education-economics

I have had cause to refer to this book from time to time over the last four years; during that time I have taught public policy in the Caribbean, and I have conducted (and continue to conduct) research within that field. When I first came across this book, it was pretty much the leading text in the area, (and my first-hand knowledge of the field less than it is now) and so I was reliant on it.

My first concern relates to the lack of integration of the book as a whole. It has the feel of a set of conference papers that never quite managed to come together as a book. There is a degree of overlap between the chapters (for example the two chapters by Noguera and Skinner on telecommunications policy), and yet there is no coherent framework for analysis. A number of the chapters take the form of personal reflections and observations, by those 'close to the action' which makes for interesting reading, but is not always conducive for a comparison of different policy domains within the Caribbean.

I would also like to comment in detail on the two telecommunications chapters, because this is the area on which I can comment most knowledgeably. It should be borne in mind that significant developments in the largest Commonwealth Caribbean states make it easy to criticise these contributions with the benefit of hindsight.

Beyond the criticism already mentioned, that the book would have benefitted from having only one, possibly fuller, chapter on telecommunications, the two chapters take somewhat different views (without actually engaging in debate with one another). Noguera characterises Caribbean telecommunications policy in terms of "tele-colonial domination by metropolitan telecommunications carriers and suppliers" and "cultural (economic) imperialism". More moderately, Skinner interprets regulatory reform as "a control revolution" characterised by "dependent incorporation which allows only the narrowest range of discretion in policy matters." The claims are only marginally different, but I still want to know, who is right? And how do we assess these claims in social science terms other than as the casual opinons of two (no doubt reasonable) men?

Whether or not telecommunications policy in the Caribbean is the result of what others have called "coercive transfer", this ignores the (far more interesting, in my view) observation that despite clear commonalities in telecommunications policy reform - including commonalities of the environments, processes and objectives of reform - outcomes have been quite different, with Jamaica in particular enhancing its capacity to set the policy agenda at the domestic level. Clearly then, there remains at least some discretion at the national level. Further, choices at this level matter.

Despite these criticisms, I do hope the authors/editors will try again. It should be easier this time: there has been a good deal of interesting research on public policy in the Caribbean on whichh a revised edition might build. The need for a truly first rate book on Caribbean public policy is undeniable.

I was disappointed in the quality of this book. The cartoons are amateurish and not all that amusing. The topics in which the cartoons are divided fall into only two categories: "Classroom Life" and "Training Topics". The concept of being able to download cartoons into your own presentation is great, but the applicability of what is contained in this book is very narrow. I doubt I will find much use for this book.

Although the book covers the basics needed for effective career counseling, the authors need to work on spicing up the format and presentation of the material. The topics were difficult to read at times because the material just seemed to drag.

The approach taken is descriptive rather than prescriptive. Indeed, the authors insist that it is neither possible nor desirable to set out a prescriptive approach to build a learning organisation. The book relies heavily on extended case studies and includes substantial biographical detail on the leaders and key facilitators in the selected cases, as well as extended invited contributions by four of them. These case studies are used to illustrate the main shared features that the authors have observed in successful transformation to an organisation that is able to learn as part of its continuing functioning. Key features on which they focus include the use of 'action technologies' (action research, action learning and action science), a systemic view of change and an emphasis on the power of partnership between HR professionals and line managers.

The three 'action technologies' that lie at the heart of their preferred methodologies are jargon terms for: ß a research and design methodology that iterates from diagnosis through vision building and alignment to experiments and reassessment ß action learning using a number of devices to integrate learning and work, and ß the use of the techniques of skilled conversation and group learning to identify and resolve issues - the process of cycling between action and reflection and the principles involved in 'double loop learning' The conclusions are unsurprising, but it is useful to see them reinforced.

The authors do a service in reminding us that, while there are universal underlying principles, the move towards a learning organisation is an exploration and its steps can not be codified. Those who like to learn through case studies will find the book useful and practising facilitators will probably find it useful to 'compare notes' with those quoted in the book. However, it certainly does not replace any of my established favourites in this field.

This book was published by IVillage. It is a compilation of postings from IVillage members -- advice on how to save money, time, etc. The sections all begin with "A frugal woman knows..." For example, "A frugal woman knows not to carry balances on her credit card" (but the book does not go into particular detail on debt reduction). Or "A frugal woman knows that to save money on groceries, she should try generic brands and loss leaders and always shop from a list." (uh-huh) My advice: A frugal woman knows that all of this information (if you don't know it already) can be found for FREE on the IVillage Web site. Don't waste your money. (Or else check it out of your local library.)

Este libro está orientado para entrenar gente de negocios que utilizarán el inglés como segunda lengua.
Este libro no está diseñado para el auto-estudio. La presencia del maestro así como su material de estudio y CD's son indispensables. Contiene materiales de muy alta calidad, las fotos son muy buenas, sin embargo encuentro que su contenido es mas bien pobre. El número de ejercicios es muy poco, aunque algunos ejercicios son muy buenos. La información contenida es escasa y fragmetaria.

This book is supposed to train businesspeople who want to communicate in english as a second language, and is not intended for self-study at all, won't do any good if you try to use it as a stand-alone course. Teacher book, guide and CD's are indispensable. It has nice photos and high quality paper, however I find its content rather poor. The number of excecises is low (Some excercises are good), and in general the information is fragmented.

The practice questions are easlier than the actual questions on the exam. Some techniques were taught. That is about it.

I would recommand books like "Princeton Review" and the "Official Guide for GMAT". The first book teaches one all the techniques that one needs to know to do well and the second book gives one plenty of practice questions.

This book was geared toward a high school student,someone with minimal experience in the work force, or someone who does not have access to computer websites. Interviewing, forms, college costs, were briefly commented on.

If you are looking for specific nursing classifications and job descriptions and titles, career paths, this book does not provide any good data.

This book did not help me at all. In fact, I returned it the day I received it. If you are a high school student and don't really have an idea what you want to do, or aren't familiar with a lot of the options in the environmental field, this book may be good for you. But for me, as someone already in the professional environment and looking to find out about unique opportunities that don't fall into categories like biology, ecology, or agriculture, this book provided no help.

This book is not Maxwell's best book and I believe he quotes himself way too much (1/3 of the total quotes are his!). His best books on inspirational / motivational / leadership are Power of Leadership and Power of Attitude (2 separate books that are similar size books and quick reads.) If you are looking for a full-blown book try 2 of his other books, 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader or 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. While I know the book is supposed to be about THINKING BIG I found many quotes from other books. There are better books out there to spend your money on.

They key to getting any long-term value out of Maxwell's books is to highlight the quotes you love and integrate them into your daily life. Practice what you read essentially. Hope this helps everyone