education-economics

Mr. Robinson has his basic facts straight, but his portrayal of life in the top business schools is definitely skewed. "Poets" might struggle the way Mr. Robinson did, but for most people B-school isn't nearly as hard as he portrays it (the hard part is getting in; after that it's all downhill.) B-school is not boot camp, law school, or medical school -- it's not nearly that rigorous. Mr. Robinson's effort to portray B-school as a "baptism by fire" is misleading and anyone reading the book should keep in mind that Mr. Robinson was probably in the bottom fifth of his class.

Otherwise, it's a fairly good description of the kind of courses a business school student will take, the kind of people they'll meet, and the kind of professors who will be teaching them. It's worth a look, but should be kept in perspective.

This is at best a memoir - more of a daily-maintained diary than a guide for MBA aspirants. Robinson captures the spicy aspects of Stanford MBA pretty well. The "cold calledEanecdote is really funny. Good for light reading. Caution for MBA aspirants: Please use other sources to form your opinions about the merits and demerits of joining a b-school (Try "The Witch DoctorsEby John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge).

What can I add to all the reviews out there already? A total "must-read" for aspiring MBA candidates without a business undergraduate degree. Life in graduate business school can be both exciting and FRUSTRATING. Robinson does an excellent job of covering all the different characters in an MBA class. This book sits on my bookcase, alongside Michael Porter's Competitive Strategy.

This is a book like the dozens of other career change ones out there - you can find this information in publications from years ago, and with much better advice. No new information, and would only help lawyers who would lack the imagination to think of "legal publishing" or "in-house counsel" as career options. Truly unhelpul.

I read 'The Lawyer's Career Change Handbook,' and found Ms. Greenberg's ideas and advice extremely useful. I found the self-assessment exercises, which most of us lawyers try to avoid, extremely helpful in clarifying why my previous work was unsatisfying and in what direction I needed to move in order to find work that would better fit my needs. The job ideas, extensive resource listings, and insightful comments by Ms. Greenberg also greatly benefited me in deciding upon my next career incarnation. The final assist was when I consulted individually with Ms. Greenberg. She gave me creative guidance, solid advice and wonderful support to pursue my current work. ... She is an insightful, generous human being.

I found this to be an excellent book which contains a wealth of information and references, excellent resources and lists of relevant Web sites, books, organizations & other sources for career guidance, job placement & assistance. I've been a lawyer for 20 years. I'd been trying to work through self-assessment in the traditional way together with others who are not lawyers, and was making some progress, but somehow not getting as much out of it as I would have liked. Then I discovered Hindi Greenberg's book - and the whole self-assessment process came alive for me! I felt like Hindi had written the book for ME. I really connected with it, and began recommending it to colleagues & others in the profession. I've just purchased a second copy to send to my niece who is considering going to law school. The book is up-to-date and well researched - concise, stays on point, is easy to read, & is not cumbersome - a great tool for lawyers pondering what to do next with their careers or how to improve satisfaction within the practice of law, or for people considering law school or entering law as a profession. This book is a career management guide geared particularly toward lawyers, either seasoned lawyers wanting to explore options for a second or different career or different area of emphasis, or new lawyers just starting out and wondering what direction they would like to pursue within a legal career. The book is complete, takes a thorough look at the entire career development process, recommends that you start with self-assessment to discover your personal skills, values, interests, and personality traits so that you are equipped to choose an area or specialty within the law that most fits with your personal preferences, temperament and skills. Then it shows you how to conduct self-assessment and guides you through the complete self-assessment process by providing a comprehensive set of exercises to help you discover your interests, assess your skills, think through the changes you want to make and to set about achieving those changes in your career. It provides MORE than other general books regarding traditional career management because it is directed specifically toward lawyers and people considering a legal career. This book is for anyone who wants to manage, or take charge of, their legal career, and it provides excellent guidance in self-assessment to lawyers and non-lawyers, alike. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering a legal career, and to lawyers considering a career change.

This book should be renamed "Don't expect any deals unless your over 60." There were very few deals for anyone younger than 60 and those that were offered were basically common sense. Ask and you'll get discounts, you don't need to spend money on this book to find the bargains.

My book club had this book on special so I decided to see if I could get it from Amazon cheaper. BOY, am I glad I did! I certainly would not recommend it. I was highly disappointed because there wasn't much for any one under 60 (62 is more like it). Every "deal" she listed is common knowledge. I gave it two stars only because some of the organizations listed...is worth checking out. But now you have the number so save your money for a really good book.

For bargain hunters of a "mature age", this is a very complete guide.

This is a story book! I usually give books the benefit of the doubt but this book flat out sux. All this guy talks about is how he is some hot shot sports agent and the lessons he supposedly learned through the years. Let me tell you something, this book got old after the 2nd chapter. Every F'in paragraph has to do with one of his golf clients and bla bla bla. Its ridiculous. The title is true, they dont teach this at Harvard because they're stories of an individuals life which completely put me to sleep. But im not going to leave without giving some positives, like saying you should check out Automatic millionaire and the 12 critical factors books. Those are worth reading. Peace in the middle east!

This is a good if over-rated book. If a lot of what he recommends here isn't already instinctive in you, you probably weren't meant to be an entrepreneur. He goes on endlessly about how you should be as silent as much as possible in negotiations. I went into negotiations after reading that thinking that's what I'd better do. Then I realized that's what I'd been doing the whole time without having to be told. An arrogance bleeds through the lines a bit too often. And being a sports agent, to me, is about as frivolous a profession as there could be. When I first heard the term "sports agent" I literally thought it was a joke. Bill Murray said the reason Mike Ovitz failed as an executive at Disney is, "He went from a simple commission business as a talent agent to the much more complex business of Disney. That's why he failed." And McCormack runs a talent agency, basically. And a lot of readers will probably be involved in much more complex businesses, for whom his advice will be dubious at best. But with those major reservations, I still think it's a book worth reading.

Mark McCormack is Founder, Chairman and CEO of sports marketing company International Management Group (IMG). He was named 'the most powerful man in sports' by Sports Illustrated.

In this book McCormack does not so much criticize Harvard Business School as the title suggests, but complements the traditional business school-education with 'street smarts' - "the ability to make active, positive use of your instincts, insights, and perceptions." (Funnily enough, McCormack did not even attend the HBS, he has a law degree from Yale.) "My main purpose in writing this book is to fill in many of the gaps - the gaps between a business school education and the street knowledge that comes from day-to-day experience of running a business and managing people." He splits the 'street smarts' and this book up into three parts: People, sales and negotiation, and running a business. With each part consisting of 4-to-6 chapters.

In the first part McCormack discusses matters related to people, such as reading people, creating impressions, preparation for business situations, and improving your career. "Business situations always come down to people situations. And the more - and the sooner - I know about the person I am dealing with, the more effective I'm going to be." In the second part of the book - Sales and Negotiation - the author dicusses sales, negotiations and marketing. Sales and negotiations are probably the strongest point of both the book and McCormack, he really excels here. ...The third part of the book - Running a Business - is probably the weakest part of the book. Although there are some great one-liners, it is clear that the author is not that much at ease with writing about organization structures, policies and procedures. In fact, it looks like he despises most of these subjects. However, in the final chapter he provides some good advice for entrepreneurs and people thinking about starting their own business.

Yes, I do like this book. It is somewhat unconventional and is not really a business/management book. The examples from his experiences in sports marketing are exceptional and extremely useful. And yes, it is a great complement to the traditional business school-education (although they are now covering some of the subjects McCormack discusses, under the term 'emotional intelligence'). It is very simple to read and relatively short (250 pages). Recommended to managers and, yes also, MBA-students.

It's nice to have such an easy to read, helpful book with so much information readily available at your finger tips. I especially appreciate the long lists of recommended resources---a great list to take with me to the library to find good reading on the topic of frugality!

While McCoy's first book focused mainly on saving money on food and groceries, this new book deals with other subjects barely touched on in her first book: kids, gardening, vacations, insurance (LOTS of insurance information), electronics, appliances, home furnishings, cars, computers, and more.

I think it's a worthwhile volume to have on the shelve. And if you haven't read McCoy's first book, Miserly Moms, be sure to read it! It's one of the most helpful books on frugal family food expenses I have on my bookcase--it's definitely a five star book!

In true miserly fashion, Jonni McCoy makes saving money a trill and an adventure in Frugal Families.

Whereas Mrs. McCoy's previous books (Miserly Moms and Miserly Meals) have focused on how a mom or a person can save money, Frugal Families is a compilation of how an entire family can get into a lifestyle of frugality. I especially enjoy this, as it's easy for one person (the mom) to do what she can to pinch pennies; but it's refreshing to see that life-long learning and behavior is possible with our children. Additionally, Frugal Families offers an extensive resource collection at the end of each chapter, in case you want to look for more information on various topics.

Jonni's book is a great inspiration to those of us who do not use coupons. It details ways to save money in practically every manner of family living. Need window treatments? No problem! There is an entire chapter devoted to beautifying your house on a budget. Thinking about taking a family vacation? Make sure you read Chapter Six, complete with toll-free phone numbers and hotel alternatives. There is even a chapter on how you should budget your money, and how to work at paying down your financial obligations so that you can live a debt-free (and stress-free) life! But, don't stop there! Once you learn how to live more frugally, then you need to read the next section on how to save more of your money and how to invest it wisely.

There are many uncertains in life today, especially with job insecurities, economic recessions and the threats facing the international fronts. But, when you are in control of your money ' and you make living frugally a part of your life, you are able to feel in control of your financial well-being. By doing this, your turn the tables on uncertainty and take your money back into your hands. To do this, make sure you take the time to read Frugal Families, it'll give you many options to taking the stress out of your family finances.

I read all of the reviews posted on this page...even the old ones from 1999. I was hesitant to buy the book based on the few bad reviews, but I loved it! The old reviews must be based on an earlier version. This version I bought is very new. It was packed with helpful information, loads of websites, holiday help ideas, pets, kids, etc. It is WELL worth the price.

I didn't buy this book, not knowing the quality of the materials and saving ... Instead I borrowed from a public library. I spent innumerable hours studying and scoring 80% of the questions provided, including the useless CDROM. But I failed the exam. Some information is rather defunct and confusing. I personally don't recommend this title, and it needs to be taken off shelves.

I am a bit surprised some rated this book so low.

I haven't taken the State Exam yet, but I have just finished a Real Estate Principles class at a local junior college.

There are four sample exams. I have found the questions in the book to be a little on the easy side compared to another exam preparation disc I acquired. But they are good review, and there is a middle section that is a mini-refresher course on real estate principles. I found the refresher quite helpful.

The best part, if you are math-challenged like myself, is the math review section. It lays out how to do math problems (even with a calculator) in as concise and clear a way as I have ever seen -- percentages, fractions -- assessment, appraisal, insurance, commission, etc. And it also has a "short cut" that I have never seen before but which works everytime. I am now confident that can do most of the math problems that will come up on the exam. A feeling I did not have before.

If you want to cover all bases exam-question-wise, it's probably best to have at least two sources of practice exam questions, this, and another book or disc.

But, for me, the math review section alone is worth the price.

This is the best book I have ever purchased from amazon.com. In fact, I'd say it is the best book I've ever read, hands down, even better than Tropic of Cancer. I bought it for my daughter Sandy, whose dream is to become a real estate agent, and she almost passed the exam. If only she had spelled her name right, she would be the best little real estate agent west of the Mississippi!

This book has ideas such as play a board game with your family instead of going out, cancel cable, do anything that is free, not frugal, and then has the gall to give you tips on eating at a fancy restaurant (go during off hours). There is a difference between being frugal and being a MISER! That is why they call it miser. Being Frugal is a state in which one is conscious of his/her expenses and gets the best quality that their money can buy, be it Target or Saks, because of the longterm investment. This book is about either not having any money in the first place and having to survive, or having a whole bunch of money but wanting to take it with you. It describes no method, nor does it give any kind of roadmap to where frugal living will get you. It should either be called "For Dummiest dummies" or "Existing for Dummies." If you do not believe me, go to the library and borrow it.

This book is absolutely, hands down one of Deborah Taylor Hough's best books. It is not just a run of the mill book on frugal living. It definitely surpasses ones that have been written recently. I have found "new" ways to save money in this book. Books written recently seem to just "go over" what others have written, but Deborah covers more facets of frugal living. This one is definitely a keeper in my frugal library. This would be a perfect gift for a couple just starting out, or a college graduate. Or for anyone that just wants to learn how to save more money, which in these times is essential. But, don't stop at this book of Deborah Taylor Hough's, read her others, such as Frozen Assets which is defintely a time saving book as well as a frugal book to keep you from ordering out on busy day!!!! Thanks Deborah for writing a great book!!!!!

Wow what a triumph, frugal living for dummies delivers common sense ideas that everyone could employ in their own lives.It allows you to pick and choose the bits that suit your situation and bypass any that are not applicable to your own circumstances,thus giving a flexible approach to the idea of saving money whilst living life to the full, without a sense of restriction or a feeling of doing without.
The book takes you step by step through the mine field of eliminating credit card debt and the like to show us a new life without the constant worry of mounting obligations that can not be met each month.For me this was truly an inspiring read and in my opinion worthy of a place on anyone's book shelf who wants to be free of the constraints of monthly out goings which exceed their income.
Remember a tight budget does not mean living without any luxuries
just prioritising the money available to be able to live life to the full within your own means.

Did Murray Sperber ever learn to think critically? If he tried to talk tough with Bobby Knight using sports jargon he would be laughed out of the room! Who knows more sports jargon and has all the winning cards, the dumb jock or the arrogant book worm?
Sperber argues that scholar/teachers are outdated but a rank/tenure committee can count papers or books or cites where as only the worst and best teachers have a record.
Ironicly, coaches are one of the few teaching species that have a demonstrable record which is why Knight could get away with anything.
Grade schools have discouraged teachers in droves by trying to justify raises using test scores and bias evaluations. Should research universities turn into popularity contests and experiments in test taking or should the public trust traditional proven methods of retention and promotion?

First, the premise - Prof. Sperber argues that many Division I schools are shortchanging undergraduate students. He cites:

* Chasing research dollars and "publish or perish", so that * Professors don't teach undergraduates - they get lectures.. * Unless they are honors students, who do get quality education. * To make up for this, universities promote fraternities.... * And big-time athletics, with beer companies paying part of... * the freight, with resources sunk into athletic facilities.

I went to a Division III school (Pace University in NY) so I never encountered this. But, I can see how this works - the University of New Hampshire has invested its money recently into athletics facilities (after reviewing market research). And, more than a few people in the state have noticed - so they may find this book providing an explanation for these actions.

The book does get quite repetitious with its premise, and it also ignores Division II schools completely (focusing on the differences between Div I-A and Div III (which do not award athletic scholarships). That would have provided a more complete test of this theory. Finally, one might ask why he chooses to teach at a large university, if it is really that bad.

Professor Sperber was the biggest critic of the recently deposed Bob Knight - but he is only mentioned in passing here, which another respondent lamented. My guess is that he didn't want that to be the raison d'etre of the book, and have it overshadow the book's message. Besides, he already received enough death threats.

All in all - a compelling read. Even if you don't accept the book's premise, you may find at least some parts resonating. Or, at least challenging.

This latest effort by Prof. Murray Sperber, who made himself almost famous recently by taking the semester off from Indiana University to avoid the Bobby Knight cauldron, should be read by every concerned layman, university president, trustee, faculty member and investigative journalist. Sperber's larger theme -- that universities have abandoned undergraduate education for research while pushing the college kids toward beer-and-circus seven-day weekends -- is well illustrated. He also notes how university administrations have sharpened their accounting methods to make it harder and harder for anyone to keep track of how much XXXX money --- I almost said beer -- they actually pour into their intercollegiate programs. Reviews in major publications have run from warm to enthusiastic. Sperber's one-semester sabbatical from IU seemed to me like overkill a few months ago, but now that the IU president himself has sought off-campus shelter I don't think Sperber was off the mark at all. His book is a bull's-eye. His earlier seminal work -- College Sports, Inc. -- could have been titled The Emperor's New Clothes. It's worth reading today. I understand he has another book in the works. If enough people read what he says and then talk to each other then perhaps the system could be shamed into the radical change it needs. That includes a return to needs-based scholarships and the end of the one-year athletic scholarship that is plainly a salary for work.

Poor Editing. Full of printing errors in the practice tests

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I appreciated the concise and to-the-point style. I found it easier to brush up on my quantitative and verbal skills with this book than with other GMAT books. If you are short on time then this book would be a good choice. However, the sheer volume of errors really bugged the hell out of me. Most of them are stupid editing errors (occurring on virtually every page), but I also found some critical errors with the practice questions. The massive number of mistakes detracted from my ability to study effectively because I was always second-guessing the book. I found this to be an unforgiveable sin for a test prep book and so I only give two stars instead of four.

I highly recommend this book. Small in price and page length, but packed with practical skill-building materials that don't insult the reader's intelligence. Explanations for practice questions are the most thorough of any GMAT book I've seen. Kudos! What I liked best is that the author provides online support for the book. (Why don't more authors do this?) At the end of each lesson the reader is referred to online materials (at the author's web site) that supplement the lesson. Cool!

The scientific method seems to be main message of the book. If you can't quantify it don't trade it. At least that's the theory. In reality the book gives us a tour of every wrinkle in Victor Niederhoffer's bellybutton. His childhood in Brighton Beach, his misfortunes at playing squash and at Harvard, his would be academic career, how he got Soros to mistrust him, and finally his own hedge fund before it went belly-up the scientific way. All stories seem to have the same message: VN is the greatest person in the universe (second only to his dad) and were it not for other people's stupidity (the meme!) he'd be on top of the world. Give me a break.

If you are looking for great insight or help on trading or investing, you won't find it in The Education of Speculator. It is an entertaining book, but definitely not educational. Victor Niederhoffer provides his history plus the history of his family interwoven with a few bits of market strategy and techniques. If you enjoy reading about what life experiences compels a man to speculate in the markets, read his book. If you want to learn to speculate, don't with his book.

Victor Niederhoffer is one of the true originals in the investment world. Born to a poor Jewish family in Brooklyn, he became world champion of the ultra-WASP game of squash and then, as an academic, he challenged the prevailing "random walk" theory in papers that are still widely cited as classics. He is in the thick of the debates among today's statistical stars. Not content to stay in the ivory tower, he raised his first trading stake from the mergers-and-acquisitions business he founded, which was the first to concentrate on selling small businesses --and went on to achieve the best record of any hedge fund, in all periods.

Here's a guy who has a lot to tell about trading, business and life, and the style to tell it well. Education of a Speculator gives the reader a unique combination of quantitative sophistication, street wisdom and a scholarly grasp of market history. The bibliography alone is worth the price of the book. EdSpec is so rich that you come back to it again and again. There is simply no book like this one. I've looked.

If you want to know how the market really works, read Education of a Speculator. If you want to read about a real man, Vic's father Artie -- scholar, athlete, cop, loving father -- read Education of a Speculator. If you want to know how a great mind approaches the day-to-day fray of trading, read Education of a Speculator. Anybody who feels nothing on reading Niederhoffer's rags-to-riches story, who thinks it's nothing but egomania, doesn't have a heart.