No comments about Tools & Techniques of Investment Planning (Tools & Techniques).

5 comments about Project Quality Management: Why, What and How.

1. Kenneth H. Rose, PMP, has provided the project management world with a great book, Project Quality Management: Why, What and How. When I review books I read the material with a few principles in mind, including Technical Accuracy, Usefulness, Clarity, Concise, and Importance of the material. This book meets or exceeds these principles.
   
   The book is set up in four sections: Quality Foundations, Quality Management, Tools for Managing Project Quality, and Quality in Practice. Starting with Quality Foundations, Kenneth takes the reader through definitions, the history of the quality movement, and introduces the pioneers of Quality. This section is presented in a technically accurate, clear and concise manner. The material gives the reader an understanding without being too deep to be boring or over done.
   
   In the second section, Quality Management, Kenneth starts introducing the elements of the PMBOK, PMI's Project Management Book of Knowledge, the book most project managers use to plan & execute projects. To assist in using the tools, beginning in this section, Kenneth provides a case study in the Appendix that the reader uses to apply the information. The liberal use of illustrations, charts and graphs adds to the understanding of the material, and continues the accurate, clear and concise way the entire book is written. This section will be interesting to project managers not familiar with the PMBOK and the tools they may not be aware exist.
   
   Starting in the final chapter of the Quality Management section and through the third section, Tools for Managing Project Quality, Kenneth introduces a detailed description and use of the tools of quality supplied by the pioneers of Quality as it relates to project work. In this section the information from the previous two sections is brought together very clearly to assist in actual use.
   
   In the final section, Quality in Practice, W. Edward Deming's (one of those pioneers) Red Bead experiment is presented. The experiment is presented as a practical experiment for your team to use to confirm their new or increased knowledge before applying it to a real project. Side note: sounds like a great team building exercise.
   
   As for the importance of the text, absolutely! It is the only book I know of written for the project management community about Project Quality Management with the PMBOK interwoven. This book could be used as a training tool or reference tool for students, novice or veteran project managers.



2. I have read a lot of project management books. Some good. Some bad. This one falls a few notches above "good"--somewhere in the "excellent" to "great" range. I have not, to date, seen such a comprehensive, practical guide to project quality management. There are lots of quality management books out there. The problem is that not many of them have a focus on PROJECTS. This book fills the gap. Great discussion, great examples, great practical guidance for how to actually implement quality on projects. I keep this book on my bookshelf as a good, practical reference.



3. This book does a very good job explaining the tools needed for statistical process control and how it applies to project management.
   
   If you are looking for quality techniques based on W. Edwards Deming's teachings, then this book is a very good read.
   
   This book lives up to its title. You will not be disappointed.



4. We used this book as an addition to the text book for our graduate program at BU. I found the book an easy read which I wanted to continue on. It is not volumous either. You can finish each chapter in one sitting.



5. I've used Rose's book in my Quality Mmgt book now for two years. It's understandable, actionable and concise. The students consitently rate it very highly in end of session evaluations.

No comments about The Only Guide to Alternative Investments You'll Ever Need: The Way Smart Money Diversifies Risk.

1 comments about Walk the Talk.

1. My manager has read this book and has now ordered several more for a team that she was a part of. She states the book is excellent and wanted to share the book with other people for Leadership skills.

5 comments about How to Pay Little or No Taxes on Your Real Estate Investments: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply.

1. With the current state of our unsteady economy, investing can be a daunting and downright frightening prospect. The average person wants the security of knowing that their investments are working for them in the best possible way. Many people are intimidated by the idea of investing in real estate, but by doing some research, those fears can be alleviated. In fact, by gaining some basic knowledge of tax codes, you will discover that there are many financial opportunities for a savvy investor who knows how to use them to their advantage.
   
   Brian Kline's book provides average people with expert advice and know-how to reap greater profits in real estate investments. Kline delves into the often-confusing world of taxes and fishes out the good stuff - giving readers little known "secrets" to maximize their investments. Essential topics such as depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and capital gains tax are explained in a reader-friendly manner, with plenty of case study examples. The book is also chock-full of charts and portions of the IRS tax codes that provide the beginning investor with practical information and handy references.
   
   This book also has a lot to offer the intermediate investor. The wealth of information devoted to 1031 exchanges alone gives the seasoned investor plenty of new avenues by which to increase their income. The material presented is also up-to-date, with a majority of the tax codes as recent as 2006, which makes this a useful refresher for the advanced investor to skim through for any changes and updates.
   
   Overall, this book serves the needs of the novice and advanced investor alike, who are both looking for ways to use the many real estate tax advantages available to them to accumulate their wealth. This is a book you will refer to over and over again for practical information and deserves a spot on any serious investor's bookshelf.



2. I've been looking into the possibility of real estate investment, but I got concerned about a number of things, including capital gains taxes. When I first saw the title, I was afraid that it was another "get-rich-quick" book. I was delighted to see that it wasn't. The book focuses on how to reduce your taxes legally and how to plan your real estate investments. I appreciated both emphases.
   
   I had never realized that my retirement account could be a source for funds for investing. The book provides careful and detailed advice about the possibilities, limitations, and the pitfalls of doing that. I'm also new enough to real estate that I'd never heard of 1031 exchanges or installment sales before, but those sections were especially clear and in depth. I'd heard of trusts, of course, and was impressed by the wealth of material provided. Another helpful feature was the numerous case studies. I learned a lot from this book.
   
   This isn't a book that you'd pick up for an evening's casual reading, but it is clear and detailed. If you're looking into the possibility of real estate investment, I'd recommend it.



3. This book was well written, straightforward, and easy for the layperson to understand, as well as someone familiar with the real estate industry. It introduces the reader to real estate terminology and outlines a number of strategies to legitimately increase wealth through real estate. It gives in-depth information on the 1031 exchange, charitable trusts, etc. The author takes excerpts of the tax law to supplement the strategies he outlines, which is helpful and indicates the validity of his suggestions. The case examples give the reader an understanding of how they can make wise choices at various stages of real estate acquisition, ownership, improvement and sales. The author lists conditions necessary to take advantage of the various strategies and plans available, and also includes information on prohibited transactions. He uses tables to illustrate the gains to be made using the strategies, and includes a chapter that takes the reader step-by-step through the process of preparing a wealth strategy. The final chapter is an account of a fictional couple, and their experience in real estate investment, utilizing the strategies provided by the author. I would recommend this to anyone considering an investment in real estate, and also to realtors and other professionals in the industry.



4. With the recent housing market slump, Brian Kline offers readers advice on protecting their investments while still turning a profit. He effectively uses existing tax codes to teach readers how to accumulate wealth through real estate investments. His methods and advice on using such strategies, like the 1031 exchange, are conducted within the legal limits of the law.
   
   Many times, the topics discussed quickly become boring with legal jargon an industry talk. While some of this is necessary, Kline does a nice job of mixing in real-life examples. He accompanies these examples with charts and "the math" completed so the reader can easily understand the topic of discussion. Throughout the book, he offers several case studies of industry leaders using several of the topics he discusses. These offer real world application for his advice.
   
   Kline explains how Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) can be used to acquire and shield wealth. IRA's can be invested in anything the owner believes will bring a good return on investment. Charitable remainder trusts eliminate capital gains and create a charitable tax deduction. He even offers readers a step-by-step, in-depth look at 1031 exchanges, and how they function.



5. Despite the roller-coaster ride that is better known as the real estate market, real estate in and of itself remains - even in these volatile times -- a sound and practical investment. The trick -- explains author Brian Kline is his illuminating book "How to Pay Little or No Taxes on Your Real Estate Investments" -- is to know how to make your money work for you in the smartest possible way.
   
   Not necessarily an easy read, but definitely an important resource for both the layman and professional - I give this book high marks not only for the time Kline spends explaining the ever-so-confusing tax code system into a concept as simple as "tax-code knowledge and application = profit" but also for his thorough examination of the multiple methods available for deferring or eliminating taxes to fit the reader's specific needs, goals and objectives.
   
   Furthermore, Kline does a great job of personalizing all the legal and technical jargon with a nice mix of real-world examples. Even going so far as to include several case studies offered up by many of today's real estate big shots who use the principals outlined in this book.
   
   Of particular interest to me was Chapter 9: Wealth Goals and Strategies, in which Kline addresses such topics as Passive vs. Active Income, Risk Limits and Getting Started Strategies. It's true says Kline that with the accumulation of wealth comes experience and knowledge. But how does the novice get to that point? This book will show you how. Kline goes on to note that an experienced investor will recognize a misrepresented property or profits. The experienced investor likely has a feel for business cycles and is better suited to optimize the buy and sell timing. Chapter 9 alone is worth the price of admission. Remember, every individual has a different tolerance for risk. The key is not taking risks that you cannot afford.
   
   Also of particular interest are Kline's explanation, demonstration and practical application of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and how they can be used to acquire and - more importantly -- shield wealth. According to Kline, IRA's can be invested in anything the owner believes will bring a good return on investment. And anything that brings in a good return is a good thing.
   
   Now I freely admit that if you're a novice investor like myself, its easy to get derailed with the never-ending use of acronyms, technical and financial terms. My advice to you: read and re-read. Familiarity breeds confidence and this book of knowledge contains all the secrets you need to translate that first real estate purchase and turn it into the cornerstone of a real estate empire. Donald Trump could pick up a hint or two as well.
   
   Kline points out that "...Historically, real estate outperforms the stock market's" and that "...Real estate investing can be one of the surest and most dependable methods of systematically acquiring wealth." If that is true - and I certainly believe that it is, then Kline's book, "How to Pay Little or No Taxes on Your Real Estate Investments" is certainly a step in the right direction.
   
   I give the book 5 stars.

5 comments about The Winning Trainer: Winning Ways to Involve People in Learning, Fourth Edition.

1. For a new trainer, this tome has proven to be an invaluable source of ideas, inspiration, examples, watch-outs, suggestions, and additional resources. Without this book, my first training sessions would have been lackluster meanderings into unfamiliar (and dangerous) territory. Mr Eitington's suggestions, guidelines and examples served to help me structure and flesh-out my seminar to be a strong success. The book is clearly organized with both a Table of Contents and an Index, and every chapter is broken down into relevant, digestible chunks. This guide focuses only a little on actually setting up and starting a training, in favor of creating a great deal of detail on training techniques, scenarios, and tools. The copiable sheets (for everything from pre-work to team games to feedback) 1included at the end of the book also provide much creative fodder, as well as saving a great deal of time. Of the five training guides I have, this is the one I use more than 80% of the time.



2. This is an excellent resource for new and experienced designers and trainers. The book contains HUNDREDS of ideas for active, interesting, meaningful learning. EVERYONE in the learning field should own this book.

   Joanne Polichetti Integrated Learning Solutions Adjunct faculty: Milano Graduate School: New School University




3. This is an encyclopedia in one volume for the training professional -- one you can't do without. In clear, concise language the Eitington provides the concepts and ideas to prepare the learning environment, involve the participants, deliver content, and evaluate the learning experience. You won't find another book like it anywhere!



4. No one in the training field or doing anything even close (teachers take note!) should be without this book. I started workshops for high school students and have done exhaustive research, and spent a great deal of money. This book is by far one of the most outstanding resources anyone could have. I have covered mine to keep it from tattering, since I use it constantly in planning. It is so comprehensive...you can start with just a subject/topic...and find dozens of ways to present it. You can be a novice, or an experienced professional and benefit from this book. I simply don't have the words to express how valuable it has been to me. It is a gold mine of information about the teaching and learning processes.



5. I found Eitington's The Winning Trainer the best of the category. If you were to have only one training book for limited space available for your suitcase, I recommend this. Actually, when I leave my office for an overseas assignment, The Winning Trainer is always my companion. It is comprehensive and practical. Yes, it is the reference for active trainers.

5 comments about The Trading Game: Playing by the Numbers to Make Millions.

1. Explains the principles of money management; covers in detail the various aproaches (pyramiding, martingale, fixed fractional, optimal f et al) and shows why they are not optimal for traders. Finally offers his own money management approach called Fixed ratio. Loosely derives from fixed fractional, but reduces drawdowns and risk, while still allowing for improved growth.
   
   The book is complex and somewhat dry, there are LOTS of tables of figures and you will need to re-read many sections. The method of money management seems sound enough although I haven't incorporated it into my approach yet.
   
   Defintely worth reading as money management has been shown repetedly to be key to success in trading (alongside psychology, emotions and good exit strategies - which are not covered in this book).



2. If you really want to optimize your Forex trading returns, you need to understand the principles of money management. This book by Ryan Jones is probably one of the best books available on the topic of Money Management. If there is such a thing as a Holy Grail then Money Management is it. With proper money management you will be able to stay in the game for the long term. One of the biggest mistakes novice traders make is that they don't know how to manage their trading risks, that is why the failure rate for beginning trades is greater that 95%. Most novice traders blow out their account within the first year.
   
   This book will be a real eye opener; it will provide some great insight into why proper money management is critical to your success. The following is a sample paragraph from the book:
   
   "you don't need $1 million to achieve $1 million. You only need to build profits that total $100,000 based on trading a single contract. What this means is that a person who trades a single contract and makes $100,000 at the end of 5 years, instead could make $1 million by implementing proper money management"
   
   Ryan does an excellent job at detailing the various Money Management methods along with their short comings. Parts of the book are complex; you may have to read them a couple of time to fully understand the concepts. Ryan does include a lot of tables and calculation in this book but they are easy to follow and comprehend. You don't need more that a high school math background to understand the calculations. This is another one of those "Must Have" books that you need in your trading library. We here at EffectiveFX highly recommend this book. It can make the difference between financial success and failure. Any trader serious about trading for a living must utilize proper risk management principles to be in the game for the long term.
   
   
   Go to our site to see a list of highly recommended books for successful forex trading.



3. I liked the ideas in the book about position sizing, very helpful material. But the author will throw all kinds of numbers at you without really explaining how or where he got those numbers. The material is probably obvious to the author, so he assumes that it will obvious to the reader, as well. If you buy this book be ready to read and reread sections.
   
   Here is an example: "After having acquired $100,000 in profits using the $5,000 as the delta for the fixed ratio method, we would be trading 20 contracts. The minimum level of profits to trade 20 contracts is $1,000,000. Therefore, what took 4 years to generate $225,000 estimated profits, generated $750,000 more in profits during the next four years"
   
   Did he not say in the first sentence that 20 contracts would be traded for $100,000 in profits? In the second sentence it is $1,000,000? He does not explain how he got $225,000 or $750,000. I am sure Mr. Jones knows how he got these numbers but readers are left to figure it out for thmeselves.
   
   The parts of the book that I did understand, I have begun to apply, such as position sizing. But it is a long and frustrating read.



4. This is one of the two books about money management that I would recommend to anyone who is trading, the other one is Trade Your Way To Financial Freedom by Van Tharp.
   
   
   This book actually covers all issues related to position sizing and teaches a method especially beneficial to traders starting with a smaller account. I understand the numbers in the book is not properly illustrated, and the examples are somewhat intentionally designed, by the logic behind the method is very robust. Meanwhiles the author does not exclude the possibility of other position sizing strategies, he does suggest to switch from fixed ratio to fixed fractional method once you have build up your account to some point(on page 220).IMO, it is actually the best money management plan that will cover the whole life of a trading account.
   
   I strongly recommend this book, as the best book on position sizing, and one of the best( together with Tharp's book) on money management.



5. It's always been surprising to me that this book sells so well and the classics are not as popular. The sensational sub-title "Playing by the Numbers to Make MILLIONS" must convince readers that Jones can give them the secret to becoming a millionaire.
   
   Thing is he doesn't give you any secrets to success, instead he sends you in the wrong direction by stating that "risk of ruin" isn't important and that the "Jones Fixed Fractional" approach is better than the standard "optimal F". Neither claims are true, and you'd be better off learning about "risk of ruin" from Balsara and about "optimal F" from Vince, the true grand daddy's of money management. If Vince and Balsara are too complicated, a newer author, McDowell, simplifies both of these concepts so that you can get on the right track.
   
   Check out the review of Ryan Jones book "Apples and Oranges" dated July 7, 2001, that reviewer has a real understanding of money management and what works and explains the flaws of Jones' book with great clarity. At the end of the day, you'd be better off getting a Vince, Balsara or McDowell book if you want to improve your trading results.

1 comments about The Art of Transformation.

1. I can't speak too highly of this book. Started reading it as soon as I got it and couldn't put it down.
   
   While the theme of transformation here is mainly applied to changing public policy such as healthcare, I found many principles that can be extrapolated to any organization, big or small.
   
   Can you imagine a system which develops specfic metrics that drive decision making based on constant communication, innovation, and improvement in an environment of agile, networked teams with a culture of shared purpose, engagement, and fun?
   
   Sounds like something mid-level management will describe in a memo that the consultant will talk about in a lunch meeting in two months, right? Well, Speaker Gingrich and Ms. Desmond detail how to accomplish this in your organization.
   
   How many bosses or managers have you had that are real leaders?
   
   Not many, right? Well, how would you like to have a leader who followed the principle of moral responsibility with a specific described vision of success and pursued it with energy, resilience and peristence? How would those in your charge respond to your leadership if they knew that you depended on them, responded to their recommendations, learned from them, and had a good time doing it? Think your organization might be more effective? I would think!
   
   Much has been made of nimble, creative, effective organizations since the inception of the Web, harkening back to the "old" dot-com days. However, we still work in slow, hierarchial, disconnected organizations whose dysfunctions bury our creativity and smother our energy.
   
   Want to change that? Get this book and let these folks show you what to do.

5 comments about The Roaring 2000s: Building the Wealth and Life Style You Desire in the Greatest Boom in History.

1. I think the basic assumption about the impact of the baby boomers is correct, but where Harry went wrong is that he encapsulated the "message" by focusing exclusively on the sharemarket. If he had said that assets, viz average share prices and average property values, will quadruple by 2008, then he will probably be right. Unfortunately he said words to the effect that the Dow Jones will go from 10,000 to 40,000 by 2008. What he didn't properly explain was that in some years real estate will go up, and down, likewise the share market. Together, over the period 2000 - 2008, the combined value will quadruple. His thesis is correct; it was the catchphase that was wrong.



2. Readers would be better served by reading "The Intelligent Asset Allocator", which has the same core recommendations with regard to saving and investing, but much harder data on asset allocation (which provides >85% of the explanatory variable in overall portfolio returns according to most academic studies), following those recommendations instead, and then going out and just living their lives instead of vainly seeking some "new life around the corner, if only I had another $(fill in the blanks) million" by spending their hard-earned money on these investment book du jours.



3. The "It's the 2000's and everything is going to be great because nothing can go wrong" theme was the opposite of what I was looking for.
   
   I'm interested in books that give solid detailed steps to take when preparing for your financial future and this book seems to have a "don't worry about it" kind of tone. I found it pretty worthless. As if he just wrote a book that told people what they wanted to hear in order to get them to by the book.
   
   (...)



4. The Inflation myth is that it results from rapid growth. Inflation is the result of radical new technologies and the entrance of the young new generations that bring them to the workforce. Other than the war periods, the greatest periods of inflation have coincided with major periods of technology innovation: Inflation wave following the crusades, another massive wave following the capitalism revolution; and the biggest wave emerging caused from the information revolution.
   
   Inflation is a sign of progress in the making, not the destruction of the monetary system or decay of the moral fiber. Neither political policy of various Presidents nor the monetary policy of the fed significantly influence inflation, instead inflation is the economy's means for financing an economic revolution. The higher the inflation the greater the economic revolution to follow and during inflation money is tight, so demand for the money will be strong. It takes a massive investment to launch an economic revolution. The launch of the economic revolution corresponds with the growth of the labor force, whose spending patterns as group are very predictable. The labor forces expands during the innovation wave that occurs when a new generation enters the job market. There are three forces that influence inflation : 1. new technologies force organizations to retool to remain competitive and requires capital investment 2. the new generation launches many new companies, which require an infusion of capital before they become self-supporting 3. the new generation elevates the demand for commercial infrastructures-from office space to factories to warehouses for work, and malls and store of all kinds for personal shopping and entertainment-which require a huge capital investment by businesses and government.
   
   In Phase I, inflation occurs when investors are saving more then they are spending. Higher interest rates fuel the propensity to spend. The business sector's need for cash flow imposes an inflation tax on the consumer. New businesses needing to raise capital can not finance large debts because they have not yet stabilized and demonstrated a predictable growth pattern. High inflation forces debt financing through venture capital. Inflation moves higher because production increases have not yet been realized adoption of new technologies that will increase productivity. As the new technology companies begin to grow, financing begins to ease. Inflation drops as finance and investment grow. The companies find it easier to get credit and loans and so they borrow more to finance their growth and retool.
   
   In Phase II, in a booming economy and falling inflation rates consumers are spending and borrowing money, so government does not feel compelled to raise tax rates. The money government needs to produce from the growing infrastructure and finance transition into the new economy. As the new economy emerges debt rises to finance the growth, inflation rates fall, and productivity rates remain low and improving.
   
   In Phase III, productivity surges as the new technologies move mainstream, following the S-curve Pattern. Business organizations leverage the new technologies to increase productivity, wages, and profits. The high profits in the new growth companies create high cash flow for investment and growth with less need for equity or debt financing.
   
   Based on inflation patterns, productivity, and labor force trends a massive boom for the next four years will become a reality. The boom will not be sustained and a prolonged period of time of 10-20 years of economic slowdown will causes surges in unemployment, but eventually 3% of the new growth companies will create a surge in employment, profits, and innovations. The real revolution will not be technology but a return to a focus on the customer, his preferences, his smart card info, and global sharing of this information between companies. Frontline consultants will use back end server data to bring the best opinions for the consumer depending on their situation. The organzational network will change the infrastructure, efficiency, and value companies will bring to the customer. Companies that do not adapt will not be competitive and sales indicators will testify against them.



5. Some fairly good analysis on markets and trends and things. But abyssmally and tragically ignorant on some of the most important base issues surrounding money, banking, monetary policy, and inflation. For the market review and analysis, for the cost of used books today, I'd recommend not paying more than 7 or 8 bucks at the very most. But when you get to the parts of the book where he talks about money or inflation directly, skip those sections.

No comments about Harvard Business Review on the Persuasive Leader (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series) (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series) (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series).