Enterprise Books

GEMS by Sam Dreaggeo and art by Marie Stamas - The first volume of a three part set opens as an action story which pits model / actress Szilvia Kiss against forces unknown.

As a globe trotting jetsetter modeling for famous photographers, Szilvia travels the world and is the last person anyone would suspect of smuggling diamonds! She's famous, she's beautiful, and has a wicked kick!

Upon arriving in Los Angeles from overseas, Szilvia checks into a luxurious Beverly Hills hotel with her latest and possibly her last cache. Accosted by an unnamed bullish man, Szilvia is forced to protect herself and finds herself on the run ... but from whom?

The story follows Szilvia as she tries to stay under the radar and still make her drop so she can collect her cut of the illegal diamonds.

A graphic novel full of intrigue and fast action as Szilvia does battle with unknown foes that wait for her behind every corner. Who can she trust? Where can she hide? Even her friends are suspect.

After finishing this, obviously the first in a series, I was both elated and intrigued... I guess that's the way you should do it, huh? The story grabbed me right from the outset, through words and art, and left me anxious for the 2nd volume. I hope that Dreaggeo has a ton of tricks up his sleeve because it will be hard to top the opener!

I have to admit, I;ve never actually read a graphic novel before. I bought this one for someone else who's really into them. However, I started flipping through it and was very intrigued. The artwork is amazing and the story was actually really good! I loved the mystery and the suspense aspects, the images worked perfectly with the text and it ended up being a real page turner for me. My friend loved this book. We both can't wait for the next installment.

THE GIFT KEEPERS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE. IT IS WRITTEN WITH A GOOD CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION. IT IS ENJOYABLE READING FROM START TO FINISH. FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE BELIEVERS IN THE ANGEL REALM, IT IS ESPECIALLY REALISTIC. ALTHOUGH, IT IS FICTION, IT COULD BE A TRUE STORY. THE TWO LITTLE GIRLS IN IT, JESSIE AND REBECCA ARE REAL PEOPLE WITH A MESSAGE TO GIVE.FOR CHILDREN, IT IS A VERY ENJOYABLE STORY. FOR AN ADULT, IT HAS A MUCH DEEPER MESSAGE FOR US.I HAVE READ IT SEVERAL TIMES AND FIND THE DEEPER MESSAGE MANY TIMES OVER EACH TIME. YOU JUST FEEL BETTER ABOUT LIFE AFTER READING THIS BOOK.

The Gift Keepers is a must for young and old alike.

Cousins, Jessie and Rebecca are outside one day looking at the clouds, when they think they see an angel. That night they decided to have a sleepover at Jessie's house and try to get the angel to come and see them. After Jessie's sister, Jordan tucks them in they pray to the angel and the angel comes. The angel whose name is Michelina takes them on a journey to heaven. On the way Michelina tells them many stories about angels and heaven. She says that everyone has two guardian angels. Michelina also tells them that when they were cherubs in heaven they were twins, but their moms who are also twins, each wanted a baby so they agreed to split up and that is why they were born on the same day. When they wake up the next morning, they think it was all a dream.

The best way I can think of to characterize my reaction to the depth of Julia's brilliant poetry, is to describe it as a soulful experience. And one for which I am truly grateful.

Whether it is via channeling, extreme sensitivity, or just plain intuitive genius - Ms. Horigan somehow opens the curtains between life and death to reveal Anne Frank's most intimate thoughts and feelings.

If you're a person who appreciates being both moved and humbled when faced with the truth of all that it means to be human...and the beauty...then, you'll love this unforgettable book.

Thank you, Julia, for reminding us what poetry is all about with this most transcendant contribution.

What a touching, endearing book! The poems can easily take you in two directions simultaneously; smiling at the insights and words of a brilliant young lady and crying at the atrocities in her past future. I am always amazed at how carefully poets select their words, they must labor over each one. Do the "naturals" just seem to come by it effortlessly? I wonder.
So what's the problem with this work? I've read it. I wish I could read it again as if it were crackling new off the shelf. But I can't change the past. If I could, I know where I would start.
Bravo, Julia Horigan! Please write another volume very soon! I'll be waiting!

This collection of poems -- a shimmering gem -- demonstrates crafted writing that ranks with the finest poetry published today. In many poems, Horigan takes readers to soaring lyrical heights; in others, she recalls with haunting power the uspeakable crimes of The Spellcaster (Hitler); and in all she writes as Annne Frank, the innocent witness to the resilient will of humankind: the will to overcome evil, to prevail against atrocities, and to reaffirm our sacred, eduring spirit. The cumulative strength of these poems first surprises and engages us, and ultimately compels us to never forget, never. This collection will find its rightful place within the group of works we read and teach with Frank's diary. It's a winner!

The Global Brain is absolutely brilliant. The authors build upon insightful theoretical and practical bases to guide managers through the vast array of innovation sourcing options. They employ an eclectic combination of practical examples from numerous industries and sectors, indicating the global appeal of the ideas of this book.

Managers have four models, which they can choose from:

(1) The Orchestra Model
(2) The Creative Bazaar Model
(3) The Jam Central Model &
(4) The MOD ("MODification") Station Model

The use of these inspiring entertainment industry metaphors to model network-centric innovation enables the authors to describe how managers can make sense of the vast array of innovation opportunities that exist in their ecosystem. The notion that a company can play different innovation roles while employing one of the four models of network-centric innovation helps bring home the fundamental caution of this book, which is "in a world of network-centric innovation, one size does not fit all".

"The gobal brain" and the models for networks elucidated therein in detail provided an highly interesting theoretical basis for a newly developed IT technology ("collaborative network portal (CNP)") by our start-up company, bv cluster (the Netherlands), dedicated to improve the efficiency/efectiveness of open (R&D) innovation projects in network environments.
It ("The global brain") helped us to identify important dimensions in open R&D projects in network environments. We can use it for improvement of our implementation methodology of this CNP technology. Great stuff for our company and it confirmed that we are on the right track with our approach.

With regard to the term Global Brain, Satish Nambisan and Mohanbir Sawhney refer to "the diverse set of external players that constitute the innovation network for the companies" discussed in this book such as P&G, IBM, Boeing, and Apple]; and Network-centric innovation to describe "the underlying principles of collaborative innovation in such a context." They add that a common theme n their research was their interest in the concept of distributed innovation. That is, "innovation initiatives that are spread across a diverse network of partners." Their vehicle for exploration was the Kellogg Innovation Network (KIN) -- "a forum for senior innovation managers of large companies - affiliated with the Center for Research in Information and Technology that [Sawhney] directs at the Kellogg School of Management. The KIN is an excellent example of the power of the Global Brain in action."

Nambisan and Sawhney carefully organize and present their material within five Parts. During the course of their narrative, they respond to questions such as these:

Why should companies seek innovation externally during a transition from being firm-centric and network-centric?

What are the core principles of network-centric innovation?

What are the four basic models and key elements of network-centric innovation?

How to develop a contingent framework that maps the context for innovation?

Which guidelines can help managers to evaluate the different types of opportunities that are most appropriate to their organization's resources, capabilities, and strategies?

What are the implications of network-centric innovation for the emerging economies?

What are the common trends in various countries' emerging economies?

How to analyze the potential for companies in these countries to "plug into the global brain"?

I especially appreciate Nambisan and Sawhney's provision of dozens of real-world examples that illustrate their key points. For example, in Chapter 5 they examine what they characterize as "the orchestra model" that can take two quite different forms: The Orchestra-Integrator model and the Orchestra-Platform model. With regard to the former, they examine Boeing's 787 Dreamliner project and include Table 5.1 (Pages 96-97) that portrays the project's specific elements of network-centric innovation. With regard to the Orchestra-Platform Model, they examine Salesforce.com and the AppExchange Forum. Figure 5.3 (Pages 110-111) illustrates the elements of its network-centric innovation.

"In both the Integrator and Platform model, the innovation architecture defined by the dominant firm becomes the context for the network partners to innovate...In both cases, the tricky part is to bring together a diverse set of capable partners who are sufficiently committed to the innovation architecture and to orchestrate their activities in a manner that leads to outcomes that are beneficial to all the network members."

After completing their exploration of the Global Brain and "painting a picture of the landscape of network-centric innovation," Nambisan and Sawhney urge their reader to chart her or his own organization's "journey" to position it as a player in the same rich and diverse landscape. "We have a simple mantra for [achieving] this: Think BIG, Start SMALL, Scale FAST."

Bon voyage!

The Global Corporation is required reading for those who seek to understand the complex issues and problems that are an important part of the future of those companies seeking to do business outside of their traditional home market. The book is well rounded in scope and conveys its message in a clear, concise and easy to follow manner. It first begins with a lesson in the history of the world economy and its various market structures. The rest of the book is dedicated to analyzing the multifaceted issues that are common to all companies who are now or will in the future compete in the multinational/global arena. I highly recommend this book to anyone whose career, interests, or academic studies are in anyway related to economics and business.

It's very excellent book. It show's how each market has it's own prespective markets throughout the world.

The author profiles the characteristics of a global corporation-distinct from a multinational, this is an enterprise consisting of a network of independent entrepreneurs operating autonomous units, with support and guidance, but not control, from headquarters. The parent company treats each national market as part of a regional or global network. This is an interesting and well written book about an increasingly important subject. Reviewed by Yvette Borcia, co-founder, Stern & Associates, co-author of Stern's Sourcefinder The Master Directory to HR and Business Management Information & Resources, Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder, and Stern's Compensation and Benefits SourceFinder

Before you end up in the international markets saying, "Help! What am I supposed to do now?", avoid that predicament by reading Michael Hick's "Global Deals". That way, you will start out with the guidance of an experienced global businessman, an enthusiastic mentor who has "been there, done that" in every corner of the global market for over 40 years. In a sense, to read this book is to go to a party of colorful global marketing pros, where you can learn from their anecdotes, their gaffes, their hilarious or embarrassing mistakes, their years on the road, their lessons for the uninitiated. From all of this accumulated wisdom, the author pulls together advice, rules, checklists, warnings, but mainly his perception and sensitivities about the various cultures, in order to give you the main thing he wants you to have: a "global mindset": a way of understanding, accepting, appreciating, and doing business with a rich variety of people in the world who are waiting to buy from or sell to your companies. With special chapters dealing with the role of women in international markets, and even with protecting yourself against kidnapping in some countries, "Global Deals" is definitely a "must read" for every businessman who realizes that his market is now global. It is a thorough handbook that should be in every businessman's briefcase.

For almost 40 years,I have been traveling the globe selling high tech systems.
Global Deals aptly describes the events of all those many years. But I learnt the hard way and Oh! How I wish Michael Hick's book was in my briefcase.

This is an interesting, informative read written in anecdotal style, which suits the busy business traveler. You can read a chapter and put in down and go back to it a day later and read that chapter again or read another chapter and always the result is a learning process.

I consider myself an expert on the subject and can assert that in this book he has captured all the essential ingredients of what makes for a successful deal on a global basis. From the most simple to the most complex of ideological, cultural and business elements, he shows how the other side tends to approach a deal and what our thinking process should be.

Now more than ever, technology allows global deals to be accomplished behind a desk. Even more reason to understand the cultural, psychological, business, language and other differences that make global deal exciting and rewarding.

For those that don't want to learn the hard way, this book is the answer.

George Platt
Houston TX
25, November 2003

Michael Hick has written an extremely readable book that explains the reasons for many misunderstandings between people of different cultures. Every person who has any international contacts should read this book. The "cultural clash" is brought into sharp focus. An excellent read with interesting, real life, illustrations.

Having read this book a while ago, I fully concur with a "Reader from New York". Unlike more recent books on sourcing/outsourcing, there are no hypes in this book. You can get a very straightforward, impartial view. Sure will recommend it for anyone working in this area, practitioners and academics alike.

Global sourcing has become a buzzword in recenty years, thanks to increased outsourcing activities. I purchased this book (published in 1992) in January, 2000. Kotabe examined sourcing issues from an "in-house sourcing" rather than an "outsourcing" point of view. In a way, it is a very refreshing viewpoint as he talks of benefits and costs (long-term risks) of certain in-house sourcing vs. outsourcing. A lot of us who are in charge of "outsourcing" for the sake of being contemporary in our business thinking (and deeds) tend to ignore some fundamental weaknesses of outsourcing that Kotabe points out. Although this is a research book, it has had me do some deep thinking on our corporate sourcing strategy. You can get a lot of food for thought. It got to be a must reading for strategists in charge of sourcing/outsourcing/procurement/supply chain management, whatever you call our jobs.

...It is refreshing to read this 1992 book in2000. Eight years is a long time, and many concepts de jour haveappeared and cluttered our thought on sourcing/procurement/outsourcing/insourcing/offshoring/supply chain management/ or whatever terms come across your mind. This book is a no-nonsense, yet easy-to-read, academic book. I have been reading Kotabe's work over the years. After reading this book, read his article that appeared in the Nov. 98 issue of the Academy of Management Executive. I'm sure you will rethink the whole issue of sourcing strategy.---A comment from one strategist gainfully employed by a US auto manufacturer. END

Some kids can learn Go from a sensei, but if you don't have this opportunity then let the sensei character from this book teach you instead. It gets as close to the real thing as possible. This is the best introduction to the game that I have ever read. It even has a glossary of Japanese words.

The new Yutopian "Go For Kids" book has just arrived here.

I was surprised to see that it is a general purpose introduction book,that has a broad and complete scope. It is no mere "comic book" short introduction at all.

The book contains comic strips with explanations of ideas, and features conversations between young students and the sensei. While the text covers the basics that all Go players need to get started in a clear and well written way - lots of diagrams, many examples.

In fact, it looks like a no nonsense primer for the beginning or want to

become Go player. It's just about what I'd give as a gift to someone that
expressed interest in learning how to play the game, since it is a good reference book for a new player. In many ways it is simpler than the "In The Beginning" book, since that starts with the idea that you already know how to make life, and all of the various basic concepts - so it is a perfect lead in to it.

As far as being for "kids", I'd say that this book will be suitable for"kids" that already have pretty decent reading, writing and thinking skills -
but that's probably true for the game itself. If you have young children, this book could serve as a teaching guide, so that you don't miss anything.But the thing that is best, is that it is perfect for showing off thegame to teens and adults alike.

To a great extent, all books on Go tend to read the same, ie. "D5 is better here because of black's H4..." but the book goes into some detail on how and why things work a certain way, and goes into good explanations of the mechanisms and sequences of standard plays and situations (ko,seki, eyes, etc.).

I'll be keeping one in my Go bag to bring to club meetings.

So, two thumbs up from this reviewer! :- )

_-_-bear...

I am an amatuer go player (maybe 10K in strength) and am raising a young family. Of course, when the time is right, I would love to be able to sit across a go board from my little daughter (and the little someone due in December) and enjoy a game. However, there aren't that many resources out there besides my own enthusiasm to help my children not only learn about it but also want to read about it and get excited thinking about it. This book helps facilitate all of these things.

The book's format is great and one of a kind. It is an even amount of written instruction (written in a fun but easy to understand tone) in normal book text but also contains many, many wonderful, playful "comic strips" or panels showing a teacher and his students and they all learn together about go. I think this could really help a kid get excited about go, reading, spending time with a parent...the list goes on.

This book is highly recommended to any parent hoping to share their enthusiasm for go with a child.

If you are serious about Baseball and are willing to spend a little time to become familiar with Mr. Burnson's work, his research will really pay off. And if you need these graph's updated on a twice a week basis for fantasy leagues then you need Heater magazine at [...]. Follow the graphs during the year and you will see who's getting it done, who should be getting it done and finally who will soon be getting it done. His research , to me, is on par with Baseball Forecaster and then some. Fabulous.

Really enjoyed this book. Excellent help for preparation for upcoming fantasy baseball season.

No, there's no dollar values for the players in this book. Since it's published in December, one could argue that values would not be accurate anyway. There's no predictions for 2007 performance data either. However, if you want a data analysis that gives you valuable insight into player performance, Burnson is one of the best.

The graphs are a little crowded, but they are the key to the value of this book. Spend a few minutes actually reading the preface and a whole new world of statistical analysis will be opened up.

This is the first year that this book has ventured beyond pitchers and into position players. The pitcher analyses alone justify buying this book, which is a good thing because the player analysis does not quite live up to the unique insight of the pitchers section.

Not another sucker how-to book, this is a delightfully literate memoir of a smart man's journey to develope and market his own gadget, a hand held ozone sniffing device called Eco-Sensor. Guided by his father's example and supported by his loyal wife, Kilham forged bravely past the snapping jaws of a dropping market, fickle financing, parts shortages and personnel problems like security guard Lila's exciting gender transformation. Not just an inventor, Kilham created a highly satisfying business to manufacture and sell his product. He tells a delightful family history along the way.

"Great Idea" won't sell you any tapes and it doesn't flog his product, Eco-Sensor, because that's not his mission. Ever his father's son, Kilham wants to encourage us to be true to ourselves, to keep on through failure and to always, always reach for excellence. You don't have to be an engineer or even a business person to love this book. I could hardly put it down.

This book is full of wonderful examples of things for the entrepreneur to expect and beware of. I ususally circle a few such key passages in the text of any book, and jot the page numbers inside the cover. I ran out of room to write page numbers!

This is a book written in language that can be understood for all levels by an author who has had the hands on experience it takes to get an idea off the ground. It has definately impacted my thoughts in planning my future process for my company. Highly recommended