Strategy

Congratulations to the authors! This is a well-written, honest book, which at least addresses the specific differences in outlook between R&D staff and standard business-oriented management. I worked for many years in R&D and fully agree that R&D people do require a unique management approach. Furthermore, the authors are correct in stating that expert input from technical staff is often "not included in the company's higher councils" that leads to alienation of R&D people. On this subject, I would like to add that the book does not address one aspect crucial to good management/R&D working relationships. Nowhere is it stated that R&D people, because of their higher education and expertise, find it difficult to respect managers, who are not expert in the project's subject area, yet are frequently assigned by upper management, to make all the pertinent technical and business project decisions.

By the way, I recently read another very enjoyable book. It openly addresses many of R&D staff's frustrations with management in a typical company, which has clearly not embraced "Third Generation R&D" management principles! It is a hilarious, witty, sharp, satire that brings to life many of the underlying R&D problems covered in "Third Generation R&D". If you feel like a good laugh, do try "Management by Vice" by C.B. Don.

Roussel et al's 1991 text, Managing the link to corporate strategy, Third Generation R&D describes that evolution of research and development in the corporate business environment. This text provides a guide to link organizations objectives and strategies to their R&D activities. Below is a description of this reader's reactions, big ideas, implications, and lingering questions after completing this book.

Reactions

The theory behind Roussel's text is very well thought out. It offers a set of easy to understand models for developing a third generation R&D environment for your organization. Roussel present these models in an optimistic way that encourages the reader to reconsider how R&D should be managed. This book is an excellent tool for all technology managers. Roussel blends the business and technology disciples together and helps struggling technology managers to bridge the gap between these long separated functions within the organization. For example, Roussel suggests that projects must be organized into portfolios in order to manage risk and return. The concept of project management is a technology disciple while portfolios, and managing risk is a business discipline.

Big Ideas

There are a number of pressures, which require companies to invest in research and development (R&D) activities. These pressures include competition from local and global companies, as well as a decreasing availability of scientists and technologists. The pressures from competitors require companies to continuously introduce "high quality, innovative, cost-effective new products". Roussel's answer to these pressures is third generation R&D. Roussel states that there are three generations of R&D. The first generation of R&D relies on the insights and intuition of technology managers to determine which projects are worth investing time and money. In addition, there is no connection between the R&D projects and the objectives of the company. Top management only considers these projects as a required cost to the company. The second generation of R&D organizes activities into projects and measures the progress against a set of established goals. In addition, the cost of each project is examined against the possible benefits that will result from the research and development. The third generation of R&D technology managers and top management work together as a partnership to selected and evaluate projects. The goals of the organization are aligned with the R&D activities. Projects are organized in to portfolios in order to manage risk and maximize profits. When companies employ a third generation philosophy they are more competitive, more effective with a smaller investment in R&D activities. Roussel also states that there are three types of R&D. The first type is called incremental R&D. This is referred to as small "r" and big "D" and represents small advances in technology. However, the focus is on clever applications of this research. The second type is called Radical R&D. This is referred to as large "R" and often large "D". The focus is to discover new technologies and to produce a commercial viable breakthrough for the organization. The third type is called fundamental R&D or large "R" and no "D". Roussel calls this a "scientific/technological reach into the unknown". The main goal is to develop a depth in research competencies to build future competitive advances. This includes preparing for the long-term commercialization of these technologies. Roussel believes that a company needs to build portfolio of research projects that blend all three of these types of R&D to guarantee prolonged profits and success. Roussel also explains the function of R&D as a tool to (a) defend or expand existing business, (b) drive new business, and (c) broaden and deepen a company's technologies competencies.

Implications

This model for business and technology change has the potential of redefining many organizations. It also can be the competitive advantage, which determines your success over the competition. The interesting fact is that many companies will not make the change and this simple plan may allow for a few companies to rise to the top. This model can also be a catalyst for technology managers to think out side of the box. Many of these managers have both a technology and business background. However, they may not have tried to connect the learning in these two disciples together. This could be that start of a new way of thinking. It definitely has for this reader. Questions

One concern for that this reader has for the book is related to time and change. Many organizations are not prepare to consider third generation R&D as a realist option. The amount of time needed to transform a company into a third generation environment may seem to great to risk. Even the most advance technology companies many see the investment as unreasonable. How would a technology change to the company's paradigm and consider the possibility of a next generation strategy like Roussel suggests?

This is one of the great classics in research management. All R&D departments can and want to do more R&D than there are funds available. Prioritisation between projects is therefore unavoidable. For many years there was hope that by forecasting income and costs for the projects and comparing the two the most profitable projects could be chosen. Unfortunately that does not work other than for very simple development projects. This book describes the "portfolio method". The portfolio consists of projects. The projects are presented in two-dimensional diagrams. The axes of the diagram can be competitive position and technological maturity, or reward and probability of success, or annual budget and years to completion. Each organisation must decide which diagrams are relevant for their situation. These diagrams form the basis for a meaningful dialogue between the R&D function and other functions in the organisation and with top management. Another great merit of the book is that it introduces a new vocabulary where words are properly defined. Examples of subjects covered this way are types of R&D, technological impact, technological competitive position and project attractiveness. Even though the explanations of the portfolio system in the book are very clear the reader should not think that they are easily introduced. In a report by the European Industrial Research Management Association (EIRMA) of 95 six case studies are presented describing portfolio installation projects. Four represent successes and two failures. At least two conditions are essential for success: interest and support from top management and active participation in the development of the system of all the functions concerned (R&D, and marketing for example). It is impossible for an outsider to impose a standard system.

A very well done, if a bit dated, introduction to how to invest without eating up your funds and profits with unnecessary fees. Basically stay away from brokers and anyone affiliated with them and you are much better off.

An excellent read that is current on the fast changing times in the stock market. A great deal of research went into this book and it would take many years of study and fact finding to replicate the data on your own. This book has the cutting edge investment strategies from the mid-90's through the new millennium to harnes your financial future, regardless of income or knowledge. This book is both a great tool of the trade for a seasoned investor and a great starting point for the beginning investor. Save yourself $...and four years of college with this book. If you already have your financial ducks in a row - then give this book to your children or a friend - it will pay dividends for generations. The author is a wonderful father, husband, community leader, friend and the best college professor I ever had. His advice has served me wonderfully over the years - it will do the same for you.

This new book is well-written, helpful and painstakingly researched. It's filled with dozens of interesting tables and charts. Israelsen preaches the benefits of long-term investing rather than day-trading and short-term buying and selling. The first chapter, "The Investment Thing," clearly answers such questions as: Why invest in stock? Why do corporations sell stock? What causes the price of a stock to go up or down? How does annual return translate into actual dollar gains? With these basic questions answered, you are ready to absorb chapters on investment risks, mutual funds, how to get into investing, buying stock directly from companies, taxes, and finally, a battle plan. Includes great information on how to save for your children's education as well as retirement. Filled with smart advice and written in an easy-to-understand fashion, "The Thrifty Investor" is a great investment of your time -- and money.

My mentor, MAJ Donald E. Vandergriff, uses John Poole's books for the textbooks in his Military Science class here at Georgetown. I started reading them during my first years in the ROTC program. I was captivated by Mr. Poole's ingenious ideas. I must say that in my opinion, The Tiger's Way is his best book yet. It's one of those books that makes a highlighter useless. If you highlighted the important parts, you'd end up highlighting the whole thing! Mr. Poole wastes no space with information less than vital.
As an officer in training, I find that The Tiger's Way provides solutions to the countless questions that have perplexed me in the study of military art. Before I read The Tiger's Way I would always ask questions like, "What changes do we make when it's dark outside? Is that tactic really practical if you're getting shot at? How would that tactic work if the enemy did X or Y? What if the enemy doesn't do what you expect? What if the enemy hides underground?" Our future enemies will use all the tricks I wondered about and more. We cannot stubbornly hide behind our rigid doctrine and superior firepower. The US military will either evolve or suffer increased casualties at the hands of cunning adversaries. Mr. Poole offers a solution!
Mr. Poole lays out detailed descriptions of countless unconventional, deceptive tactics, drawing from a diverse and staggeringly immense list of sources. Mr. Poole's book will both expand Soldiers' tactical repertoire and warn them about what they might expect to encounter when facing a more deceptive adversary. Any cadet who is serious about actually fighting and winning someday should read The Tiger's Way backwards and forwards. Despite my limited experience in the military to this point, I can tell when I read something that is on target. It doesn't take a genius or a combat veteran to see the profound truth in Mr. Poole's writing.

This book is a must read for all ranks. Today's military is falsely secure in its ability to prosecute military operations via the use of high tech weapons and combat support systems, while continuously failing to realize that the human dimension is where warfare truly lies. Such a false sense of security may
result in a preventable number of deaths of our servicemen - especially today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

More money, more fancy contract competing complicated weapon systems and competing battle rhythms do not equal success. Such upper level stresses are impacting the Warfighters ability to fight and survive.

Since it is unfortunate that the United States population is a "quick fix" society and is easily manipulated by today's, often slanted, media reports which endangers the lives of service men and women, Poole's book quickly provides insight into what commanders, troops, media reporters and citizens of this country need to understand about our technologically inferior enemies. And, that as long as the United States remains a Super/Mega Power, technologically inferior forces will attempt to find gaps and exploit them in order to limit/stunt U.S. resolve.

John Poole takes the reader into the Eastern Mindset of warfare. Although the concepts he centers on pertain mostly to Far East Asia (i.e. China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam), those concepts have spread into Central and South West Asia as specified in this book which is well cited. The major take-away in The Tiger's Way, is the enemy's employment of deception and carefully choosing battles that are intended to be already won before execution, with the most important concept being that the enemy will let you see what he wants you to see.

So why is The Tiger's Way a must read for reporters? John Poole cites examples in how an enemy would use deception against U.S. armed forces to use weapon systems against innocent civilians and slow/deter the momentum of the U.S. resolve. This book also provides areas that reporters/investigative reporters might want to research to get as accurate a picture as possible into how a technologically inferior foe will attempt to defeat the United States.

Why is this a must read for Commanders? Commander's can see how staff exercises, command over tasking, limited free play and a reluctance to allow subordinates into developing their own initiative and decision making skills can contribute to their demise. This book also illustrates how U.S. forces are fighting today's threats like the linear fighting Brits tried to fight the Indians who employed guerilla tactics during the Seven Years War. The enemy sees us, while we cannot see him and the ENEMY CHOOSES THE TIME AND PLACE TO FIGHT.

Why is The Tiger's Way important for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)? NCOs now have a tool they can use to develop training plans, and to develop initiative in their subordinates who have to be on the front lines for combat and rear area security operations. It's simply not enough that every Marine is a rifleman.

Why is this a read for other military personnel?

C2- John Poole's The Tiger's Way emphasizes, and explains how the enemy desires to eliminate Command and Control without high tech equipment and by disrupting U.S. forces decision making processes.

Intel- Intel types are provided insight into the importance of debriefing personnel, and teaching other small unit personnel how to debrief their own personnel in order to force the data to intelligence sections for accurate threat assessments. Enemy Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) are addressed that can assist an Intel Collections Manager in answering intelligence gaps. Indicators are provided too, or sought, by various collection tools to identify, target and eliminate a threat. The importance of a strong human intelligence collection capability is stressed as being significantly more important than high tech systems which can be deceived or avoided.

Logistics & Force Protection - Logistics types are given some ideas on how to protect their own logistics assets i.e. convoys, rear area security personnel, etc.

Fires- Fires personnel will understand what the enemy may very likely attempt to do in order to avoid being decimated by artillery or close air support.

Maneuver/Grunts- Warfighters will have an idea of what types of patterns to look for leading up to an enemy attack, or hostile intelligence collection effort. Warfighters will also understand that their collected and forwarded observations on site will provide members of the staff and supporting elements the needed data to properly ascertain and eliminate a threat. In other words, all warfighters are intel collectors and it is their job to forward the data to aid in putting an end to the conflict. Last, Poole's well cited book provides direction to other resources which are rare and difficult to find, information that is most important to the people who are actually doing the fighting. Another well written book by John Poole is Phantom Soldier which provides even more resources to facilitate further research.

Finally, The Tiger's Way is an intelligence product that provides insight into today's enemy threat and reducing uncertainty. Most intelligence products focus too much on terrain, weather and other quantitative issues and often ignore the human element to warfare. This book addresses what is ignored, and what ultimately kills our people.

The United States now contends with a non-western foe whose combat success relies on guile and not upon force alone. The U.S. grunt faces a foe entirely different from his former "Cold War" opponent. H.John Poole attempts to show how the U.S. fighting man (and woman) can prevail against this opponent.
"Tiger's Way" examines the eastern Eurasian grunt's tactical edge over the U.S. approach to infantry combat. Part I discusses the U.S. fighting style as it relates to the highly touted "maneuver warfare" which the American military has dabbled with since the 1980s. The author concludes that hi-tech U.S. weapons can come up short against the current opponent's skills and techniques at the 75 yard-line. Part II describes those proficiencies attributed to the "Eastern Way" warrior - and necessary for the U.S. grunt to prevail within this 75 yard-line - where, more and more the outcomes will count in strategic currency. Part III continues with tactical applications of these skills, illustrating these with examples from past conflicts. Part IV indicates directions for reform. Appendices provide tables of perceived casualties from the Korean and Vietnam wars, examples of "Eastern Way" combatants' training and battle drills to build the U.S. grunt's proficiencies.
The book is very readable and well researched. Some common themes interwoven through the work include: the "Eastern Way" warrior has eveolved tactically and practiced maneuver warfare for quite some time; U.S. forces are over-controlled, highly dependant on sophisticated arms and continue to conduct "attrition" combat which, rather than out-thinking the opponent, focuses upon destroying him; this reflecting a lack of field proficiency and short-range combat skills. The "eastern Way" grunt is learning to deal with American hi-tech weapons through flexible combat command and short-range tactical skills.
The discerning reader must bear in mind some of the book's limitations. The "Eastern Way" opponent refers to some very culturally-diverse nations - an awfully broad swath of Eurasia including Japan and Germany. The author also tends to assign a uniformly high effectiveness to their training regimes such that every enemy individual has mastered those skills his American opponent lacks. During prolonged combat, experiential learning is temperd with inertia - the "fog of war" - such that tactical outcomes may be come less and less predictable. While Asian armies may recognize and exploit this "fog" through shared concepts, NOT every Eurasian fighting man is a ninjutsu master.
Through his survey of "Eastern Way" military institutions, tactics and training, the author has ignored the one western contender who successfully applied many of the skills he describes, who scored the highest kill ratio (10 to one) against a foe during World War II, who, even in defeat, insured that his nation remained independant to become the modern, economically-successful society it is today. Who might this contender be? None other than the Finnish army - the unsung soldiers of World War II. Perhaps their tactical accomplishments rate more than mere mention. HOW did the Finnish soldier develop such a high level of tactical skill - given that he possessed few of the armaments of his foes?
Perhaps the most significant limitation in "Tiger's Way" is the lack of a focused discussion on how the U.S. military culture needs to change such that these maneuver-oriented, flexible tactical skills might be developed. The American approach to short range infantry combat doesn't exist in a vaccum. Combat leaders have to contend with "up-or-out" promotion policies and frequent rotation in and out of units. Successful experiments such as "cohort" units are dropped in favor of continuing skill-limiting individual replacement systems. Poole provides some good ideas for battle drills at the small unit level but little on how the entire force may make the "cultural leap" such that tactical skills would evolve in the author's recommended directions.
Given these limitations, is "Tiger's Way" worth a read? ABSOLUTELY. This is a MUST-READ book for any professional tactician, combat historian and military reformer. Poole is one of few authors addressing what most strategic thinkers ignore: the significance of combat at the grunt's level and what must happen if U.S. combatants are to win against the "Eastern Way" opponent. Lastly, this ex-Marine Vietnam war veteran grunt can give no highter recommendation than that he would rather have been trained as H. John Poole prescribes in "The Tiger's Way".

The kingdoms hintbook is, without a doubt the most brilliant, moving and ultimately breathtaking novel of its day. It will grab you from the beginning and never let go. Few authors come to mind in comparison to this masterwork. Among them Chaucer, Dickens, and Mary Higgens Clark. I highly recomend this chef d'ouvre to anyone who enjoys classicly pronounced literature.

I'd like to know how those two guys rated a book and a game that has not been released yet? Why would the web master allow these comments to be published. Lets all be a little more responsible please.

bets game in the worl

An excellent, insightful and indepth book that should be taught in every media communications program. The author of "The Ulitimate Assist" was given the "Ultimate Access" to the top brass of the NBA and NBC. Quality stuff.

I did not like the NBA when I picked up this book, but after
reading this well written document. I found myself respecting its tremendous progress.

Thanks to John Fortunato for putting this together and helping
us understand the behind the scenes NBA world.

It is a MUST READ for basketball fans of all ages.

I cannot speak well enough about the author or his book! Dr. Fortunato has combined both brilliance and enthusiasm into his book, The Ultimate Assist. If anyone has ever been interested in topics ranging anywhere from the NBA to the mass media, this is no doubt the ideal text to own. Dr. Fortunato currently has a Ph.D. in Communication from Rutgers University, and an M.A. in Communication and B.A. from William Paterson University, and has successfully created a fascinating non-fiction work that depicts the NBA as it is today; the Ultimate Assist is a definite page-turner. With fascinating interviews, unlimited knowledge, and the greatest passion, The Ultimate Assist is no doubt a book that everyone should own a copy of.

This book has got a wealth of information on pawn structures. It covers 6 different pawn topics. Isolated Pawn, hanging pawns, passed pawns, backward pawns, pawn chains and pawn islands. Strategical ideas are illustrated with well annotated games with the theme. For Isolated Pawns I would recommend GM Baburin book on the topic, is much more thorough. Also on hanging pawns there is also a book, I have not read it but mean to get it. Knowing these pawn formations will increase your positional understanding of chess, and how to play against them when these pawn structures occur in your games.

Recommended for 1800 + players? I think u are good enough to study this book if you're already have playing chess 1 year or more, ok ?

When i bought this book, i bought the other Marovic book too (dynamic pawn play in chess). And when i opened these books i was disappointed.I had bought another games collection books.And i hate game collections.I get so easily tired going through endless moves and variations.So to be honest i but this book on the shelf.And for the next months i did not touch it.So after months, one morning i got up from the bed and felt like reading something different.So i took these books from the shelf and decided to try read this one.I started using CB-light program to make the moves on my computer screen.And you know what?I liked the book!I did not get tired as usually, and found it intresting to go through the games.What i liked most about the book was that it had continuation from game to game.I knew what to expect from every game.Same set-ups were used time and time again.And opening variations grew little by little.Also the ideas grew the same way.It felt refreshing.This book explaines strategic ideas rather than shows endless variations.In my view this book is all about strategic explanation in different set-ups. It feels like the missing link between opening books and the middlegame books!The other book is similar.This book is truly instructive!122 instructive games with strategic explanation!I recommend!

If you are interested in the Consulting Industry....it doesn't get better than this! This is a great comprehensive guide to the various companies and their focus areas. Great jump start on finding where you belong in the world of consulting.

I found this guide to be immensely helpful in getting the real story - good, bad and ugly - about the leading consulting firms. The book also has a fascinating new poll/ranking of the 50 most prestigious management consulting firms to work for. (As might be expected, the consultants surveyed rated McKinsey as the #1 most prestigious and BCG as #2). I would highly recommend reading this guide.

I found this guide to be immensely helpful in getting the real story - good, bad and ugly - about the consulting industry and the leading consulting firms. I would highly recommend reading this guide.

There are so many books on autism and not all are applicable to our family's situation. I tend to read a library copy before purchasing. When it came time to return this book, I decided that this was one for our personal library. It's easy to read and I will refer to it over and over. Methods are easy to understand and implement. As a parent of an autistic child, it's one of the few books I've felt that will be invaluable.

This book provides clear, easy to use strategies for teaching and communicating with children on the autism spectrum. The author's contend that behavioral problems exhibited by children with autism are most often the result of frustration that comes from their inability to communicate effectively. Behavioral problems can be successfuly addressed by focusing on what the child is trying to communicate. Rationale for the strategies suggested is provided. I recommend this book for educators and parents.

This book is a wonderful resource for learning how to approach children with autism. It is very easy to read and deals with a variety of different methods that can be used to deal with just about any level on the autistic spectrum. As a speech therapist working with variety of children with autism, I continually return to this resource to help plan my assessments and intervention. It is an excellent resource that addresses communication, play, pragmatics, parent desires, and self-control at a variety of levels. The chapters that deal with specific areas, such as enhancing social communicative interactions, often provide you with the necessary paperwork for assessment and/or intervention in the appendix. This is a must buy book! I would highly recommend this book to anyone working with children with autism.

This is a much revised and expanded version (from 161 pages to 243 pages now), with many more master pages for reproduction. The Table of Contents gives a more detailed listing of topics. References and Resources are more extensive. Chapter 1 gives longer lists of characteristics of the gifted child, and also of the perfectionistic, creative and the twice-exceptional (giftedness coexisting with a learning challenge or a disability, such as ADD/ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome).

Gifted students tend to learn less in the regular class and are often underachievers. This book provides resource materials for a wide range of subjects for helping them to "compact" the curriculum (cut out what is redundant to each) and form flexible groupings so that individual needs can be attended to. It is based on accumulated fruitful applications and it should be a standarad reference for all teachers. (Part of the content could be for American use only.)

I've found that having my own copy of this book is invaluable, as it helps me understand where the teacher might be coming from and discuss with her what options might work well for my (highly gifted) children. I gave a copy to my son's teacher--and she uses it so much she can't share it with the other teachers. I suggested the school librarian purchase a copy, and it's in high demand--it keeps disappearing. Many teachers are more than willing to find ways to accomodate the special needs of gifted children, and are actually looking for guidance on how to best differentiate their curriculum. This book gives them many different tools, and guidance on how to use them.

This book is a classic. It is a very good "how to" book for teachers. It is full of practical information and examples that teachers can use in their classroom. It is an excellent book for parents to use to advocate for gifted education with their teachers and in their school districts. The techniques are very low cost and easy to understand. A must read and must have!

This book is great for the General classroom. It has many ready to use materials; such as, charts, story webs, and much more. Also, the author offers an abundance of ideas to help the regular education teacher work with the Learning Disabled student in their classroom.

This book provides useful strategies for teaching all types of children, not just those with learning differences. Winebrenner promotes awareness of each child's unique learning styles and provides practical, teacher-friendly ways to make the classroom friendlier for children with learning differences, gifted children, and any other children who can benefit from sensitivity to their individual ways of learning.

Although the author has revised and expanded her similar book on teaching Gifted Kids, I think the present one (1966) still has great value, for all elementary students. Aside from Chapter 3 on understanding learning difficulties and intervening, all the other chapters are applicable to all students. Just look through the chapter headings: making all students welcome in your classroom, getting everyone involved in learning, matching your teaching to your students' learning styles... This is a very practical and valuable book for teachers. It has fairly comprehensive coverage, including 8 multiple intelligences, the teaching of reading, writing and math, authentic assessment, improving behavior, conflict resolution, enlisting parents as partners... There are many case examples, numerous techniques for each topic. Take spelling as an example (p111-115). Students are taught to match spelling with their learning styles: visual, auditory, tactile-kinesthetic and multisensory. There are 5 or 6 more techniques for spelling. Teachers are also reminded to "avoid circling spelling errors for visual learners". Susan pays attention to so many useful details. This book should be available in all primary teachers' libraries.