The Triads are the Chinese secret societies that originated in the mythic Shaolin monastery, overthrew the Qing dynasty, evolved into organized crime syndicates and today dominate the international heroin trade. Their influence has spread worldwide through the Chinese diaspora. The symbol of the Triads is a triangle enclosing the characters for heaven, earth and man and membership involves the practice of complex rituals involving mystical and martial arts. This classic work is the definitive study of the history, symbols and secret rituals of the Triads. Beginning with the origins of the Triads, it describes and illustrates the initiation ritual of the mystical journey, secret signs and words, Triad slang, the rite of the magic mirror, the oath of blood brotherhood, the symbolic decoration of Triad temples, symbolic numbers, sacred colors, Triad magic, and the meaning of the many sacred objects and ceremonies at the heart of Triad practice in minute detail. The authors also compare the Chinese Triads with other secret societies and systems of belief including Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, and conclude that the Triad ritual is a potent mystical allegory with an immense power that can be used for good or ill.

First published in 2006. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The second edition of "Benefits Management" has been updated with current examples, further insights from experience and recent research. It shows how the enduring challenges achieving business value from information systems and technology projects can be addressed successfully. The approach, which is synthesized from best practices, sound theories and proven techniques from a range of management disciplines, is exemplified from the authors' extensive experience of working with a wide range of organizations. The book includes examples from a wide variety of projects including non-IT projects. The book is written in an accessible style, ideal for practicing managers, and includes check lists and templates for using the processes, tools and techniques and real-life case studies of their application and impacts.

The book now also includes: International survey results that reinforce the importance of the topic, the key management issues and evidence of how the more successful organizations' practices are closely aligned with those described in the book.A Benefits Management Maturity diagnostic which enables organizations to understand the reasons for their current investment success levels and then how to increase them.Discussion of the role and contribution Project Management Offices (PMOs): how they can improve the delivery of value IT projects.Further practical advice and guidance on Program and Portfolio Management, including findings from the authors' recent research in several large organizations.