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by Jonah Berger (Get the Book)
Berger (Univ. of Pennsylvania) offers an interesting analysis of the factors that drive products, ideas, and behaviors to diffuse through a population. Bolstered by numerous real-world examples, such as Livestrong wristbands and the Atkins diet, the author identifies six basic principles of viral marketing--the elements encouraging social epidemics. Applications not only include traditional marketing arenas but also are culled from areas such as workplace behavior and political campaigning. Berger devotes separate chapters to his "STEPPS" for prompting viral activity; they include "Social Currency," "Triggers," "Emotion," "Public, "Practical Value," and "Stories." While some of the principles are seemingly well known, Berger underscores the key challenge of cutting through the clutter and offers advice on creating effective messages and content that will be "contagious." The result is a useful and practical guide for practitioners seeking to achieve maximal impact with a limited budget. The volume is interesting, informative, and topically relevant, as astronomically growing numbers continue to share information via mobile devices. Additionally, graduate students, particularly those in MBA programs, would find this book an engaging supplement in any marketing course. --Library Journal
by Edward F. Becker (Get the Book)
Becker (Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln) provides an exposition of the central themes of W. V. Quine's philosophy beginning with the rejection of conventionalism, the linguistic doctrine of logical truth, and the analytic-synthetic distinction. He then moves on to the views that Quine defended: the indeterminacy of translation, the inscrutability of reference, and ontological relativity. Where he finds difficulties, he explains either how Quine modified his theories as he changed his views, or he provides suggestions as to how Quine could defend his position. Becker's exposition and critical evaluation are clear, thorough, and insightful. The closest comparison to this work is Roger Gibson's The Philosophy of W. V. Quine: An Expository Essay. --Choice
by Ron Ashkenas and Todd Jick (Get the Book)
In 1995 The Boundaryless Organization showed companies how to sweep away the artificial obstacles-such as hierarchy, turf, and geography-that get in the way of outstanding business performance. Now, in this completely revised edition of their groundbreaking work, management experts Ron Ashkenas, Dave Ulrich, Todd Jick, and Steve Kerr offer an up-to-date version of their comprehensive guide to help any organization go "boundaryless"-and become a company with the ability to quickly, proactively, and creatively adjust to changes in the environment. With new examples, a new commentary on the developments of the last five years, and illuminating first-hand accounts from pioneering senior executives, the authors once again show why "boundaryless" is a prerequisite for any organization trying to succeed in the economy of the twenty-first century. (Publisher)
by Reid Hoffman (Get the Book)
Fresh off the success of 2012's The Start-Up of You, LinkedIn cofounder Hoffman and entrepreneurs Casnocha and Yeh return with an extended version of Hoffman's Harvard Business Review article "Tours of Duty." This packed book focuses on "rebuilding trust and loyalty through an alliance" between employees and employer; the old model is "based on a dishonest conversation," which promises loyal employees guaranteed lifetime employment. Downsizing and layoffs have ended that model. Employees are now expected to think more like entrepreneurs, and companies and their staffs must find new models to build trusting, mutually productive relationships. Hoffman and his coauthors suggest that companies create "tours of duty" to foster employee growth and development. The three tours are "rotational," during which entry-level employees can learn the business and find their place; "transformational," during which the mid-career employee can do something substantive; and "foundational," for long-term employees who serve as stewards of the mission. This approach is heavily based on fast-paced, competitive world of Silicon Valley, and, at times, the emphasis on LinkedIn makes the book feel like an ad campaign. Nonetheless, the specifics on helping employees network and aligning employee and company goals and values will help all employers create an engaged and self-actualized workforce. --Publishers Weekly
by Steve Forbes (Get the Book)
Co-authors Forbes, chairman and editor in chief of Forbes Media, and Ames, a communications executive, previously collaborated on How Capitalism will Save Us and Freedom Manifesto. Here, they argue that the U.S. dollar needs to be strengthened by returning to a gold standard. The authors write that the current Federal Reserve policy based upon Keynesian economics weakens the dollar without stimulating the economy in any lasting manner. They propose to establish by law a set ratio between gold and the U.S. dollar to create a stable yardstick of value that will instill trust in the currency. Forbes and Ames argue that this will alleviate a host of ills including government overspending, inflation, high interest rates, crime, speculative trading, and a chaotic economy in general. They also include advice for investors trying to cope in the current economic environment. Clearly, this book is a partisan polemic in favor of putting the dollar back on the gold standard while discounting possible pitfalls of that action, but the authors write intelligibly for a general audience and make a persuasive case on the dangers of inflation and a weak currency. VERDICT While this work will certainly resonate with "gold bugs" and others suspicious of the Federal Reserve, it also offers thoughtful reading for anyone concerned about today's economic malaise. --Library Journal
by Philip M. Rosenzweig (Get the Book)
This tart takedown of fashionable management theories is a refreshing antidote to the glut of simplistic books about achieving high performance. Rosenzweig, a veteran business manager turned professor, argues that most popular business ideas are no more than soothing platitudes that promise easy success to harried managers. Consultants, journalists and other pundits tap scientifically suspect methods to produce what he calls "business delusions": deeply flawed and widely held assumptions tainted by the "halo effect," or the need to attribute sweeping positive qualities to any company that has achieved success. Following these delusions might provide managers with a comforting story that helps them frame their actions, but it also leads them to gross simplification and to ignore the constant demands of changing technologies, markets, customers and situations. Mega-selling books like Good to Great, Rosenzweig argues, are nothing more than comforting, highbrow business fables. Unfortunately, Rosenzweig hedges his own principles for success so much that managers will find little practical use for them. His argument about the complexity of sustained achievement, and his observation that success comes down to "shrewd strategy, superb execution and good luck," may end up limiting the market for this smart and spicy critique. --Publishers Weekly
by Ray E. LeVitre (Get the Book)
You're in Control of Your Retirement Future Inside are twenty major financial decisions that could profoundly impact your lifestyle over the next forty years. For many retirees, these decisions come as a surprise and must be made hastily without proper consultation. But by reading the expert, commission-free advice in this fully revised and updated edition, you'll learn how to manage your assets and prepare for the bestpossible retirement. - Do I have enough money to retire now? - How will I cover my medical expenses during retirement? - When should I begin taking Social Security? - How much should I invest in stocks, bonds, and cash? - What criteria should I use to identify the best investments? - Should I cancel my life insurance policy? - Should I pay off my mortgage at retirement? (Publisher)
by Jonah Berger (Get the Book)
