Anyone who has ever played an organized sport knows that in order to beat your opponent, you not only need to have a good team and proven skills but you also need to have a game plan or strategy BEFORE you enter the game. The same is true in the game of life and this is especially true with regards to those situations that look like they could ruin you financially, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. A lot of self-help books offer you prosperity training or financial planning training, but very few, if any, offer you training on how to prepare-for-the-worst that could come your way. This book, I believe, will offer you a game plan in this area of preparing yourself for life-threatening and life-changing situations. A specific game plan that I use that has worked to prepare me to get through those worst-days-of-your life is simple and has only four parts to if. 1) Develop a Life Perspective as soon as you can. 2) View the situation in its proper perspective. reality of the present situation to take proactive steps to prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to carry you through the valley of the shadow of death. 4) Stay focused in time of trouble by learning and following the steps of how to deal with the End of Days moments.

One step above knowledge management systems are business intelligence systems. Their purpose is to give decision makers a better understanding of their organization's operations, and thus another way to outmaneuver the competition, by helping to find and extract the meaningful relationships, trends, and correlations that underlie the organization's operations and ultimately contribute to its success. Thierauf also shows that by tying critical success factors and key performance indicators into business intelligence systems, an organization's most important financial ratios can also be improved. Comprehensive and readable, Thierauf's book will advance the knowledge and skills of all information systems providers and users. It will also be useful as a text in upper-level courses covering a wide range of topics essential to an understanding of executive business systems generally, and specifically their creation and management.

The theme underlying Thierauf's unique text is that a thorough understanding of a company's operations is crucial if the company is to be moved to a higher level of competitive advantage. Although data warehousing, data mining, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and other electronic aids have been in place for at least a decade, it is the remarkable and unique capability of business intelligence systems to utilize them that has in turn revolutionized the ability of decision makers to find, accumulate, organize, and access a wider range of information than was ever before possible. Effective business intelligence systems give decision makers a means to keep their fingers on the pulse of their businesses every step of the way. From this it follows that they are thus able to develop new, more workable means to cope with the competition successfully. Comprehensive and readable, Thierauf's book will advance the knowledge and skills of all information systems providers and users. It will also be useful as a text in upper-level courses covering a wide range of topics essential to an understanding of executive business systems generally, and specifically their creation and management.

Written for the citizen consumer, healthcare professional and employer who asks: "What is health reform going to mean for me?" If you want to know more, this is the book for you. It is written in response to politicians attempting to hijack healthcare at the expense of the American people. As both a physician and economist, Dr. Smith plainly lays out the problems and real, workable solutions. With clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Smith has worked in every area of healthcare, from hospitals to insurance companies. She has seen what's worked and what hasn't in the United States, Europe and the Third World. The answers to how healthcare is actually delivered and where the money is really going will likely surprise you. If we are going to have a serious debate about healthcare, it is time for the American people, healthcare professionals and employers to fully understand and reclaim this most important issue.

Financials alone don't make an M&A deal work. Equally important is what's behind them--an organization's people. How to understand this reality and benefit from it is the thrust of this unusually comprehensive, practical, readable, but conceptually rigorous book. Daniel and Metcalf see HR executives as change agents during the delicate maneuverings before a deal is done, and then after, when it's time to tackle the fine-grained problems of integrating disparate corporate cultures and the people who vitalize them. They examine the recent and ongoing waves of mergers and acquisitions across industries, setting them in the broader context of organizational change. With concepts, theory, and real-life examples drawn from their long, impressive experience as consultants and corporate executives, Daniel and Metcalf provide step-by-step guidance through the stages common to all corporate combinations. They define and explain the roles to be played in the process by HR professionals and executives elsewhere in the organization, and show how, by interacting productively with each other, they will thus maximize the total contribution to the success of any corporate transaction.

This work is intended to raise the awareness level of all readers to the broad scope of taxes that we pay in a variety of forms to the federal, state and local governments in the United States. Most of the tax burdens that we live with are the result of our elected officials catering to special interest groups such as lobbyists, unions, major contributors and the like. Many social programs, including our entire education system, that are funded by our taxes in one form or another are loaded with scandal, abuse and waste. Regrettably, the majority of US citizens don't take the time or make any effort to develop a better understanding of how our tax dollars are raised by the different governmental bodies nor do they know where a substantial portion of the money is spent. This book makes an attempt to provide such basic information to the average taxpaying citizen about a broad range of taxes and fees we pay that have been worked into our lives by unchallenged legislation and related regulations. The cumulative effect of the current system, that has so invisibly emptied the pockets and pocket books of many, must be stopped. My hope is that every reader of this book will want to learn more and more about these tax abuses and other forms of widespread mismanagement and corruption on the part of our legislators that will motivate us all to put an end to their practices once and for all by taking their power from them.

In recent years, the media have been full of stories about ethical decline. Illegal dealings have been uncovered in the banking and savings and loan industries as well as the highest levels of Congress and government administration. Even television evangelism has been seriously tarnished by scandal. "Corporate Corruption" is the first wide ranging book to turn the spotlight on the unethical and illegal behavior of America's giant corporations and their executives: the prestigious Fortune 500. While avoiding the undignified zealotry of tabloid muck-raking, this well-researched volume explores corporate abuse and examines the disparity between the facts of corporate misconduct and the glowing image that advertising and other media portray of these corporations.

Marshall Clinard identifies the auto, oil, pharmaceutical, and defense industries as the major offenders. He devotes a chapter to each of these areas in addition to chapters on corporate violence, corporate bribery, and a final discussion of how to correct these widespread abuses. Although their massive productive capacities and innovative powers have contributed immeasurably to the high standard of living that many Americans enjoy, far too often corporations have abused the public trust, the people who use their products, their own employees and stockholders, the environment, and even the Third World that they profess to help. From illegally disposing of hazardous waste to defiance of health and safety standards to price-fixing, corporate violations cost hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of lives. The magnitude of their offenses becomes clear when one considers that a single corporate offense may run into millions of dollars in losses, while the average cost of a burglary is $600 and the average larceny $400. In some cases, the cost of a single case of corporate misconduct may exceed a billion dollars. Having published three earlier books on corporate misbehavior and having received two grants from the U.S. Department of Justice to make specific corporate studies, Clinard is well-qualified to bring insight, experience, and unblinking scrutiny to what he describes as a story that must be told. Corporate Corruption is a must for anyone concerned about the widespread breakdown of ethics in contemporary society and the role played by large corporations when they abuse their power. It is also of interest to persons involved in business management, complex organizations, criminology, general ethics, and, in fact, to any responsible customer.

"The Executive Search Collaboration" presents a new perspective on the single most critical function of any organization: finding, attracting, and retaining the well-qualified executives for key senior management openings. Written by leading executive search consultants and human resources executives, the book provides comprehensive coverage of the mechanics of business executive recruitment, focusing particularly on the interaction between corporate personnel professionals and the headhunters who serve them. Numerous examples drawn from real-life experiences enhance the detailed coverage of the entire search process--from the fundamental elements of choosing an executive search firm and interviewing candidates through complex and sensitive issues such as the recruitment of minorities and the international executive search.

Editor Jones-Parker's introduction sets the tone for the discussions that follow by providing an overview of the synergistic relationship between human resources professionals and executive search consultants. Part I, on the executive search process, includes chapters on the inner workings of the corporate personnel department and the typical high-level search firm as well as a chapter that goes behind the business headlines to reveal details of the most dramatic searches--those for top executives of large corporations. The second section provides a micro-view of the search business and covers the range of services consultants bring to their clients. Individual chapters address research, assessments, closure, and termination. The final section focuses on the three most dynamic areas of the search collaboration: minorities and women, executive recruitment by and for the Federal government, and the globalization of the executive search. The concluding chapter features a dialogue between a senior human resources executive and an experienced search consultant which addresses key issues for the future. Managers and executives on both sides of the executive search collaboration--corporate human resources executives and their outside consultants--will find "The Executive Search Collaboration" an indispensable and addition to their professional libraries.

Every organization is looking for ways to improve employee participation, loyalty and engagement; which most scholars believe could help with the organization' performance. We all know that leading with character is a good management skill for any leader that wants to be successful and effective. In this book, the following are seen as some characteristic behaviors that could distinguish a competitive and skillful leaders from others. When you are visible in the organization, know how to handle diversity, set expectations and most importantly know how to communicate and listen to your customers and employees, the result is always good for the organization. People begin to feel valued, respected and their sense of belonging begins to improve. The impact of employee feelings and perceptions will be seen on how they feel about the organization in general. The importance of good leadership on organization's performance and productivity is unquestionable and should be a driving force for leaders to demonstrate behaviors that are essential and productive.

Do you ever feel tired of everyone wanting your money? Do you ever get frustrated from sorting through the many charity letters, requesting you for more money? Do you ever wonder if your donation really helps? If you answer yes, then you know the burdens that come from giving. Whether it is a small grassroots nonprofit in your hometown or national appeals on television to dial in your donation, then you understand that it takes wisdom and discernment to give responsibly. In today's world, the centrality of philanthropy is money, and specifically, your money is wanted. But what nonprofits need is not more money, but leadership. Philanthropic leadership is the tipping point if you are going to make a difference. Rather than raising more money, nonprofits need for you to rise up and lead. A philanthropic leader understands that money cannot and has not solved the world's gravest problems within the developing world, nor does it create sustainability. Yes, money pays bills and produces salaries, but at the end of the day, nonprofits need you and your leadership more than they need your money. In Everyone Wants Your Money, Dr. Keller draws from his own experience of giving millions of dollars to charities, to working alongside other philanthropists globally. Wrestling with the burdens of giving to celebrating the joys of being a blessing, Keller explores the many facets of giving. From true stories of giving to scenarios of the conventional, counter, and creative future of philanthropy, this book outlines the heart of the philanthropic leader. Since the heart of philanthropy, the etymology of philanthropy is love of mankind, then every philanthropic leader understands that love changes lives through personal relationships. It is not money that nonprofit organizations need, but you. Will you be a blessing by becoming a philanthropic leader?

Data have almost no value in and for themselves. What's important is how they are used to create the information one needs to make informed decisions, and this is particularly true in making marketing decisions. Thus, Samli's new book dwells on the art and science of information generation and on how to convert it to practical knowledge. Without information and knowledge, says Samli, the firm faces great risk in the marketplace and its survival probabilities in the long run are very low. Samli explains, first, the various data generating procedures, with special emphasis on data analysis, and second, the procedures for creating information out of data -- all in a clear, systematic presentation that marketing managers will understand and benefit from immediately. Their MIS colleagues, whose goal should be to make data and information decision-maker friendly, will also benefit. A unique, valuable book for both.

The problem is not information overload as some contend, says Samli, but data overload. Data have almost no value in and for themselves. What's important is how data are used to create the information marketers need in order to make knowledgeable decisions. Thus, Samli's newest book dwells on the art and science of information generation and on how to convert it to practical knowledge. Without information and knowledge -- and another essential ingredient, wisdom -- the firm faces great risk in the marketplace and its survival probabilities in the long run are very low, says the author.

Samli starts by presenting the key elements that contribute to an information gap in the use of data for marketing decisions. He describes the evolution of information in decision making, the distinction between data and information, and the reasons why data gathering and processing have become so sophisticated and difficult to use. Samli goes on to discuss data collecting techniques, the dimensions and uses of internal data and their parameters, and identifies the best but most underrated data gathering method: observation. Surveys, experimentation, and research are covered next, including attitude and motivation research, with a careful analysis of how the research operation, as well as its products, should be managed. He goes on to explain how information is elicited from data and how it should be used; then, the various control mechanisms for information systems overall, and ends with his own agenda for the improvement of the entire information-driven marketing decision process. A clear, systematic presentation that marketing managers, and their MIS colleagues (who appreciate the need to make data and information decision-maker friendly), will find valuable and immediately beneficial.

Don't Just Stand There - Sell Something is a thought-provoking and fun guide to sales and sales management. In his twenty-plus years in sales Stu Schlackman has worked with some of the best, and worst, sales managers around. In Don't Just Stand There - Sell Something, Stu draws on this experience to review the state of sales management today and applies his own critical perspective to the business of selling to businesses. Skills, Motivational Management, Attitude, Relationships and Thinking. Stu relates opinions, facts, stories and sound advice as he explains what works and what doesn't work; when to act, and when to stay out of the way; and how to build a team where everyone succeeds. exhibits the worst characteristics of the profession - the 'klink'. Klinks are sales managers who range in capability from inept to dangerous. They are useful - as a warning to others. everyone involved in business-to-business technology or solution sales at any level and in any industry.

In the typical organization, the procurement of maintenance, repair, operating and production supplies (MROP) represents only about 20% of the total spending for materials, but consumes about 80% of the time, effort and expense involved in the purchasing process. For many reasons, detailed in this book, very few organizations have properly analyzed and identified improvement potentials in MROP procurement beyond getting price quotes. The Author's experience with hundreds of entities over 50 years has demonstrated that cost savings in excess of 35% of MROP spending are obtainable without significant investment or risk. Applied to the estimated annual spend of $450 billion to $500 billion in the U.S. for MROP products, this equates to an astounding potential cost savings of $150 billion or more across the American economy. The 20% Solution shows in easy-to-absorb detail how to analyze, identify and obtain these savings within your organization. This book is written for those individuals responsible for indirect materials procurement in for-profit and non-profit entities, their suppliers, students and faculty of business and industrial technology and others seeking dramatic cost reduction opportunities in an often overlooked function.

Create Real Business Value through Utility Computing & Cloudsourcing - The sheer velocity of product lifecycles, customer transitions, globalization and price commoditization has made the majority of existing corporate IT platforms, organizations and methods obsolete. A massive knowledge and currency gap, combined with ridiculously high capital and operating expenditures are driving businesses into the ground, destroying them slowly from the inside out. IT organizations must undergo a pivotal transformation in operating culture, cost structure and delivery approach if the goal is to grow revenues and accelerate profits. In his book Cloud CIO Strategy, Bruce D'Sena provides context around these developments, and reveals in detail how Cloud service models and smart Cloudsourcing can help companies get ahead of the game.

The rise and fall of nations has been documented throughout history and is directly related to the values they possess. The Salt Factor brings a fresh perspective on the original mission and purpose of the church and her mandate to transform culture. No nation can be sustained without a value system, and there is no value system apart from Christ that is not faulty and subject to decay. This book expresses the mind of God for the 21st century church and causes the reader to revisit the mandate of the Great Commission, which is given to all Christians. Every nation is built upon seven structures and each of these structures must be built on the principles and values of the kingdom of Christ. Comparing the modern church to salt, as Jesus did in Scripture, this book examines its characteristics and presents a clear picture of the transformation the church should bring to the world. The Salt Factor will help you discover your place in society and demonstrate how to be an agent of change in the world around you.

Creating Sustainable Customer Value...The Positive Power of Strategic Management" is the culmination of 40 years of experience leading people and managing enterprises and projects. The author, Dr. Martin D. Pallante, spent more than 40 years in senior positions of sales, marketing and general management eventually rising to the position of President and CEO of a large, multi-national division of a New York Stock Exchange company. Pallante's division, with plants located across the globe, produced essential products and services for the plastics, rubber, metals, auto, glass and carbonated beverage industries. During his illustrious career, Pallante encountered many opportunities and challenges that not only tested his management and leadership capabilities but allowed him to develop a unique approach to management and leadership that is the centerpiece of this new strategic management initiative. Creating Sustainable Customer Value is a concise, direct to the point, step-by-step primer that is easily understood. Mastery of the teachings in this revolutionary management system will empower those who practice what this book teaches to achieve management and leadership success not previously thought possible. Written primarily for business owners and managers of small to medium sized enterprises whose budgets don't normally include funding for a strategic management department, the lessons taught in Creating Sustainable Customer Value can be successfully employed by organizations of all sizes, shapes and descriptions, both for profit and not-for-profit. Dr. Pallante wrote Creating Sustainable Customer Value...The Positive Power of Strategic Management in an easy-to-understand style that further enhances the readers ability to quickly master the subject matter. If you really want to simplify the planning process and create a fiscal strategic plan that will be a living, efficient document and the centerpiece of your annual business activities - make "Creating Sustainable Customer Value...The Positive Power of Strategic Management" the very next book you read

Anyone can be a quiet influencer. But not everyone knows how. "A tremendous and relevant read!" Stephen M. R. Covey, New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust Drawing on the enduring wisdom of the Buddha, Confucius, Rumi, Gandhi and others, The Art of Quiet Influence shows anyone, not just bosses, how to use influence without authority, a key mindfulness principle, to get things done at work and in life. Through the classic wisdom of 12 Eastern sages, relevant insights from influence research, and anecdotes and advice from 25 contemporary experts, Davis lays out a path for becoming a "mainspring," the unobtrusive yet powerful influencer first introduced in her book The Greats on Leadership. Organized around three core influence practices - Invite Participation, Share Power, and Aid Progress - readers will learn how to take mindfulness practice "out of the gym and onto the field," while gaining the confidence and practical know-how to be influential in whatever role they occupy.

Major players in the information and communication technology industries have used corporate venture capital, alliances, acquisitions, or spin-offs to achieve remarkable strategic self-renewal. Keil's succinct and readable account shows how. In-depth empirical research clarifies and emphasizes the role that external corporate venturing plays in the acquisition of knowledge and the advancement of corporate strategic capabilities. Keil explores the ways in which external corporate venturing creates access to other means of renewal, controls critical resources, and accelerates the overall growth of organizations.

Keil conceptualizes two main elements of the external venturing process. First, the creation of a shared context bridges the gap between the corporation and the community in which it resides, supporting knowledge transfer and the formation of cognitive intra-corporate frameworks. The second element is the efficient execution of relationships, which allows a rapid development of venturing opportunities. With case studies and lucid explanations, Keil shows how other corporations create and use a variety of connected learning processes to build their own venturing capabilities.