform to the PMBOK and work in the computer industry I recommend that you also look at Information Technology Project Management by Kathy Schwalbe. That book presents a project management approach for IT projects that is closely aligned to the PMBOK.A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide): 2000 Edition OverviewA Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge(PMBOK Guide)– 2000 Edition is your basic reference and theworld's de facto standard for the project management profession. Itwas designated an American National Standard (ANSI/PMI 99-001-2000) bythe American National Standards Institute in March 2001.The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is an inclusive termthat describes the sum of knowledge within the profession of projectmanagement. The PMBOK Guide identifies and describes the subset ofprinciples and practices within the PMBOK that are generally acceptedand applicable to most projects most of the time. The guide alsoprovides a common lexicon for talking about projectmanagement. Project management is a relatively young profession, andwhile there is substantial commonality around what is done, there isrelatively little commonality in the terms used. An extensive glossaryfurther aids in standardizing definitions of the most importantconcepts, terms, and phrases.The Project Management Institute (PMI) uses the PMBOK Guide as oneof the references for the Project Management Professional (PMP)Certification Examination. Major revisions and expansions of thisedition include:• Aligned newly added processes, tools, and techniques with the five project processes and nine knowledge areas. For example, reserve time, variance analysis, and activity attributes were added to Chapter 6 (Project Time Management); estimating publications and earned value were added to Chapter 7 (Project Cost Management); and project reports, project presentations, and project closure were added to Chapter 10 (Project Communications Management).• Added a section in Chapter 2 to acknowledge the role of the Project Office; expanded the treatment of earned value management in Chapter 4 and Chapter 10; and added a brief discussion of the Theory of Constraints in Chapter 6.• Expanded Chapter 11 (Project Risk Management) to include six processes instead of the previous four: Risk Management Planning, Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, RiskQuantification, Risk Response Planning, and Risk Monitoring and Control.• Strengthened the linkage between organizational strategy and project management throughout. The PMBOK Guide is one of those indispensable tools that you will want at your fingertips, both at work and in your home office. Selected as a suggested resource for CAPM, CAQ Automotive Product Development, CAQ Capital Projects, CAQ Information Technology Systems, CAQ Information Technology Networking, and CAQ Project Management Office exam preparation. Look for official translations in 8 languages:• Chinese• Spanish• Portuguese• French• German• Italian• Japanese• Korean

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Software Engineering, The Supporting Processes (Practitioners) (Volume 2) Review

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Software Engineering, The Supporting Processes (Practitioners) (Volume 2) ReviewThis is just photocopies of old published papers that your instructor could find for free on the net. What a waste of money.Software Engineering, The Supporting Processes (Practitioners) (Volume 2) OverviewThis second volume of the Software Engineering tutorial, Third Edition includes reprinted and newly authored papers that describe the software engineering supporting life cycle processes. This volume details the supporting life cycle processes that developers need to employ and execute in the engineering of software products. This required support plays an integral part and has a distinct purpose that affects the overall success and quality of the software project. This book helps prepare individuals to take the examination required by the IEEE Computer Society to achieve the status of Certified Software Development Professional (described at www.computer.org/certification).
This Third Edition differs from the earlier editions in that it supports both the new 2004 version as well as the older 2001 version of the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge (SWEBOK), and that many of the newly authored papers were tailored after and support the corresponding chapter from SWEBOK 2004. In fact, some of the authors of the tailored papers also wrote the corresponding SWEBOK 2004 knowledge area.
The supporting processes covered in this book include documentation, configuration management, quality assurance, verification and validation, and review and audit processes. In addition, this tutorial covers the four processes of the organizational life cycle. These are used to establish and implement an underlying structure made up of associated life cycle processes and personnel that will continuously improve upon the structure and process of the project. These organizational processes are management, infrastructure, improvement, and training.
Each chapter in this volume starts by introducing the subject, supporting papers, and standards. The backbone for this publication is IEEE/EIA Standard 12207-1997, Standard for Information Technology-Software Life Cycle Processes.
Contents:
Software Engineering Supporting Processes
Software Configuration Management
Software Verification and Validation Processes
Software Quality Assurance Process
Software Reviews and Audits Processes
Software Documentation Process
Management Process
Infrastructure Process
Improvement and Training Processes
Appendices


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The Performance Consultant's Fieldbook, includes a Microsoft Word diskette: Tools and Techniques for Improving Organizations and People Review

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The Performance Consultant's Fieldbook, includes a Microsoft Word diskette: Tools and Techniques for Improving Organizations and People ReviewJudith Hale is a proven professional in the field of human performance consulting, and in this book she generously shares her depth of knowledge and experience. Most valuable, I think, she accurately portrays the potentially overwhelming complexity that is characteristic of effectiveness in (a) assessing human performance levels, (b) diagnosing prevailing barriers to higher levels of performance, and (c) designing and delivering "whole system" interventions that can achieve the desired improvements. She also speaks candidly about the crucial relationship and alchemy that must exist between consultant and (manager/executive) client.
Judith has developed numerous tools and techniques to aid her in her own consulting work, and she presents many of them in this book in the context of her full and accurate perspective of effective human performance consulting in action. Even professionals that have been working in this field for years will find tools and techniques that can enhance their work.
I have put this book to the test as a "tool for learning" and I works beautifully. As a 20-year veteran consultant in this field, with much of my current work focused on developing new candidates to do this important work, I have used Judith's book as required pre-reading and as a tool for facilitating workshop activities. It has become required reading for all serious learners, and a regular part of our development programs. I heartily give The Performance Consultant's Fieldbook "two thumbs up."The Performance Consultant's Fieldbook, includes a Microsoft Word diskette: Tools and Techniques for Improving Organizations and People OverviewA career guide and a reference tool--in a single source!Internal or external consultant, novice or expert, you've probably heard about performance consulting, a high-impact approach that blAnds old-fashioned facilitation skills with cutting-edge process and outcome analysis. You want to gain the expertise necessary to identify why an organization is out of alignment, what interventions will correct these problems, and how you can measure your consulting success.Everyone in the performance improvement industry should have a copy of [Hale's] book sitting on their desk for easy reference at all times.--Gwen Nichols-White, training manager, Siemens Medical SystemsThis remarkable book is your skill-builder and resource guide. The step-by-step Fieldbook shows you how to make the professional transition to a performance consulting career.You'll use this guide to: Define and describe your consulting skills Determine the costs and measure the effectiveness of your consulting process And much more!Hale has done an outstanding job in this book of contributing to everyone's use of performance technology.--Danny Langdon, president, Performance InternationalThe Fieldbook details the techniques you need to conduct performance interventions and offers a customizable collection of worksheets, flowcharts, planning guides, and job aids. You'll use these resources to structure your presentations, to ensure clear communication, and to build client confidence.Employees don't need to learn more; they need to perform better. And as a performance consultant armed with Hale's Fieldbook, you will have the tools you need to effect measurable enhancements in performance.Make the transition to performance consultant today!The Fieldbook enables you to:Analyze an organizational environmentDiagnose performance problemsIdentify barriers to performanceSelect appropriate interventionsMeasure intervention success...and much more!

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