The analysis of social and public policy and professional practice has become increasingly theoretical in recent years. This volume draws together experienced practitioners and academics in social work, probation and counselling, as well as from other forms of legal and social practice, to better understand the relationship between theory, policy and practice. The contributors argue that the use of theory in studying policy and practice is overall a positive and necessary development. However, they also highlight and explore a number of methodological problems and philosophical issues for critical reflection: c The often inaccessible nature of abstract theoretical argument c Perceived problems of relevance and applicability to practice given the structure and purpose of theoretical modelling; c Philosophical difficulties and questions when applying theoretical generalization to policy and practice. The authors address these problems in a style fully accessible to non-theorists, offering a unique multi-disciplinary resource for students, academics, policy analysts and practitioners.

The challenges of innovating and leading in today's Cloud- and Internet-based economy are more difficult than ever. Leaders at every level of the organization struggle to understand the value of technology and the impact it has on their business, personal lives, and society. Sifting through all the rhetoric and information available can be overwhelming. Innovation, Technology, and Leadership brings common-sense principles and old-fashioned leadership back to the table. Looking back at over 20 years of leadership, it examines some of the challenges facing leaders today and provides practical, sound advice on how they can structure their career and measure their role in their organization. This comprehensive guide provides real-world examples from the CIO desk and covers topics such as: The 5 Business Archetypes ... Global Demographic Trends ... Mobile Cloud and Big Data ... Emerging Technologies Beyond the Cloud ... The Value of Business Relationships ... Outsourcing ... The Global Economic Triad: India, China, and the US. Innovation, Technology, and Leadership is more than just a book on technology and leadership; it's a memoir from an industry veteran, bringing personality and a sentimental touch to a topic that's typically cold and hard. It offers a down-to-earth, common-sense approach for technology leaders coping with the challenges of today's complex workplace.