This book focusses on the importance of creating an internal assessment program to periodically assess the maturity of the organizations transformation journey. It discusses the best approach to designing and implementing an assessment program by answering key questions posed when people resist. The book begins with selecting the positioning of the program not as an audit but as an opportunity to review strengths and opportunities, through to selecting senior leader support to design of the program and developing the assessors. More than 10 case studies are documented to show how organizations have approached their assessment programs, lessons learned, and successes and challenges faced. The book leads the reader through the process of selling the concept and importance of transformation and Lean assessments to embed the desired behaviors within workplace culture. With many case studies, the reader is guided to design their own programs and develop their own assessors. This increases the probability of sustainability of the transformation program by focusing on and maturing the behaviors the transformation programs are trying to drive. For example, one of the most well-known assessments is the Shingo prize -- This book explains the thinking behind the Shingo model and shares examples of assessments that support it. Other examples of assessments are covered, such as process maturity, quality and business assessments.

This book focusses on the importance of creating an internal assessment program to periodically assess the maturity of the organizations transformation journey. It discusses the best approach to designing and implementing an assessment program by answering key questions posed when people resist. The book begins with selecting the positioning of the program not as an audit but as an opportunity to review strengths and opportunities, through to selecting senior leader support to design of the program and developing the assessors. More than 10 case studies are documented to show how organizations have approached their assessment programs, lessons learned, and successes and challenges faced. The book leads the reader through the process of selling the concept and importance of transformation and Lean assessments to embed the desired behaviors within workplace culture. With many case studies, the reader is guided to design their own programs and develop their own assessors. This increases the probability of sustainability of the transformation program by focusing on and maturing the behaviors the transformation programs are trying to drive. For example, one of the most well-known assessments is the Shingo prize -- This book explains the thinking behind the Shingo model and shares examples of assessments that support it. Other examples of assessments are covered, such as process maturity, quality and business assessments.

To succeed, an organization must cultivate management systems that effectively align their work and behaviors with principles and direction. These systems should be simple, comprehensible, actionable, and standardized. Establishing alignment in every value stream of an organization will ultimately create value for their customers and produce the desired results. This alignment stems from an understanding of why an organization exists, where it is going, and how it will get there. Enterprise Alignment and Results guides readers to their goal of enterprise-wide alignment by providing a deeper look at the Shingo Model. This book builds upon the previous books in the Shingo Model Series by continuing to define ideal behaviors and the systems that drive them and increasing understanding of fundamental beliefs and how to use behavioral benchmarks. As readers examine the principles of "Create Constancy of Purpose," "Think Systemically," and "Create Value for the Customer," they will gain a deeper knowledge of the relationship between behaviors, systems, and principles. This knowledge will foster an understanding of how to create alignment within their organizations, thereby increasing the consistency of delivering ideal results.

For young bird-watchers and enthusiasts of the natural world comes a unique, surprising and beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book about these fascinating birds. Whatever the changing seasons and evolving world presents to the crow, they use their adaptability, discerning memory and crafty problem-solving techniques to overcome every possible hurdle. Young readers will be bowled over by these unassuming creatures they come across every day, and will find a new-found respect for the birds that are smart, clever, crafty and playful, just like them. This original and accessible Nature Storybook will astonish children and grown-ups alike and will be a book to remember and share with friends.

"Stunning pictures and engaging words. . . . An accomplished entree
to early science topics." -- Booklist (starred review)
Dive into the warm ocean and swim around amid the coral and waving sea grass. Do you see an eye like a small black bead peering out at you? Linger for a while and discover the secrets of the sea horse - one of the shyest fish in the sea. With a head like a horse, a tail like a monkey, and a pouch like a kangaroo, the sea horse acts like a chameleon, changing color to ward off danger or to show that he and his mate are a lifelong pair. Watch their fascinating mating dance, as the two of them twine their tails together and twirl, before she places her eggs in his pouch to be born. Could there be a more intriguing creature of the sea?

"Equally informative and appetite-whetting." -- "The Horn Book"
One of the best parts of a young child's day is opening a lunchbox and diving in. But how did that delicious food get there? From planting wheat to mixing dough, climbing trees to machine-squeezing fruit, picking cocoa pods to stirring a vat of melted bliss, here is a clear, engaging look at the steps involved in producing some common foods. Health tips and a peek at basic food groups complete the menu.

Dive into the ocean and discover one of the shyest fish in the sea - the seahorse! In the warm ocean, among the waving sea grass meadows, an eye like a small black bead is watching the fish dart by. Who does it belong to? Seahorse! Dive into the magical, underwater realm of one of the shyest fish of all! Discover the secrets of a seahorse's life-cycle, and find out about its food, its habitat, and how it is the dad, not the mum, who gives birth to their babies! Made in consultation with seahorse expert Colin Wells of Plymouth Marine Aquarium, this book contains accurate information suitable for classroom projects and activities.

A look at some everyday foods - bread, cheese, tomatoes, fruit - addressing where they come from and the processes that bring them from the field, the cow, the tree ... to your lunchbox! Who made the bread for your sandwich? What about the cheese inside? Who picked the fruit? And where did the chocolate in your biscuit come from? Just how did all that delicious food get into your lunchbox? This stylish and funny book takes the reader on a tasty journey to find answers to all these questions and more, from farms, orchards and factories and right across the world. With nutrition plate and food facts, this is a fun and informative look at food and food production.

A very young non-fiction picture book that looks at how a tree changes with the seasons, with charming illustrations by Charlotte Voake.

Learn how a plum tree changes with the seasons in this charming non-fiction picture book, beautifully illustrated by Charlotte Voake. Chris Butterworth's gentle, lyrical text describes how the buds of the plum tree bloom in the spring and how its leaves grow green and lush in the summer. Time goes by, and soon we see those same leaves fall in the autumn – now the branches are bare for the cold winter-months. With exquisite watercolour illustrations by Charlotte Voake, this is a book to treasure.