Discount Engineering Books Online Shopping Store. Buy Best and Cheap Books

Kindle DX: Amazon's 9.7" Wireless Reading Device

2009-09-27T01:02:00.000-07:00

Kindle DX: Amazon's 9.7" Wireless Reading Device (Latest Generation)

Product Description

Sleek & Trim Kindle DX is as thin as most magazines. Just over a third of an inch in profile, you'll find Kindle DX fits perfectly in your hands. Beautiful Large Display Kindle DX's large display is ideal for a broad range of reading material, including graphic-rich books, PDFs, newspapers, magazines, and blogs.

Kindle DX's display is two and a half times the size of the Kindle display. Whether you're reading the latest bestseller or a financial report, text and images are amazingly sharp on the 9.7" screen.

Auto-Rotating Screen By simply turning the device, you can immediately see full-width landscape views of maps, graphs, tables and Web pages. Built-In PDF Reader Unload the loose documents from your briefcase or backpack, and put them all on Kindle DX.

From neighborhood newsletters to financial statements to case studies and product manuals--you can take them all with you on Kindle DX. Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go.

With Amazon's Whispernet service, you can send your documents directly to your Kindle DX and read them anytime, anywhere.

5-Way Controller Kindle DX has an easy-to-use 5-way controller, enabling precise on-screen navigation for selecting text to highlight or looking up words. Simple to Use, No Computer Required Kindle DX is completely wireless and ready to use right out of the box--no setup, no cables, no computer required. Long Battery Life - Read for Days Without Recharging With Kindle DX's long battery life, you can read on a single charge for up to 4 days with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to 2 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store and downloading content. In low coverage areas or in 1xRTT only coverage, wireless usage will consume battery power more quickly.

Features

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents
Beautiful Large Display: 9.7" diagonal e-ink screen reads like real paper; boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and sharp images
Auto-Rotating Screen: Display auto-rotates from portrait to landscape as you turn the device so you can view full-width maps, graphs, tables, and Web pages
Built-In PDF Reader: Native PDF support allows you to carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go

Customer Reviews

Different and Better
I have owned both Kindle 1 and Kindle 2, so I'm already committed to the basic idea: e-ink reading in a slim form factor with excellent connectivity to a large selection of books and subscriptions. I have come to rely on my Kindle experience, and it has seriously enhanced my reading.

The DX was not an obvious upgrade for me, but two features put me over the edge: the larger screen, and the native PDF reader. I now have the DX in my hands, and can report PROS, CONS, and NEUTRALS:

PROS:
-- the larger screen is a definite plus. I use the larger type size on my Kindle 2 (older eyes), and at this type size I get far more text per page on the DX. This makes the whole reading experience more book-like (and should be a boon to people who buy large-print books.)

-- the screen is also sharper and crisper than my Kindle 2 in a side-by-side comparison: the text is darker, and the contrast is much better, making for better visibility overall.

-- on a side note, the larger screen also makes it possible to read poetry on the kindle, even at large type sizes. On earlier Kindles, the smaller screen cut off lines, so that you would lose the sense of when the poet ended the line. On the DX, you can see the whole line exactly as the poet meant it, with the cut-off in the right spot.

-- the PDF reader works as advertised, and is extremely convenient. PDF documents appear on the DX exactly as they do on a computer screen. Moreover, you can drag and drop your documents directly to the device using the USB cable (or use the for-a-fee email if you absolutely must.) The only downside: at least for the documents that I've used so far, I cannot adjust the type size as I can with native Kindle documents.

-- screen rotation also works as advertised: it operates as a mild zoom on both graphics and text and offsets slightly the downside of not being able to adjust the typesize on PDF documents. One nice design touch: the four-way navigation stick introduced on the Kindle 2 is rotation-sensitive, and will move as expected relative to the screen rotation.

-- more of the device space is devoted to the screen, while the white plastic border around the screen seems to have shrunk, both in general and compared to the proportion of screen to plastic on the Kindle 2. I like this (but see below about the keyboard).

-- storage: I like the increase in storage space, and don't mind the lack of an external storage card. I can see some people having trouble with this, but only those folks who either a) must regularly carry around PDF documents totalling more than 3.5 GB of space or b) must have nearly 3500 books regularly at their fingertips. I fall in neither category.

CONS:
-- price: it's expensive, as you can tell pretty quickly. If you value the larger size, and the native PDF reader, these features may justify the roughly 30% premium you pay for the DX over the Kindle 2. In truth, the DX SHOULD cost more than the Kindle 2, and a 30% premium isn't unreasonable. But, for my money, Amazon should drop the price on the Kindle 2 to $300 or so, and charge $400 or a little less for the DX. Still, I bought it, and will keep it at this price.

-- one-sided navigation buttons: all of the buttons are now on the right side, and none are on the left. I'm a righty, so I shouldn't complain, but I found myself using both sides on the Kindle 2. Lefties have reason to complain, I think.

-- One-handed handling: I often read while I walk, with my Kindle in one hand, and something else in my other. Because of the button layout, this will be more difficult on the DX.

-- metal backing: I miss the tacky rubberized backing on my Kindle 1. When I placed my Kindle 1 on an inclined surface, it stayed in place. Not so my Kindle 2 and now my DX. This is not a complaint specific to the DX, but it's still there.

NEUTRALS (i.e. things worth noting):

-- weight: the DX is heavier, noticeably so. This is only an issue if, like me, you regularly use the kindle with one hand . . . and even so, it's still doable.

-- keyboard: the keyboard has 4 rows, and not 5: the top row of numbers from the Kindle 1 and 2 has been merged into the top qwerty row, so that numbers are now only accessible with an alt-key combination. The keys are vertically thinner too, so that the whole keyboard is no more than 1" tall (compared to over an 1.5" on the Kindle 2). At the same time, the keys themselves are a bit easier to press, a bit more protruding than on the Kindle 2. For someone with big fingers (like me), this will be a slightly harder keyboard to use, but only slightly.

That's all I can see. Overall, the pluses outweigh the minuses for me, and I'm satisfied with my purchase. I can now think of using my DX for work documents on a regular basis, because of the PDF reader. The screen size and screen rotation make the overall reading experience more immersive.
Overall, the DX feels more like text and less like device and comes closer to the stated goal of the Kindle: for the device to disappear, leaving only the joy of reading.

The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

2009-09-26T23:46:00.000-07:00

The Lost Symbol (Hardcover)
Amazon.com Review
Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word.

The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.

Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal. --Daphne Durham

Review
"Dan Brown brings sexy back to a genre that had been left for dead…His code and clue-filled book is dense with exotica…amazing imagery…and the nonstop momentum that makes The Lost Symbol impossible to put down. SPLENDID…ANOTHER MIND-BLOWING ROBERT LANGDON STORY."—Janet Maslin, New York Times

"THRILLING IN THE EXTREME, A DEFINITE PAGE-FLIPPER."—Daily News (New York)

"Call it Brownian motion: A COMET TAIL-RIDE of beautifully spaced reveals and a socko unveiling of the killer's true identity."—Washington Post

"The wait is over. The Lost Symbol is here--and you don't have to be a Freemason to enjoy it….THRILLING AND ENTERTAINING, LIKE THE EXPERIENCE ON A ROLLER COASTER."—Los Angeles Times

"ROBERT LANGDON REMAINS A TERRIFIC HERO, a bookish intellectual who's cool in a crisis and quick on his feet…. The codes are intriguing, the settings present often-seen locales in a fresh light, and Brown keeps the pages turning."—Entertainment Weekly

Fearless Small Group Discussion Guide

2009-09-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Fearless Small Group Discussion Guide (Paperback)

Product Description
Can you imagine your life without fear?

In his book, Fearless Max Lucado offers hope and calm in a time of unprecedented fear in our nation and the world.

Now Max's timeless messages are also available in a DVD-based study that can be used for individual reflection or small-group discussion.

Fearless draws from Jesus' encounters with people in frightening situations giving evidence that we can trust God through these scary times.

In six stand-alone sessions, Max takes a close look at our greatest fears and offers scripturally based reassurance and guidance through even the toughest moments of our lives.

This companion discussion guide can be used for personal journalling or as a prompt for open-hearted discussions with your small group.

Let Max Lucado show you how to find a sense of peace and security in today's troubled world.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Inspires me to change

By Nils von Kalm "soulthoughts"

To be honest, I first imagined that this book would be like just another self-help book when we need today are books about how we can show God's love to the world. However, upon making my way through this book, my initial response just proved the old adage that you can't judge a book by its cover (or in my case, by its title!).

As I began reading, I realised how much I wanted to be a person of faith and not fear. By taking the reader through many of the most common fears that a believer faces, the message that Lucado constantly reiterates is that you are special, and we can be people of courage.

Lucado displays a profound knowledge of the subject and provides real-life stories to illustrate his points. More importantly however, he provides examples from the life of Jesus to show that we truly need not fear as we travel on the journey with Him. Following the main text with a Discussion Guide that is useful for both individuals and groups, this is a book that has the potential to change the lives of many.

Fear Not Promise Book: For I Am With You Always

2009-09-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Fear Not Promise Book: For I Am With You Always (Hardcover)

Product Description

Although fear fills our world, it doesn't have to fill our hearts.

No one likes living in a world filled with terror and uncertainty, but in such times, God does some of His most important work. Our part is to trust Him through faith that He will be true to His promises. Brimming with both encouragement and truth, best-selling author Max Lucado's Fear Not Promise Book addresses six major topics of fear and how we can put an end to its effects. While fear corrodes our confidence, faith in God's love for us always restores hope.Be inspired to live without fear as America's leading inspirational author encourages us with "quotable quotes" from his adult trade book, Fearless.

Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government

2009-09-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government (Hardcover)

Product Description
FUNNY.
FRIGHTENING.
TRUE...

It happens to all of us: You're minding your own business, when some idiot informs you that guns are evil, the Prius will save the planet, or the rich have to finally start paying their fair share of taxes.

Just go away! you think to yourself -- but they only become more obnoxious. Your heart rate quickens. You start to sweat. You can't get away. Your only hope is...

...This book.

Glenn Beck, author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers An Inconvenient Book and Glenn Beck's Common Sense, has stumbled upon the secret formula to winning arguments against people with big mouths but small minds: knowing the facts.

And this book is full of them...

The next time your Idiot Friends tell you how gun control prevents gun violence, you'll tell them all about England's handgun ban (see page 53). When they tell you that we should copy the UK's health-care system, you'll recount the horrifying facts you read on page 244. And the next time an idiot tells you that vegetable prices will skyrocket without illegal workers, you'll stop saying "no, they won't" and you'll start saying, "actually, eliminating all illegal labor will cause us to spend just $8 a year more on produce." (See page 139.)

Idiots can't be identified through voting records, they can be found only by looking for people who hide behind stereotypes, embrace partisanship, and believe that bumper sticker slogans are a substitute for common sense. If you know someone who fits the bill, then Arguing with Idiots will help you silence them once and for all with the ultimate weapon: the truth.

About the Author
Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio and Fox News television show host, is the author of three previous #1 New York Times bestsellers: An Inconvenient Book, Glenn Beck's Common Sense, and the novel The Christmas Sweater. His children's version of The Christmas Sweater is forthcoming from Simon & Schuster and America's March to Socialism is available now from Simon & Schuster Audio or downloadable from Simon & Schuster Online. He is also the author of The Real America and publisher of Fusion magazine. Visit www.glennbeck.com.

StrengthsFinder 2.0

2009-09-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths (Hardcover)

Product Description

DO YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST EVERY DAY?
Chances are, you don't. All too often, our natural talents go untapped. From the cradle to the cubicle, we devote more time to fixing our shortcomings than to developing our strengths.
To help people uncover their talents, Gallup introduced the first version of its online assessment, StrengthsFinder, in the 2001 management book Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book spent more than five years on the bestseller lists and ignited a global conversation, while StrengthsFinder helped millions to discover their top five talents.
In its latest national bestseller, StrengthsFinder 2.0, Gallup unveils the new and improved version of its popular assessment, language of 34 themes, and much more (see below for details). While you can read this book in one sitting, you'll use it as a reference for decades.

Loaded with hundreds of strategies for applying your strengths, this new book and accompanying website will change the way you look at yourself -- and the world around you -- forever.
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN THE NEW & UPGRADED EDITION OF STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0
(using the unique access code included with each book)

-A new and upgraded edition of the StrengthsFinder assessment
-A personalized Strengths Discovery and Action-Planning Guide for applying your strengths in the next week, month, and year
-A more customized version of your top five theme report
-50 Ideas for Action (10 strategies for building on each of your top five themes)
-The more user-friendly StrengthsFinder 2.0 companion website, with a strengths community area, library of downloadable discussion guides and activities, a strengths screensaver, and a program for creating display cards of your top five themes

Book Description
Unique code to accompany book is delivered wirelessly to your Kindle in a separate message. For users of the Kindle for iPhone application, the unique code is delivered to Your Media Library.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
What are the strengths YOU can rely on?
By Strengths Fanatic
Strengths Finder 2.0 is the follow up to Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths. The book includes a revamped version of the StrengthsFinder test that shows you not just what your top five strengths are, but also how you rank in the rest of the 34 strengths from Clifton's model. The new book is light on content (very light) but the test is a substantial improvement.

Here's how the book is set up:

StrengthsFinder: The Next Generation
(A short introduction explaining the need for the enhanced edition of the test based upon new thinking and research in strengths psychology)

I: Finding Your Strengths
(A 30-page overview of strengths psychology and how the Gallup system works)
II: Applying Your Strengths
(150 pages outlining each of the 34 themes including what people with that strength look like, how to manage them, and ideas for action if you have that strength).
The StrengthsFinder
(If you haven't taken it before, the code to take the test is provided in a packet inside the book. You actually have to buy the book to take the test)

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 is another book I really enjoyed that follows the SF 2.0 format. Obviously, that test measures emotional intelligence (EQ), but Emotional Intelligence 2.0 has a unique format where the test tells you which of the book's 66 strategies will increase your EQ the most.

The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition

2009-09-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition (Paperback)

Product Description
The Official SAT Study Guide™ —with more than two million sold—just got better! Now offering 10 practice tests, The Official SAT Study Guide: Second Edition™ is the only book that features official SAT® practice tests created by the test maker. With over 1,000 pages and more than 20 chapters, it's packed with the most up-to-date information students need to get ready for the test.

Students will gain valuable experience and raise their confidence by taking practice tests, by reviewing critical concepts, test-taking approaches, and focused sets of practice questions just like those on the actual SAT.

The Official SAT Study Guide: Second Edition will help students get ready for the SAT with

- 10 official SAT practice tests, including 3 new recent exams
- detailed descriptions of math, critical reading, and writing sections of the SAT
- targeted practice questions for each SAT question type
- practice essay questions, along with sample essays and annotations
- a review of math concepts tested in the exam
- test-taking approaches and suggestions that underscore important points
- free online score reports
- exclusive access to online answers and explanations at collegeboard.com
- $10 discount on The Official SAT Online Course to all book owners

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Great test questions, but you need learning questions too.
By Charles Horn
The official guide provides invaluable test questions, but you need learning questions too, which is why I wrote The Laugh Out Loud Guide: Ace the SAT Exam without Boring Yourself to Sleep!. Boring test questions are a cornerstone to any good SAT prep, but memorable and engaging comedic questions can help you learn and remember the material more effectively. This knowledge can then be applied to the test questions. Research shows that comedy enhances learning, reduces stress, makes subjects more interesting, and increases recall, so whatever prep path you take, I strongly suggest adding The Laugh Out Loud Guide to your test prep mix.

As far as the official guide goes, if you already have the previous edition then it may not be worth buying this one because most of the book is recycled from the previous edition. Otherwise, buy this book together with The Laugh Out Loud Guide. And good luck on the test!

The only book you *must* have for SAT preparation
By Ashraf Eassa "Ash"
It's been a few years since I wrote my original review for the earlier edition of this book. Back then, I was a student taking the exam in order to get into college. However as a tutor I have taken the exam multiple times since I applied to college, gotten a few more 2300+ scores, and now pass on my knowledge to the next generation of students vying for competitive college admissions. The first thing I tell my students to do is to buy the Official SAT Study guide. It's simply the best. Why?

Well, first off, let me start with the changes to this new edition. It now has 10 practice tests, three of which are recycled from the new administration (now that they've given enough tests to disclose them) and seven from the original book. So I'll say now that it may not be a good idea to buy this if you have the older edition, but this newer edition is much more useful since there are three *real* exams. Other than that, it's pretty much the same as the old book.

The review sections are divided into three categories: critical reading, math, and writing. The reading section isn't all that helpful. A few obvious test taking tips and some practice passages with explained answers. Good for a warmup, but not much else. The math section, the most substantial in the book, is pretty useful. It contains most of the facts from middle schoool/early high school math that you've likely forgotten by the time you're a junior or a senior. It also has some sample problems to show you the kind of "out of the box" thinking you'll have to do: SAT math isn't a factual recall or "plug 'n chug" exam, but the section does give you the facts you need to survive. And finally the writing section. The review section has a lot of information, including good writing habits as well as a set of grammar rules.

End the Fed

2009-09-11T04:49:00.000-07:00

End the Fed (Hardcover)

Product Description
In the post-meltdown world, it is irresponsible, ineffective, and ultimately useless to have a serious economic debate without considering and challenging the role of the Federal Reserve.
Most people think of the Fed as an indispensable institution without which the country's economy could not properly function. But in END THE FED, Ron Paul draws on American history, economics, and fascinating stories from his own long political life to argue that the Fed is both corrupt and unconstitutional. It is inflating currency today at nearly a Weimar or Zimbabwe level, a practice that threatens to put us into an inflationary depression where $100 bills are worthless. What most people don't realize is that the Fed -- created by the Morgans and Rockefellers at a private club off the coast of Georgia -- is actually working against their own personal interests. Congressman Paul's urgent appeal to all citizens and officials tells us where we went wrong and what we need to do fix America's economic policy for future generations.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Ron Paul Hits a Homerun
By L. H. Rockwell, Jr.
Andrew Jackson ended his Fed in 1836. Ron Paul can do the same for us, if we make it possible. Read this book and work to end the central economic and political evil in America, the central bank that fuels recessions and depressions, the warfare state, the redistributionist state, and the police state. End the Fed!

Ron Paul's Long Fight and the Window of Opportunity
By Citizen John
Author Ron Paul, medical doctor and Congressman, introduced H.R. 833. This would abolish the Federal Reserve System and repeal the Federal Reserve Act. The majority of bills never make it out of committee, but he's reaching out with End the Fed.
Ron Paul is advancing another landmark bill, H.R. 1207: Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2009. This bill has 282 co-sponsors! It would reform how the Fed is audited (fireworks). Paul's motivation is his view on the nature of money. He wants money of real value, not political money. There is no other elected official like Ron Paul.
Paul sides with the Austrian School of economics. His upbringing conveys the frugality and savings ethic that is making a comeback. Like Paul, I got interested in coins. I collect nickels. It started when I noticed some from the 1920s are circulating. They're virtually indestructible because they're 75% copper and 25% nickel. My collection weighs a lot - it doesn't take much to own hundreds of pounds of nickels (get $100 boxes at your bank neatly packed in rolls; one box weighs 22 pounds). Like Paul, I believe the U.S. Mint will make steel coins within several years.

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear (Hardcover)

2009-09-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear (Hardcover)
From Publishers Weekly
Lucado, called by some America's pastor, offers his faithful base a timely primer on living fearlessly. The author, whose sales exceed 65 million books, provides those within the Christian faith (and without) an inspirational can-do appropriate for the turbulent times Americans are facing. Citing key common fears—violence, overwhelming challenges, sickness and other worst-case scenarios—Lucado offers welcome wisdom about those solely internal battles individuals face daily.
People are afraid their lives don't matter; they're afraid of disappointing God; they're afraid of an afterlife; and they're even afraid God is not real, Lucado says. Skillful as a surgeon, he discerns and identifies the cancer of fear that touches every human being, and with like precision speaks healing words that cut right the heart. While there exists no fast fix or simple cure for the fear-bound individual, Lucado's tempered counsel and faith-driven remedies will offer day-by-day spiritual medicine of the most potent kind. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
-Citing key common fears-violence, overwhelming challenges, sickness and other worst-case scenarios-Lucado offers welcome wisdom about those solely internal battles individuals face daily. People are afraid their lives don-t matter; they-re afraid of disappointing God; they-re afraid of an afterlife; and they-re even afraid God is not real, Lucado says. Skillful as a surgeon, he discerns and identifies the cancer of fear that touches every human being, and with like precision speaks healing words that cut right to the heart. While there exists no fast fix or simple cure for the fear-bound individual, Lucado-s tempered counsel and faith-driven remedies will offer day-by-day spiritual medicine of the most potent kind.- -Publishers Weekly

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Best Max Lucado Book Ever!
By Tamera Lynn Kraft "Faith Filled Historicals
I expected to enjoy reading Fearless. I've enjoyed reading every book Max Lucado wrote. But this book went far beyond my expectations. This is literally the best Max Lucado book I've ever read. I believe it has changed my life for the better.

I've never been a fearful person. I've always been the one to scoff at those who allow fears to stop them from doing what God has called them to do. That was before God turned my life upside down and changed everything about where I believed He was leading me. I started to have anxiety attacks at times and would allow fear to stop me in my tracks. I couldn't even label what I was afraid of.
Max Lucado's book, Fearless, showed me that everyone battles fears. He described what fears are common to all of us and how those fears can destroy our lives. He also showed in a very practical way how we can have victory over fear. God doesn't want us to be fearful. He wants us to give our fears to him. I recommend every Christian read this book. Even if you don't believe yourself to be fearful, this book will help you.

Meets You At Your Place of Need
By C. McFarland "carmac"
Like many people today, I have circumstances in my life which have caused me great fear and anxiety. Max Lucado's book Fearless, brought me back to the principles and beliefs that I knew to be true but often forget in the business and overwhelming feelings of everyday life. Max is a great story teller so he makes the Truths of Scripture come alive through real stories and real life examples.

The book is broken down into chapters dealing with many of the fears we all face - fear of losing your job, fear of what might happen to our kids, fear of death, etc.

Many thoughts that Max shared were new to me and helped me understand myself better. For instance:

"Fear, at its center, is a perceived loss of control. When life spins wildly, we grab for a component of life we can manage: our diet, the tidyness of our house, the armrest of a plane, or in many cases, people."

Max also takes a different spin on the paralegic who was dropped through the roof of a home where Jesus was speaking. Most would think that when Jesus saw this man who couldn't walk, He would heal his legs. Jesus had different thoughts and dealt first with this young man's greatest fear:

"Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven" (Matt. 9:2 nasb). Wouldn't we anticipate different words? "Take courage. Your legs are healed.""Your paralysis is over." "Sign up for the Boston Marathon." The man had limbs as sturdy as spaghetti, yet Jesus offered mercy,not muscles. What was he thinking? Simple. He was thinking about
our deepest problem: sin. He was considering our deepest fear: the fear of failing God. Before Jesus healed the body (which he did), he treated the soul. "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."
My favorite take away from this book is that the opposite of fear is faith.
I think that anyone who struggles with fear or is dealing with situations in their life where fear is your common reaction, this book will help to put your feet on solid ground again.

The Healing of America

2009-09-09T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care (Hardcover)
From Publishers Weekly
Washington Post correspondent Reid (The United States of Europe) explores health-care systems around the world in an effort to understand why the U.S. remains the only first world nation to refuse its citizens universal health care. Neither financial prudence nor concern for the commonweal explains the American position, according to Reid, whose findings divulge that the U.S. not only spends more money on health care than any other nation but also leaves 45 million residents uninsured, allowing about 22,000 to die from easily treatable diseases. Seeking treatment for the flareup of an old shoulder injury, he visits doctors in the U.S., France, Germany, Japan and England
—with a stint in an Ayurvedic clinic in India—in a quest for treatment that dovetails with his search for a cure for America's health-care crisis, a narrative device that sometimes feels contrived, but allows him valuable firsthand experience.
For all the scope of his research and his ability to mint neat rebuttals to the common American misconception that universal health care is socialized medicine, Reid neglects to address the elephant in the room: just how are we to sell these changes to the mighty providers and insurers? (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

This book should be required reading for every American
I am a nursing student. I returned to college after 20 years in hospitality and project management in order to realize my dream of a career focused not on money but on providing care to the most vulnerable. One disturbing pattern has cropped up in my education- the emphasis (when studying the importance of avoiding potentially life threatening errors) placed more on avoiding liability than on the well-being of the patient (or "client" as we are now taught, in this money-driven society). It also strikes me that I have never heard it suggested that a health care professional should be painstaking in her work in order to prevent avoidable errors that would bring dishonor to herself or her profession. The focus is on avoiding "costly" errors.

This is where Mr. Reid's book is a most welcome addition to the conversation on health care in America. He shows us that it is possible to have an excellent health care system that is focused on the well-being of the patient and not the all-mighty dollar. He also breaks down a complicated subject into an enjoyable reading experience, with prose that is clear and intelligent and often humorous.

I find it extremely disappointing that so many Americans blindly buy into the myths about the "poor" health care available in other rich, developed nations (every one of which, with the sole exception of the U.S., provide universal health care) while touting false grandiose statements about the superiority of American medicine.

Mr. Reid explains the reality of the better and cheaper health care systems of nations like Switzerland and Japan in terms (to paraphrase Thomas Jefferson) "so plain and firm as to command their assent." He also introduces us to health care professionals who are driven not by monetary motives but by a desire to heal and prevent illness.

If you believe that access to health care (note, I did not say free health care) is a basic human right, then buy this book. Actually, if you are simply interested in learning the honest facts on the ground- buy this book.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

2009-09-09T04:05:00.000-07:00

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Paperback)

Product Description
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association" is the style manual of choice for writers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences. It provides invaluable guidance on all aspects of the writing process, from the ethics of authorship to the word choice that best reduces bias in language.
Well-known for its authoritative and easy-to-use reference and citation system, the Publication Manual also offers guidance on choosing the headings, tables, figures, and tone that will result in strong, simple, and elegant scientific communication.
The sixth edition offers new and expanded instruction on publication ethics, statistics, journal article reporting standards, electronic reference formats, and the construction of tables and figures. The sixth edition has been revised and updated to include: new ethics guidance on such topics as determining authorship and terms of collaboration, duplicate publication, plagiarism and self-plagiarism, disguising of participants, validity of instrumentation, and making data available to others for verification; new journal article reporting standards to help readers report empirical research with clarity and precision; simplified APA heading style to make it more conducive to electronic publication; updated guidelines for reducing bias in language to reflect current practices and preferences, including a new section on presenting historical language that is inappropriate by present standards; new guidelines for reporting inferential statistics and a significantly revised table of statistical abbreviations; and, new instruction on using supplemental files containing lengthy data sets and other media.
This book includes significantly expanded content on the electronic presentation of data to help readers understand the purpose of each kind of display and choose the best match for communicating the results of the investigation, with new examples for a variety of data displays, including electro physiological and biological data.
It offers consolidated information on all aspects of reference citations, with an expanded discussion of electronic sources emphasizing the role of the digital object identifier (DOI) as a reliable way to locate information. It features expanded discussion of the publication process, including the function and process of peer review.
It contains a discussion of ethical, legal, and policy requirements in publication; and guidelines on working with the publisher while the article is in press. Key to this edition of the Publication Manual is an updated and expanded Web presence. Look up additional supplemental material keyed to this book.
This book lets you test your knowledge of APA Style with a free tutorial on style basics. It lets you learn about the changes in the sixth edition with a free tutorial reviewing key revisions. Sign up for an on-line course to enrich and enhance your understanding of APA Style. Read the APA Style blog and share your comments on writing and referencing.
Consult frequently asked questions to sharpen your understanding of APA Style. This title lets you examine additional resources on such topics as ethics, statistics, and writing. It lets you familiarize yourself with submission standards for APA books and journals.
Customer Reviews
Much better than previous editions..
By Jessica Farrone
Easier to read with a lot less pages. The 6th edition is a mere 272 pages vs. a whopping 439 pages in the 5th edition. This improves its portability and lap-use. ( I never could understand why a book that insists on 1 inch margins all around used 1.5 inch margin on the outer margins and left so much wasted unused space on the pages).
Material has been streamlined to reflect more of the electronic resources currently being used and the more obscure material has been consolidated. The newly added chapters on ethics, the publication process and journal article reporting standards are quite helpful. Some reviewers complained about the elimination of the chapters on writing for publication. Since each journal has it's own specific criteria for manuscript submission, I don't consider this a huge loss. Still has lots of sample for various references (and even includes video blog sources like you-tube) and information on how to display data results (Including radiologic and imaging data like MRI images)
So glad I bought the newest version, especially since it's currently half the price of the old version and a lot more user friendly and up to date. If you required to use the APA style, I strongly suggest buying this book.

Electrical Engineering: Know It All

2009-09-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

Electrical Engineering: Know It All (Newnes Know It All) (Paperback)

About the Author
John Bird, the author of over 100 textbooks on engineering and mathematical subjects, is the former Head of Applied Electronics in the Faculty of Technology at Highbury College, Portsmouth, U.K. More recently, he has combined freelance lecturing at Portsmouth University, with technical writing and Chief Examiner responsibilities for City and Guilds Telecommunication Principles and Mathematics, and examining for the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

John Bird is currently a Senior Training Provider at the Royal Naval School of Marine Engineering in the Defence College of Marine and Air Engineering at H.M.S. Sultan, Gosport, Hampshire, U.K. The school, which serves the Royal Navy, is one of Europes largest engineering training establishments.
Alan Bensky, MScEE, an electronics engineering consultant with over 25 years of experience in analog and digital design, management, and marketing. Specializing in wireless circuits and systems, Bensky has carried out projects for varied military and consumer applications. He is the author of Short-range Wireless Communication, Second Edition, published by Elsevier, 2004, and has written several articles in international and local publications. He has taught courses and gives lectures on radio engineering topics. Bensky is a senior member of IEEE.
Product Description
The Newnes Know It All Series takes the best of what our authors have written to create hard-working desk references that will be an engineer's first port of call for key information, design techniques and rules of thumb. Guaranteed not to gather dust on a shelf!
The Electrical Engineering know it all covers the essential areas of electrical engineering, it is more practical than most of the large EE "handbooks," offering tips, tools of the trade, design and applications information along with summarized theory, equations and formulas that are normally found in such books.
Contents:
Chapter 1 An Introduction to Electric Circuits
Chapter 2 Resistance and Resistivity
Chapter 3 Series and parallel networks
Chapter 4 Capacitors and Inductors
Chapter 5 D.c. circuit theory
Chapter 6 Alternating voltages and currents
Chapter 7 Complex Numbers
Chapter 8 Transients and Laplace transforms
Chapter 9 Frequency Domain Circuit Analysis
Chapter 10 Digital Electronincs
Chapter 11 Analog Electronics
Chapter 12 Circuit simulation
Chapter 13 Interfacing
Chapter 14 Microcontrollers and Microprocessors
Chapter 15 Power Electronics
Chapter 16 Signals and Signal Processing
Chapter 17 Filter Design
Chapter 18 Control and Instrumentation Systems
Chapter 19 Communications Systems
Chapter 20 Principles of Electromagnetics
Chapter 21 MAGNETIC FIELDS
Chapter 22 Electromagnetic Transients and EMI
Chapter 23 Traveling Wave Effects
Chapter 24 Transformers
Chapter 25 Electromagnetic Machines
Chapter 26 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Chapter 27 Power Generation
Chapter 28 Power Transmission and Distribution
Chapter 29 Power Quality
Appendix A General reference
Appendix B

. A 360-degree view from our best-selling authors
. Hot topics covered
. The ultimate hard-working desk reference; all the essential information, techniques and tricks of the trade in one volume

Customer Reviews
Excellent Resource for EE's
By P. Mathis "Homeschooling Rock
This book is quite a tome; at over 1000 pages it covers nearly the complete span of topics found in a EE bachelors program! It is soft-bound but sturdy; I have every reason to believe it will hold up the frequent use that I'll have for it!

While my Computer Engineering degree covered most of the topics covered in this text, it's been 14 years, and I've forgotten a lot of it. This book provides a very thorough overview of the topics covered with excellent example problems. While I don't think this book would be enough to base an entire degree, it does make for a great review and will find a treasured spot on my reference bookshelf!
I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking such a reference book on the general field of EE.
I particularly liked the section on Digital Electronics by Clive Maxfield. In several sub-sections he explains topics that I never really understood from my many classes on the topic!
I really can find nothing wrong with this work. I wish I'd had it 14 years ago!

Electrical Engineering 101

2009-09-09T02:56:00.000-07:00

Electrical Engineering 101, Second Edition: Everything You Should Have Learned in School...but Probably Didn't (w/ CD) (Paperback)

Editorial Reviews: "Ashby takes a very practical approach, including a chapter on using tools, and he doesn't leave off on how to use soldering irons.
He encourages the strenuous use of people as well-especially of field-applications engineers, which I didn't know existed until I became one upon graduation."
- Rick Nelson, Chief Editor, Test & Measurement World "This softcover book is aimed at those of you who want a refresher course in electrical engineering or those of you who need to bone up on the subject but don't have the background in it." - Melanie Martella, Sensors Magazine "One of the best parts of the book is what is termed 'Touchy Feely' and is based around recognising different types of people and how to relate to others, especially your managers and co workers. There is lots of great advice, the first implied bit is recognising who you are and having the honesty to admit it." --Barry Kirby CEng MIET, The IET
Book Description
A wealth of information on the basics that have been left out of your school curriculum (or forgotten over time) -- geared to help new engineers and provide a refresher for the more experienced.
Product Description
Written by an expert electronics engineer who enjoys teaching the practical side of engineering, this book covers all the subjects that a beginning EE needs to know: intuitive circuit and signal analysis, physical equivalents of electrical components, proper use of an oscilloscope, troubleshooting both digital and analog circuits, and much more! Even engineers with years in the industry can benefit from the compendium of practical information provided within.
CONTENTS:
Chapter 0: What is Electricity Really?
Chapter 1: Three Things They Should Have Taught in Engineering 101
Chapter 2: Basic Theory
Chapter 3: Pieces Parts
Chapter 4: The Real World
Chapter 5: Tools
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting
Chapter 7: Touchy-Feely Stuff
-Covers the engineering basics that have been either left out of a typical engineer's education or forgotten over time
-No other book offers a wealth of "insider information" in one volume, specifically geared to help new engineers and provide a refresher for those with more experience
-Updated content throughout, including 2-color diagrams and a new 'Chapter 0 - What is Electricity Really?'
-The accompanying CD-ROM contains a reference library of electronics information, with demo simulation software and engineering calculators

Lean Six Sigma Logistics: Strategic Development to Operational Success

2008-07-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

Lean Six Sigma Logistics: Strategic Development to Operational Success
By Thomas J. Goldsby, Robert Martichenko

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Reducing costs, rushing to market and accelerating lead times are vital for survival in todays competitive environment. Inventory is no longer considered an asset, and strategies need to be in place to operate with minimal amounts of it.
Lean Six Sigma Logistics illustrates how to integrate Lean, Six Sigma and Logistics into a cohesive process that will help eliminate unnecessary inventories through disciplined efforts to understand and reduce variation, while increasing speed and flow in the supply chain.

This how to book provides the vehicle to solidify strategic position, win over customers, and achieve increased profit margins.
It is the one book that executives, practitioners, consultants and academics will all want on their bookshelf. A must read for the CEO, CIO, CFO, COO, VP, Director, or Logistics Manager.

Key Features:
-Provides a method to develop strategies as well as tactical steps for successful operational implementation of Lean Six Sigma Logistics
-Addresses top management concerns while providing necessary tools and guidance for the logistics practitioner
-Features the Logistics Bridge Model to serve as your compass and map for leveraging value, eliminating waste, and enhancing your abilities to view the supply chain with a critical eye and to develop a vision for continuous improvement
-Presents definitive answers for improving operations, making customers happy, and reducing logistics costs and variability

Process Improvement Essentials: CMMI, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001

2008-07-27T02:03:00.000-07:00

Process Improvement Essentials: CMMI, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001
By James Persse

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Today, technology has become too much a part of overall corporate success for its effectiveness to be left to chance. The stakes are too high. Fortunately, the idea of 'quality management' is being reinvigorated. In the last decade process programs have become more and more prevalent. And, out of all the available options, three have moved to the top of the chain. These three are:

The 9001:2000 Quality Management Standard from the International Standards Organization;
The Capability Maturity Model Integration from the Software Engineering Institute; and
Six Sigma, a methodology for improvement shaped by companies such as Motorola, Honeywell, and General Electric.

These recognized and proven quality programs are rising in popularity as more technology managers are looking for ways to help remove degrees of risk and uncertainty from their business equations, and to introduce methods of predictability that better ensure success.

Process Improvement Essentials combines the foundation needed to understand process improvement theory with the best practices to help individuals implement process improvement initiatives in their organization.
The three leading programs: ISO 9001:2000, CMMI, and Six Sigma--amidst the buzz and hype--tend to get lumped together under a common label. This book delivers a combined guide to all three programs, compares their applicability, and then sets the foundation for further exploration. It's a one-stop-shop designed to give you a working orientation to what the field is all about.

Implementing Six Sigma, Second Edition: Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods

2008-07-27T01:59:00.000-07:00

Implementing Six Sigma, Second Edition: Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods
By Forrest W. Breyfogle

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Written to aid organizations in laying the foundation for Six Sigma, this comprehensive and engaging guide provides the tools, strategies, and motivation to get all relevant players involved with improvement from upper management on down. At the heart of the book is a group of statistical tools that address FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis), QFD (Quality Functional Deployment), and DOE (Design of Experiment).
Rather than offering just a brief overview,
Implementing Six Sigma devotes individual chapters to all of the tools, so as to provide an in-depth analysis of each. A large selection of diagrams and clarifying exercises demonstrate how to best utilize the tools to successfully minimize defects throughout the production process. To provide a deeper understanding, the book discusses the theories of Edward Deming and the history of the Six Sigma program. Steeped in real world application, it presents numerous examples, as well as copies of actual implementation guides used by Motorola.

Best Practices in Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement

2008-07-27T01:52:00.000-07:00

Best Practices in Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement
By Richard J. Schonberger

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Best Practices in Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement reveals how to refocus lean/six sigma processes on what author Richard Schonberger—world-renowned process improvement pioneer—calls "the Golden Goals": better quality, quicker response, greater flexibility, and higher value. This manual shows you how it can be done, employing success stories of over 100 companies including Apple, Illinois Tool Works, Dell, Inc., and Wal-Mart, all of which have established themselves as the new, global "Kings of Lean," surpassing even Toyota in long-term improvement.

What Is Six Sigma?

2008-07-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

What Is Six Sigma?
By Pete Pande, Larry Holpp

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

A brief introduction to Six Sigma for employees
Six Sigma is today's most talked-about system for improving the quality of organizational processes. Written by bestselling author Peter Pande,What Is Six Sigma? is a concise summary of the core themes and processes of Six Sigma. Unlike almost all other books on Six Sigma, it is written for the employees of organizations rolling out Six Sigmanot just managers. This helpful overview describes what Six Sigma is, why companies are implementing it, and how employees can make it a success in their own organizations.

Based on the bestselling The Six Sigma Way, this accessable introduction to Six Sigma answers typical employee questions, concerns, and even skepticism about this revolutionary program. Includes:

The six themes of Six Sigma
A five-step roadmap to Six Sigma implementation
The 10 basic tools of Six Sigma, with an entire page devoted to each

Six Sigma Pricing: Improving Pricing Operations to Increase Profits (Six Sigma)

2008-07-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

Six Sigma Pricing: Improving Pricing Operations to Increase Profits (Six Sigma)
By ManMohan S. Sodhi, Navdeep S. Sodhi

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Apply Six Sigma to Your #1 Business Challenge: Pricing

“Six Sigma is well known for having helped companies save billions of dollars. This book is the first to show us how to use it on the revenue side of the equation to generate profitable growth.

This step-by-step guide will be an instant classicâa seminal book on a topic critical to profitability.”

âRobert Cross, Chairman and CEO, Revenue Analytics Inc. and author of Revenue Management

“Six Sigma Pricing provides companies with a practical toolkit to improve their price management. The authors show executives how to use Six Sigma tools in their pricing processes and instantly improve profits and their bottom-line.

This is a truly âmust-have’ resource for managers everywhere.”

âEric Mitchell, President, Professional Pricing Society

Many companies have developed solid sales strategies– but without equally good pricing operations, those strategies alone will not add a dime to the bottom line.

The goal of pricing operations is to consistently control price deviations in transactions and contracts over time and across customer segments. This goal of ensuring the prices are not too low or too high in different transactions relative to guidelines lends itself perfectly to Six Sigma. Using the authors’ breakthrough Six Sigma-based approach, you can systematically eliminate pricing-related revenue leaks, driving higher profits without alienating customers. You’ll learn how to define pricing “defects,” gather and analyze relevant pricing data, review pricing-agreement processes, identify and control failures, implement improvements, and then ensure continuous, ongoing improvement in price, profits and customer satisfaction.

The book reflects the authors’ pioneering experience implementing Six Sigma pricing. Whether you’re a business leader, strategist, manager, consultant, or Six Sigma specialist, it will help you or your client recover profits that have been slipping through the cracks in pricing operations.

•Learn why Six Sigma Pricing makes sense

Why you should target pricing operations, and how to do it

• Identify profit leaks from inefficient pricing operations

Why “sloppy pricing” occurs, how to find it, and how to root it out

• Illuminate your current pricing processes, so you can improve them

Understand your market-facing and internally focused pricing processes pertaining to product launch and lifecycle price management, price increases due to escalation in costs of raw materials, promotions, and discounting

• Set up your pricing operations for continuous improvement in line with your pricing and sales strategy

Use Six Sigma to improve and control processes, ensuring alignment with agreed-upon strategy for pricing and sales

• Create an organization that is successful at pricing

Align different functions and levels of the company to achieve targeted profits

The Six Sigma Way: How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance

2008-07-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

The Six Sigma Way: How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance
By Peter S. Pande et al, Robert P. Neuman, Roland R. Cavanagh

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Six Sigma is a system for improving the quality of organizational processes. It was originally developed at Motorola in the 1980's and has become one of the most widely discussed and reported trends in business over the past two years, thanks largely to the phenomenal successes of the Six Sigma program at one of the world's most successful companies, GE. GE CEO Jack Welch, has been preaching about and implementing the Six Sigma philosophy throughout GE, and credits the program with millions of dollars in annual cost savings and product quality improvements.

Six Sigma Memory Jogger II: A Pocket Guide

2008-07-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

Six Sigma Memory Jogger II: A Pocket Guide
By Michael Brassard

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

The Six Sigma Memory Jogger™ II is the indispensable training and performance support resource for Six Sigma Project team members.

Beginning with an overview and introduction to Six Sigma concepts, primary terminology, and the basics of the DMAIC method, this valuable pocket guide presents forty-eight Six Sigma tools, including the CTQ, (Critical to Quality)Tree, FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), Kano Model, MSA Measurement Systems Analysis, process sigma, regression, SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers), VOC (Voice of the Customer) Data Collection System and the y=f(x) formula.

Excellent tool for six sigma
Excellent tool for Six Sigma practitioners, I recommend it highly for BB in certification process

Lean Office Demystified

2008-07-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Lean Office Demystified
By Don Tapping, Anne Dunn

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Lean Office Demystified conveys the proven success of the Toyota Production System for administrative processes. The forms, graphs, illustrations, and worksheets are organized in a step-by-step manner in which anyone can apply these principles to the office. Each phase also includes a Readiness Guide that ensures you are ready to proceed to the next level.
This book provides the complete blueprint, from start to finish, for planning and implementing your administrative improvements while maximizing employee performance.
The Lean tools are defined relative to examples from manufacturing front offices, healthcare and its associated clinics and labs, as well as the financial services industry.
This book provides all the necessary tools for you to achieve a Lean Office.

Wow!
I have never seen the office environment so clearly analyzed from a lean perspective. This book is deceptively simple and easy to understand... and dare I say it, fun to read! I would highly recommend it for those in an office setting who want to start implementing lean tools - without hiring a consultant, reading big heavy books with small print, or flipping through boring PowerPoints. A must-have for the office!

WOW...This book is a must read for Lean Office
Lean Office Demystified was exactly what our organization needed to finally see how Lean works in administrative settings. The way this book is organized is superb, in that, realizing that an office must first get a handle on what the staff is currently working on and getting control of that before advancing to Part II (Allowing Work Flow to Emerge). The easy-to-understand examples, forms, checklists, procedures, actual photos, etc. make this book world-class. It will take us years to implement what has proven successful by what is conveyed in this book, however, we are in it for the long term and this book will serve as our bible! We will be purchasing Lean Office Demystified for all our adminstrative staff...so we are all on the same page. A strong recommendation!

Lean Six Sigma Demystified

2008-07-26T23:42:00.001-07:00

Lean Six Sigma Demystified
By Arthur

This self-teaching guide is the fast and easy way to learn Lean Six Sigma-the revolutionary process and quality improvement methodology.
You'll learn to analyze projects quickly, identify and eliminate waste, cut costs and grow revenue, and increase quality and efficiency. A 180-day trial version of Lean Six Sigma QI Macros for Excel will be available for download from the author's website.

About the Author

Jay Arthur has worked as both a quality and process manager within a Fortune 50 company and on his own as a Lean Six Sigma resultant.
He has written books on Six Sigma, Lean, and software engineering.

Should be in the six sigma collection
The book contains many useful practical technical steps for six sigma implementation. That being said, it did ignore a bit the managerial side of six sigma.
Conclusion: It is a must have six sigma book, but not the only book.

Business Process Change, Second Edition

2008-07-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Business Process Change, Second Edition: A Guide for Business Managers and BPM and Six Sigma Professionals
By Paul HarmonV

Product Description

Every company wants to improve the way it does business, to produce goods and services more efficiently, and to increase profits. Nonprofit organizations are also concerned with efficiency, productivity, and with achieving the goals they set for themselves. Every manager understands that achieving these goals is part of his or her job.

In this balanced treatment of the field of business process change, Paul Harmon offers concepts, methods, cases for all aspects and phases of successful business process improvement. Updated and added for this edition are coverage of business process management systems, business rules, enterprise architectures and frameworks (SCOR), and more content on Six Sigma and Lean--in addition to new coverage of performance metrics.

* Extensive revision and update to the successful BPM book, addressing the growing interest in Business Process Management Systems, and the integration of process redesign and Six Sigma concerns.

* The best first book on business process, the most up-to-date book to read to learn how all the different process elements fit together.

* Presents a methodology based on the best practices available that can be tailored for specific needs and that maintains a focus on the human aspects of process redesign.

* Offers all new detailed case studies showing how these methods are implemented.

The Big Book of Six Sigma Training Games: Proven Ways to Teach Basic DMAIC Principles and Quality Improvement Tools

2008-07-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Big Book of Six Sigma Training Games: Proven Ways to Teach Basic DMAIC Principles and Quality Improvement Tools (Big Book Series)
By Chris Chen, Hadley M. Roth

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

An effective and engaging way employees can learn Six Sigma and put its concepts into play

Part of the popular Big Book of Games series, which capitalizes on the proven effective method for workplace training, this first book of training games for Six Sigma ensures that employees will better retain Six Sigma's complex topics.

This invaluable tool offers 50 experiential activities that teach the core improvement approach of Six Sigma, called DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), as well as many of the popular statistical improvement tools, including Pareto charts and Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA). These games:

Teach Six Sigma roles and organization
Gear the team up for success
Identify problems and generate solutions
Teach project management
Help teams understand the need for Six Sigma

Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy

2008-07-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy
By Warren Brussee

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

The first plain-English guide to solving real-world problems with Six Sigma
So you're ready to improve your processes and products and satisfy your customers through Six Sigma
--but you're not looking forward to navigating complicated statistics in order to get results. Now, Warren Brussee, a veteran Six Sigma manager who helped his teams generate millions of dollars in savings, explains how to use the powerful statistical tools of Six Sigma in easy-to-understand language.
In this step-by-step guide, you get a thorough overview of the Six Sigma methodology and techniques for successful implementation, as well as a clear explanation of DMAIC--the problem solving method used by Six Sigma Greenbelts for projects and process improvements. You'll see how to plot, interpret, and validate data for a Six Sigma project.
You will use Excel to make Six Sigma problem-solving calculations in a wide range of areas, from sales and marketing to manufacturing, process work, equipment design, and more. Each chapter also features a brief review of what you've learned. Plus, you get:

A simplified form of the most common Six Sigma tools
All the basic Six Sigma formulas and tables
Dozens of Six Sigma statistical problem-solving case studies
A matrix for finding the right statistical tool to meet your needs
Basic Greenbelt training in one concise reference

Best of all, no background in statistics is required--you can start improving quality and initiating cost-saving improvements right away. With all these benefits and authoritative guidance, Statistics for Six Sigma Made Easy is the only reference you need to facilitate real-world application of Six Sigma tools.

Lean Thinking : Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation, Revised and Updated

2008-07-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

Lean Thinking : Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation, Revised and Updated
By James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones, James Womack, Daniel Jones

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Expanded, updated, and more relevant than ever, this bestselling business classic by two internationally renowned management analysts describes a business system for the twenty-first century that supersedes the mass production system of Ford, the financial control system of Sloan, and the strategic system of Welch and GE. It is based on the Toyota (lean) model, which combines operational excellence with value-based strategies to produce steady growth through a wide range of economic conditions.

In contrast with the crash-and-burn performance of companies trumpeted by business gurus in the 1990s, the firms profiled in Lean Thinking -- from tiny Lantech to midsized Wiremold to niche producer Porsche to gigantic Pratt & Whitney -- have kept on keeping on, largely unnoticed, along a steady upward path through the market turbulence and crushed dreams of the early twenty-first century. Meanwhile, the leader in lean thinking -- Toyota -- has set its sights on leadership of the global motor vehicle industry in this decade.

Instead of constantly reinventing business models, lean thinkers go back to basics by asking what the customer really perceives as value. (It's often not at all what existing organizations and assets would suggest.) The next step is to line up value-creating activities for a specific product along a value stream while eliminating activities (usually the majority) that don't add value. Then the lean thinker creates a flow condition in which the design and the product advance smoothly and rapidly at the pull of the customer (rather than the push of the producer). Finally, as flow and pull are implemented, the lean thinker speeds up the cycle of improvement in pursuit of perfection. The first part of this book describes each of these concepts and makes them come alive with striking examples.

Lean Thinking clearly demonstrates that these simple ideas can breathe new life into any company in any industry in any country.
But most managers need guidance on how to make the lean leap in their firm.
Part II provides a step-by-step action plan, based on in-depth studies of more than fifty lean companies in a wide range of industries across the world.

Even those readers who believe they have embraced lean thinking will discover in Part III that another dramatic leap is possible by creating an extended lean enterprise for each of their product families that tightly links value-creating activities from raw materials to customer.

In Part IV, an epilogue to the original edition, the story of lean thinking is brought up-to-date with an enhanced action plan based on the experiences of a range of lean firms since the original publication of Lean Thinking.

Lean Thinking does not provide a new management "program" for the one-minute manager. Instead, it offers a new method of thinking, of being, and, above all, of doing for the serious long-term manager -- a method that is changing the world.

The Toyota Way

2008-07-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Way
By Jeffrey Liker

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

How to speed up business processes, improve quality, and cut costs in any industry

In factories around the world, Toyota consistently makes the highest-quality cars with the fewest defects of any competing manufacturer, while using fewer man-hours, less on-hand inventory, and half the floor space of its competitors.
The Toyota Way is the first book for a general audience that explains the management principles and business philosophy behind Toyota's worldwide reputation for quality and reliability.

Complete with profiles of organizations that have successfully adopted Toyota's principles, this book shows managers in every industry how to improve business processes by:

Eliminating wasted time and resources
Building quality into workplace systems
Finding low-cost but reliable alternatives to expensive new technology
Producing in small quantities
Turning every employee into a qualitycontrol inspector

National Electrical Code 2008 (National Fire Protection Association National Electrical Code)

2008-07-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

National Electrical Code 2008 (National Fire Protection Association National Electrical Code)
By NFPA

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

The worlds most widely adopted safety code, the National Electrical Code® (NEC) is now advancing electrical safety requirements with the 2008 edition in an effort to maximize public safety, emergency preparation, and electrical worker protection.
With regulations for electrical wiring and equipment in virtually all types of buildings, this new edition responds to industry needs with expanded requirements based on research, new technologies, and recent events.
A must-have for anyone involved in electrical design, installation, inspection, and safety, this edition has been updated for enhanced usability in the field, making it ideal for handling on-the-job electrical situations safely and effectively.
Delmar, a part of Cengage Learning is pleased to make this authoritative reference from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) available directly from us, for the convenience of our customers who work in and around the electrical trades.
It may be used independently, or as a companion to any electrical book, including Delmar's best-selling wiring series, as well as our guides to using the NEC®.

iPhone: The Missing Manual

2008-07-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

iPhone: The Missing Manual

By David Pogue

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

As you'd expect of Apple, the iPhone is gorgeous. iPhone: The Missing Manual is a book as breathtaking as its subject. Teeming with high-quality color graphics, each custom designed page helps you accomplish specific tasks -- everything from Web browsing to watching videos. Written by New York Times columnist and Missing Manual series creator David Pogue, this book shows you how to get the most out of your new Apple iPhone.

The name iPhone may be doing Apple a disservice.
This machine is so packed with possibilities that the cellphone may actually be the least interesting part. The iPhone is at least three products merged into one: a phone, a wide-screen iPod and a wireless, touch-screen Internet communicator. The iPhone's beauty alone may be enough for you to dig for your credit cards, but its Mac OS X-based software makes it not so much a smartphone as something out of the film "Minority Report."

The real magic, however, awaits when you browse the Web.
You get to see the entire Web page on the iPhone's screen. All of this is cooked up with Apple's traditional secret sauce of simplicity, intelligence and whimsy.

Written by New York Times columnist and Missing Manual series creator David Pogue, iPhone: The Missing Manual shows you everything they need to know to get the most out of your new Apple iPhone. Full of humor, tips, tricks, and surprises, this book teaches you how to extend iPhone's usefulness by exploiting its links to the Web as well as its connection to Macs or PCs; how to save money using Internet-based messages instead of phone calls; and how to fill the iPhone with TV shows and DVDs for free.

Influencer: The Power to Change Anything

2008-07-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Influencer: The Power to Change Anything
By Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

An INFLUENCER motivates others to change.

An INFLUENCER replaces bad behaviors with powerful new skills.

An INFLUENCER makes things happen.

This is what it takes to be an INFLUENCER.

Whether you're a CEO, a parent, or merely a person who wants to make a difference, you probably wish you had more influence with the people in your life.
But most of us stop trying to make change happen because we believe it is too difficult, if not impossible.
We develop complicated coping strategies when we should be learning the tools and techniques of the world's most influential people.

But this is about to change.
From the bestselling authors who taught the world how to have Crucial Conversations comes Influencer, a thought-provoking book that combines the remarkable insights of behavioral scientists and business leaders with the astonishing stories of high-powered influencers from all walks of life. You'll be taught each and every step of the influence process-including robust strategies for making change inevitable in your personal life, your business, and your world. You'll learn how to:

Identify a handful of high-leverage behaviors that lead to rapid and profound change.
Apply strategies for changing both thoughts and actions.
Marshall six sources of influence to make change inevitable.

Influencer takes you on a fascinating journey from San Francisco to Thailand where you'll see how seemingly “insignificant” people are making incredibly significant improvements in solving problems others would think impossible. You'll learn how savvy folks make change not only achievable and sustainable, but inevitable. You'll discover why some managers have increased productivity repeatedly and significantly-while others have failed miserably.

No matter who you are, or what you do, you'll never learn a more valuable or important set of principles and skills. Once you tap into the power of influence, you can reach out and help others work smarter, grow faster, live, look, and feel better, even save lives. The sky is the limit…for an Influencer.

Are you an Influencer ?

Find out at www.influencerbook.com

”You don't have to be a manager to realize that no one likes being told what to do. Yet lectures are still the main way we try to get people to change their behavior. Fortunately, social learning academics have been studying alternatives for decades. Patterson and his fellow consultants have now collected their findings in this engaging, example-rich book. The key message is hardly new, but it has gotten more sophisticated: Managers need to get out of the way and facilitate, not manage, the process of change for employees. They can do this by offering vicarious experiences, restructured environments, peer pressure, and frequent tests-all geared so that people embrace the change as authentic to them, not imposed by an outsider. Missing are only success stories of organizations that persuaded managers to drop their controlling habits and choose to be mere facilitators.”-John T. Landry, Harvard Business Review

The Physics of NASCAR: How to Make Steel + Gas + Rubber = Speed

2008-07-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Physics of NASCAR: How to Make Steel + Gas + Rubber = Speed
By Diandra Leslie-Pelecky

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Every NASCAR fan at one time or another asks the same question: Why isnt my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than Go fast, turn left and dont crash. If youve ever wondered why racecars dont have mufflers, how bump drafting works, or what in the world Lets go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you.

In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800- horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another.

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky reveals how and why drivers trust the engineering and science their teams literally build around them not only to get them across the finish line in first place, but also to keep them alive.
Professor Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sports beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races.

Based on the authors extensive access to race shops, pit crews, crew chiefs and mechanics, this book traces the life cycle of a race car from behind the scenes at top race shops to the track. The Physics of NASCAR takes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion drivers hot seat behind the detachable steering wheel to the New Zealander nicknamed Kiwi in charge of shocks for the No. 19 car.

Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car--and maybe occasionally looks under the hood--can understand.
How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800°F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and NASCAR fans at every level of interest.

Readers, start your engines.

FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the General Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (F E Review Manual), 2nd ed.

2008-07-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

FE Review Manual: Rapid Preparation for the General Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (F E Review Manual), 2nd ed.
By Michael R. Lindeburg

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

The FE Review Manual is designed to prepare you to pass the general FE exam even if you have very limited study time.
You get an efficient review of all the current exam topics; diagnostic exams so you can see what areas you need to study; more than 1,150 practice problems (with solutions); a realistic simulation of the complete 8-hour exam; and free software to help reinforce what you've learned.
Plus, the Review Manual is completely in sync (same terminology, formulas, topic order, etc.) with the NCEES handbook that is used during the exam. This combination is so effective that the publisher offers a unique "Pass or Don't Pay" Guarantee: pass the exam, or get a full refund for the book.
Please note, software is not included in the book, but you may request software by using the form inside the book.
The software is free, but thereis a $4.95 shipping fee.

The Final Warning (Maximum Ride, Book 4)

2008-07-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Final Warning (Maximum Ride, Book 4)
By James Patterson

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

A breathtaking new story from the astonishing imagination of James Patterson: a girl who can fly has to save herself from the scientists who want to control her--and maybe save the world in the process.

About the Author
James Patterson is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many books, including Beach Road, Honeymoon, Suzanne's Diary For Nicholas, and the Alex Cross series of thrillers. More than 100 million of his books are in print around the world, making him one of the top-selling writers of all time.

SQL All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

2008-07-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

SQL All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies^®
By Allen G. Taylor

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

SQL is the international standard language for creating and maintaining relational databases.
This book is a compendium of information about SQL and relational database design, development, and maintenance. The nine mini-books cover the full spectrum of issues that arise in building, using, and maintaining relational database systems.

Book I: SQL Concepts

Book II: Relational Database Development

Book III: SQL Queries

Book IV: Data Security

Book V: SQL and Programming

Book VI: SQL and XML

Book VII: Database Tuning Overview

Book VIII: Appendixes

Visual Studio Team System: Better Software Development for Agile Teams

2008-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Visual Studio Team System: Better Software Development for Agile Teams
By Will Stott, James W. Newkirk

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

This is the eBook version of the printed book.
Make the Most of Visual Studio Team System in Real-World Agile Development
Visual Studio Team System (VSTS) gives Microsoft development teams a powerful, integrated toolset for Agile development.
Visual Studio Team System: Better Software Development for Agile Teams is a comprehensive, start-to-finish guide to making the most of VSTS in real-world Agile environments.

Using a book-length case study, the authors show how to use VSTS to improve every aspect of software development, step by step-from project planning through design and from coding through testing and deployment.

Agile consultant Will Stott and Microsoft development lead James Newkirk carefully integrate theory and practice, offering hands-on exercises, practical insights into core Extreme Programming (XP) techniques, and much more.

Coverage includes

Using VSTS to support the transition to Agile values and techniques

Forming Agile teams and building effective process frameworks

Leveraging Team Foundation Version Control to help teams manage change and share their code effectively

Implementing incremental builds and integration with Team Foundation Build

Making the most of VSTS tools for Test-Driven Development and refactoring

Bringing agility into software modeling and using patterns to model solutions more effectively

Using the FIT integrated testing framework to make sure customers are getting what they need

Estimating, prioritizing, and planning Agile projects

This book is for working software developers, architects, testers, and managers in real teams-professionals who are either transitioning to VSTS or considering doing so. It will help you start deriving value from VSTS immediately, as you lay a solid foundation for ongoing process improvement.

SAS® For Dummies®

2008-07-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

SAS^® For Dummies^®
By Stephen McDaniel, Chris Hemedinger

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

Created in partnership with SAS, this book explores SAS, a business intelligence software that can be used in any business setting or enterprise for data delivery, reporting, data mining, forecasting, statistical analysis, and more

SAS employee and technologist Stephen McDaniel combines real-world expertise and a friendly writing style to introduce readers to SAS basics

Covers crucial topics such as getting various types of data into the software, producing reports, working with the data, basic SAS programming, macros, and working with SAS and databases

LabVIEW for Everyone: Graphical Programming Made Easy and Fun

2008-07-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

LabVIEW for Everyone: Graphical Programming Made Easy and Fun
By Jim Kring

Digital media products such as Amazon MP3s, Unbox video downloads, Kindle content and Amazon Shorts cannot be purchased on aStore. If you would like to buy this item, click here to go to Amazon. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
Average customer review:

The #1 Step-by-Step Guide to LabVIEW

—Now Completely Updated for LabVIEW 8!

Master LabVIEW 8 with the industry’s friendliest, most intuitive tutorial: LabVIEW for Everyone, Third Edition.

Top LabVIEW experts Jeffrey Travis and Jim Kring teach LabVIEW the easy way: through carefully explained, step-by-step examples that give you reusable code for your own projects!

This brand-new Third Edition has been fully revamped and expanded to reflect new features and techniques introduced in LabVIEW 8. You’ll find two new chapters, plus dozens of new topics, including Project Explorer, AutoTool, XML, event-driven programming, error handling, regular expressions, polymorphic VIs, timed structures, advanced reporting, and much more. Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) candidates will find callouts linking to key objectives on NI’s newest exam, making this book a more valuable study tool than ever.

Not just what to do: why to do it!
Use LabVIEW to build your own virtual workbench
Master LabVIEW’s foundations: wiring, creating, editing, and debugging VIs; using controls and indicators; working with data structures; and much more
Learn the “art” and best practices of effective LabVIEW development
NEW: Streamline development with LabVIEW Express VIs
NEW: Acquire data with NI-DAQmx and the LabVIEW DAQmx VIs
NEW: Discover design patterns for error handling, control structures, state machines, queued messaging, and more
NEW: Create sophisticated user interfaces with tree and tab controls, drag and drop, subpanels, and more

Whatever your application, whatever your role, whether you’ve used LabVIEW or not, LabVIEW for Everyone, Third Edition is the fastest, easiest way to get the results you’re after!

Quality management methods used in Six Sigma from Wikipedia

2008-07-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

Quality management methods used in Six Sigma

Six Sigma makes use of a great number of established quality management methods that are also used outside of Six Sigma. The following table shows an overview of the main methods used.

5 Whys
Analysis of variance
ANOVA Gage R&R
Axiomatic design
Business process mapping
Catapult exercise on variability
Cause & effects diagram (also known as fishbone or Ishikawa diagram)
Chi-square test of independence and fits
Control chart
Correlation
Cost-benefit analysis
CTQ tree
Customer survey
Design of experiments

Failure mode and effects analysis
General linear model
Histograms
Homogeneity of variance
Pareto chart
Pick chart
Process capability
Regression analysis
Run charts
SIPOC analysis (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers)
Stratification
Taguchi methods
Thought process map
TRIZ

Software used for Six Sigma

Main article: List of Six Sigma software packages

List of Six Sigma companies
Main article: List of Six Sigma companies

Reception
Six Sigma has made a huge impact on industry and is widely employed as a business strategy for achieving and sustaining operational and service excellence.^[1] However, there have also been various criticisms of Six Sigma.

Lack of originality

Noted quality expert Joseph Juran has criticized Six Sigma as "a basic version of quality improvement", stating that "[t]here is nothing new there. It includes what we used to call facilitators. They've adopted more flamboyant terms, like belts with different colors. I think that concept has merit to set apart, to create specialists who can be very helpful. Again, that's not a new idea. The American Society for Quality long ago established certificates, such as for reliability engineers."^[14]

Role of consultants

The use of "Black Belts" as itinerant change agents is controversial as it has created a cottage industry of training and certification. Six Sigma is often oversold by consulting firms that claim expertise in Six Sigma when they in fact only have a rudimentary understanding of the tools and techniques and the Six Sigma approach.^[1]

The expansion of the various "Belts" to include "Green Belts", "Master Black Belts" and "Gold Belts" is commonly seen as a parallel to the various "belt factories" that exist in martial arts.^{[citation needed]}

Studies that indicate negative effects caused by Six Sigma

A Fortune article stated that "of 58 large companies that have announced Six Sigma programs, 91 percent have trailed the S&P 500 since." The statement is attributed to "an analysis by Charles Holland of consulting firm Qualpro (which espouses a competing quality-improvement process)."^[15] The gist of the article is that Six Sigma is effective at what it is intended to do, but that it is "narrowly designed to fix an existing process" and does not help in "coming up with new products or disruptive technologies." Many of these claims have been argued as being in error or ill-informed.^[16]^[17]

A Business Week article says that James McNerney's introduction of Six Sigma at 3M may have had the effect of stifling creativity. It cites two Wharton School professors who say that Six Sigma leads to incremental innovation at the expense of blue-sky work.^[18]

Based on arbitrary standards

While 3.4 defects per million opportunities might work well for certain products/processes, it might not be ideal or cost-effective for others. A pacemaker might need higher standards, for example, whereas a direct mail advertising campaign might need lower ones. The basis and justification for choosing 6 as the number of standard deviations is not clearly explained.^[19] In addition, the Six Sigma model assumes that the process data always conform to the normal distribution. The calculation of defect rates for situations where the normal distribution model does not apply is not properly addressed in the current Six Sigma literature.^[1]

Criticism of the 1.5 sigma shift

Because of its arbitrary nature, the 1.5 sigma shift has been dismissed as "goofy" by the statistician Donald J. Wheeler.^[20] Its universal applicability is seen as doubtful.^[1]

The 1.5 sigma shift has also been contentious because it results in stated "sigma levels" that reflect short-term rather than long-term performance: a process that has long-term defect levels corresponding to 4.5 sigma performance is, by Six Sigma convention, described as a "6 sigma process".^[9]^[21] The accepted Six Sigma scoring system thus cannot be equated to actual normal distribution probabilities for the stated number of standard deviations, and this has been a key bone of contention about how Six Sigma measures are defined.^[21] The fact that it is rarely explained that a "6 sigma" process will have long-term defect rates corresponding to 4.5 sigma performance rather than actual 6 sigma performance has led several commentators to express the opinion that Six Sigma is a confidence trick.^[9]

Six Sigma From Wikipedia

2008-07-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Sigma 6.
Six Sigma is a business management strategy, originally developed by Motorola, that today enjoys wide-spread application in many sectors of industry.
Six Sigma seeks to identify and remove the causes of defects and errors in manufacturing and business processes.^[1] It uses a set of quality management methods, including statistical methods, and creates a special infrastructure of people within the organization ("Black Belts" etc.) who are experts in these methods.^[1] Each Six Sigma project carried out within an organization follows a defined sequence of steps and has quantified financial targets (cost reduction or profit increase).^[1]

Historical overview

Six Sigma was originally developed as a set of practices designed to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate defects, but its application was subsequently extended to other types of business processes as well.^[2] In Six Sigma, a defect is defined as anything that could lead to customer dissatisfaction.^[1]

The particulars of the methodology were first formulated by Bill Smith at Motorola in 1986.^[3] Six Sigma was heavily inspired by six preceding decades of quality improvement methodologies such as quality control, TQM, and Zero Defects, based on the work of pioneers such as Shewhart, Deming, Juran, Ishikawa, Taguchi and others.

Like its predecessors, Six Sigma asserts that –

Continuous efforts to achieve stable and predictable process results (i.e. reduce process variation) are of vital importance to business success.
Manufacturing and business processes have characteristics that can be measured, analyzed, improved and controlled.
Achieving sustained quality improvement requires commitment from the entire organization, particularly from top-level management.

Features that set Six Sigma apart from previous quality improvement initiatives include –

A clear focus on achieving measurable and quantifiable financial returns from any Six Sigma project.^[1]
An increased emphasis on strong and passionate management leadership and support.^[1]
A special infrastructure of "Champions", "Master Black Belts", "Black Belts" etc. to lead and implement the Six Sigma approach.^[1]
A clear commitment to making decisions on the basis of verifiable data, rather than assumptions and guesswork.^[1]

The term "Six Sigma" derives from a field of statistics known as process capability studies. Originally, it referred to the ability of manufacturing processes to produce a very high proportion of output within specification. Processes that operate with "six sigma quality" are assumed to produce defect levels below 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO).^[4] Six Sigma's implicit goal is to improve all processes to that level of quality or better.

Six Sigma is a registered service mark and trademark of Motorola, Inc.^[5] Motorola has reported over US$17 billion in savings^[6] from Six Sigma as of 2006.

Other early adopters of Six Sigma who achieved well-publicized success include Honeywell International (previously known as Allied Signal) and General Electric, where the method was introduced by Jack Welch.^[7] By the late 1990s, about two-thirds of the Fortune 500 organizations had begun Six Sigma initiatives with the aim of reducing costs and improving quality.^[8]

In recent years, Six Sigma has sometimes been combined with lean manufacturing to yield a methodology named Lean Six Sigma.

Origin and meaning of the term "six sigma process"

The following outlines the statistical background of the term Six Sigma.

Sigma (the lower-case Greek letter σ) is used to represent the standard deviation (a measure of variation) of a statistical population. The term "six sigma process" comes from the notion that if one has six standard deviations between the mean of a process and the nearest specification limit, there will be practically no items that fail to meet the specifications.^[9] This is based on the calculation method employed in a process capability study.

In a capability study, the number of standard deviations between the process mean and the nearest specification limit is given in sigma units. As process standard deviation goes up, or the mean of the process moves away from the center of the tolerance, fewer standard deviations will fit between the mean and the nearest specification limit, decreasing the sigma number.^[9]

In order for a process to have not more than 3.4 defects in one million process outcomes – a central tenet of Six Sigma^[10] – Six Sigma tackles the combination of three phenomena: the momentary variations in outcome; the longer-term drift in the mean of the outcomes; and the longer-term variation in the standard deviation of the outcomes.^[11] For the momentary variations alone, it would suffice to be able to fit 4.5 sigmas between the process mean and the nearest specification limit. ^[12] To accommodate the two longer-term phenomena on top of the momentary variations, Six Sigma adds - based on experience^[9]^[11] - 1.5 sigmas, for a total of 6 sigmas between the process mean and the nearest specification limit.

Methodology

Six Sigma has two key methodologies: ^[8] DMAIC and DMADV, both inspired by Deming's Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle. DMAIC is used to improve an existing business process; DMADV is used to create new product or process designs.^[8]

DMAIC

The basic methodology consists of the following five steps:

Define process improvement goals that are consistent with customer demands and the enterprise strategy.
Measure key aspects of the current process and collect relevant data.
Analyze the data to verify cause-and-effect relationships. Determine what the relationships are, and attempt to ensure that all factors have been considered.
Improve or optimize the process based upon data analysis using techniques like Design of Experiments.
Control to ensure that any deviations from target are corrected before they result in defects. Set up pilot runs to establish process capability, move on to production, set up control mechanisms and continuously monitor the process.

DMADV

The basic methodology consists of the following five steps:

Define design goals that are consistent with customer demands and the enterprise strategy.
Measure and identify CTQs (characteristics that are Critical To Quality), product capabilities, production process capability, and risks.
Analyze to develop and design alternatives, create a high-level design and evaluate design capability to select the best design.
Design details, optimize the design, and plan for design verification. This phase may require simulations.
Verify the design, set up pilot runs, implement the production process and hand it over to the process owners.

DMADV is also known as DFSS, an abbreviation of "Design For Six Sigma".^[8]

Implementation roles

One of the key innovations of Six Sigma is the professionalizing of quality management functions. Prior to Six Sigma, quality management in practice was largely relegated to the production floor and to statisticians in a separate quality department. Six Sigma borrows martial arts ranking terminology to define a hierarchy (and career path) that cuts across all business functions and a promotion path straight into the executive suite.

Six Sigma identifies several key roles for its successful implementation.^[13]

Executive Leadership includes the CEO and other members of top management. They are responsible for setting up a vision for Six Sigma implementation. They also empower the other role holders with the freedom and resources to explore new ideas for breakthrough improvements.
Champions are responsible for Six Sigma implementation across the organization in an integrated manner. The Executive Leadership draws them from upper management. Champions also act as mentors to Black Belts.
Master Black Belts, identified by champions, act as in-house coaches on Six Sigma. They devote 100% of their time to Six Sigma. They assist champions and guide Black Belts and Green Belts. Apart from statistical tasks, their time is spent on ensuring consistent application of Six Sigma across various functions and departments.
Black Belts operate under Master Black Belts to apply Six Sigma methodology to specific projects. They devote 100% of their time to Six Sigma. They primarily focus on Six Sigma project execution, whereas Champions and Master Black Belts focus on identifying projects/functions for Six Sigma.
Green Belts are the employees who take up Six Sigma implementation along with their other job responsibilities. They operate under the guidance of Black Belts.

The Certified Quality Technician Handbook

2008-07-16T22:55:00.000-07:00

The Certified Quality Technician Handbook
By Donald W. Benbow, Ahmad K. Elshennawy, H. Fred Walker

Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

This book covers all of the topics listed in the Certified Quality Technician Body of Knowledge. The conversational tone of this reference book makes it easy to read while helping readers master quality assurance subject matter. Those interested in auditing, design of experiments, education, management, quality costs, sampling, and reliability will find this text helpful.
Whether you want to brush up on skills needed in your profession, or review material before taking the Certified Quality Technician exam, this guide can help. Readers do not need a formal statistical background nor is it necessary to attend a course before using this book.
This guide can also help an engineer or quality professional brush up on skills required for one's job due to newly assigned responsibilities.

Additionally the authors provide references and introductions to topics that quality technicians will need as they grow more advanced in their career. Review questions are included in a supplementary section. While no text can guarantee success, it's an excellent resource for those preparing to take the Certified Quality Technician exam or for your professional library.

Juran's Quality Handbook

2008-07-16T22:49:00.000-07:00

Juran's Quality Handbook
By Joseph M. Juran, A. Blanton Godfrey

Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

For decades, Juran's Quality Handbook has been the one essential reference in quality management and engineering—the ultimate authoritative source of answers on quality applications, procedures, techniques, and strategies.
Now this Fifth Edition—a major revision and the first new edition of Juran's Quality Handbook in more than 10 years—forges a new standard in tools for quality.
Bringing managers and engineers the most up-to-date methods, research, and theory, under the guidance of a team of the world's top experts, Juran's shows you how to plan for quality, achieve quality control, and ensure quality results. Packed with new methods, research, and thought on quality, and emphasizing the need for quality software and quality software development methods, this completely updated classic also gives you new information, new techniques, and new applications.
Broad in scope and inclusive in methodology, Juran's Quality Handbook is the reference of choice for anyone concerned with quality in business, manufacturing, or engineering.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or a longtime traveler on the quality path, this book is the best possible companion for your voyage.

Quality Engineering Handbook, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded (Quality and Reliability)

2008-07-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Quality Engineering Handbook, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded (Quality and Reliability) (Hardcover)
By Thomas Pyzdek (Editor), Paul A. Keller (Editor)
"Quality engineers, like other professionals, are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate with their professional standing..." (more)
Key Phrases: control limit equations, single control chart, enumerative statistics, Thomas Pyzdek, Appendix Table, Volume One (more...)

Written by one of the foremost authorities on the subject, the Second Edition is completely revised to reflect the latest changes to the ASQ Body of Knowledge for the Certified Quality Engineer (CQE). This handbook covers every essential topic required by the quality engineer for day-to-day practices in planning, testing, finance, and management and thoroughly examines and defines the principles and benefits of Six Sigma management and organization. The Quality Engineering Handbook provides new and expanded sections on management systems, leadership and facilitation principles and techniques, training, customer relations, documentation systems, domestic and international standards, and more.

Reliability Engineering Handbook (Quality and Reliability, 56)

2008-07-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Reliability Engineering Handbook (Quality and Reliability, 56)
By DodsoN/NolaN

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Providing a comprehensive approach to both the art and science of reliability engineering, this volume covers all aspects of the field, from basic concepts to accelerated testing, including SPC, designed experiments, human factors, and reliability management. It also presents the theory of reliability systems and its application as prescribed by industrial and government standards

Reliability Engineering Handbook
This is the best reliability book I have ever used. I work in a corporate development department and deals with design reliability and warranty on a daily basis. This book gets right to the point and is very useful for solving my problems. The Excel templates are especially useful. Not only does the book have useful examples, but the examples are solved using Excel. These examples are on the CD in the back of the book. My only complaint is the printing. The quality is not great; some of the graphs are fuzzy.

Implementing Six Sigma, Second Edition: Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods

2008-06-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

Implementing Six Sigma, Second Edition: Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods (Hardcover)

by Forrest W. Breyfogle (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"An excellent reference book that should be on every individual involved in Six Sigma or even just quality assurance/quality improvement." (TQM Magazine)

"...a useful guide for both academia and organizations...useful source of reference for researchers...an excellent reference book..." (The TQM Magazine, Vol 15(6) 2003)

The TQM Magazine, Vol 15(6) 2003
"...a useful guide for both academia and organizations...useful source of reference for researchers...an excellent reference book..."

Review
2004 Crosby Medal Winner

Product Description
Written to aid organizations in laying the foundation for Six Sigma, this comprehensive and engaging guide provides the tools, strategies, and motivation to get all relevant players involved with improvement from upper management on down. At the heart of the book is a group of statistical tools that address FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis), QFD (Quality Functional Deployment), and DOE (Design of Experiment).

Rather than offering just a brief overview, Implementing Six Sigma devotes individual chapters to all of the tools, so as to provide an in-depth analysis of each. A large selection of diagrams and clarifying exercises demonstrate how to best utilize the tools to successfully minimize defects throughout the production process. To provide a deeper understanding, the book discusses the theories of Edward Deming and the history of the Six Sigma program. Steeped in real world application, it presents numerous examples, as well as copies of actual implementation guides used by Motorola.

From the Back Cover
"No other book covers–at an adequate technical level–as many topics important to Six Sigma. An indispensable reference for the Six Sigma practitioner."
—Ramon V. Leon
Associate Professor, Statistics Department of the University of Tennessee
Associate editor, Six Sigma Forum magazine

"Breyfogle’s book should be valuable to every Six Sigma professional."
—Bill Scherkenback
Director, Samsung Quality Team

"The seamless integration of statistical methodologies . . . helps organizations execute their strategic plans and track both short- and longer-term strategic progress within their various departments and overall organizations."
—Donald C. Fisher, PhD
Executive Director, MSQPC–The Quality Center

"Implementing Six Sigma provides the most up-to-date material on the topic, complete with a project infrastructure roadmap and hundreds of real-life examples and exercises."
—Frank Shines
Project Manager, Pilgrim Software

This new and significantly revised edition of Implementing Six Sigma goes well beyond traditional Six Sigma methodologies, introducing an enhanced roadmap–S4/IEE (Smarter Six Sigma Solutionssm/Integrated Enterprise Excellence). This cutting-edge approach offers a solution to the common problem of sustaining Six Sigma activities and downplays the traditional policy stating that Six Sigma projects must have a defined defect. A variety of plans, checklists, metrics, and warnings of potential pitfalls provide thorough preparation for anyone implementing Six Sigma strategies.

With new coverage of Six Sigma infrastructure building, benchmarking, and real-world "lessons learned," this Second Edition is the best available tool for implementing these

powerful, profit-building strategies.

About the Author
FORREST W. BREYFOGLE III is the founder and President of Smarter Solutions, Inc., a company specializing in training and consulting in Six Sigma methodologies. He is the author of Statistical Methods for Testing, Development, and Manufacturing and Implementing Six Sigma and coauthor of Managing Six Sigma, all published by Wiley.

Customer Reviews

Daunting, July 11, 2001

By	Robert Morris(Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Implementing Six Sigma: Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods (Hardcover)

I first read this book when it was published (1999) and recently re-read it in combination with Managing Six Sigma which Breyfogle co-authored with Cupello and Meadows. At the outset, I should explain that my experience with the design, launch, and implementation of a Six Sigma program is limited. Usually I am retained to assist in non-technical areas such as internal and external communications. However, having read almost all of what Deming wrote as well as several other books about his work, and then having direct association with countless technicians involved in various stages of a Six Sigma program, I feel semi-qualified to discuss both of Breyfogle's books. In fact, he may well have written them for non-technicians such as I. They are VERY well-organized. Also, at no time throughout the reading of either book did my eyes glaze over because of charts, maps, statistics, jargon, etc. So I commend Breyfogle (as well as the co-authors of Managing Six Sigma) for creating about as much access as is reasonably possible to this immensely complicated and (yes) daunting, albeit intriguing subject.

In the foreword, Frank Shines, Jr. suggests that Breyfogle's Smarter Six Sigma Solutions (let's call it S4) approach can effectively be applied in areas such as these: organizational strategy and vision, communications and education strategy, corporate culture and history, business economics and project prioritization, organizational and individual skills and competencies, and finally, the pace and degree at which the organization can assimilate change. Paul Tobias (in the Foreword) then suggests that "the key to business success is doing the right thing faster and better and more efficiently that your competition." For S4, the focus is always on the practical: "What are the right Goals and how do you go about achieving them?" Two excellent questions which suggest two others: "Are these still the right goals? How do we know?" Tobias provides an incomplete but nonetheless impressive list of what this book also provides: explanations of basic techniques such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and process flowcharting as well as an abundance of powerful statistical techniques and concepts such as exploratory data analysis (graphical techniques), analysis of variance, and measurement capability analysis (gauge studies). Then in another Foreword, Bill Wiggenhorn briefly reviews the evolution of Six Sigma "story" from its origin at Motorola, suggesting that Breyfogle's S4 consolidates not only the traditional Six Sigma process measurements and improvement tools, but also many other useful methodologies into one easy to understand text. [As a hand puppet who appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on television years ago once said, "Easy for you...difficult for me."] The sections entitled "Smarter Six Sigma Solutions Assessments", at the end of many chapters, offer additional insight into the selection of the best approach for a given situation."

Then, in a long-awaited Preface by the author, Breyfogle identifies needs which S4 can fulfill and then explains how his book is organized. He claims that this "guide" has a "keep-it-simple" (KIS) objective to which a hand puppet may refute. To his credit, Breyfogle goes to great length to explain not only his purposes and objectives but also how and serves and achieves them. Finally the text itself. Here are the five Parts:

S4 Deployment Strategy Phase

S4 Measurement Phase

S4 Analysis Phase

S4 Improvement Phase

S4 Control Phase

Then Breyfogle provides four appendices: Equations for Distribution, Descriptive Information, DOE Supplement, and Reference Tables followed by a List of Symbols, Glossary, and References.

I think this book will probably be most helpful to executive-level managers in larger organizations (including non-profits) but I presume to suggest that many (if not most) CEOs of those organizations will have neither the time nor the inclination to absorb and digest all of its contents. (I could be wrong about that.) They and many of their executive-level managers may find Managing Six Sigma more accessible. In addition, I think most owners/CEOs of small-to-midsize companies can also derive substantial benefit from this book if they share Paul Tobias's opinion (quoted earlier) that the key to success in business is "doing the right thing faster and better and more efficiently that your competition." With this book, Breyfogle has created (in effect) for all organizations (regardless of size or nature) an encyclopedia of Six Sigma principles and practices, explained and coordinated within his Smarter Six Sigma Solutions Program®.

Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions

2008-06-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions: Foundations, DMAIC, Tools, Cases, and Certification (Six Sigma) (Hardcover)

by Howard S. Gitlow (Author), David M. Levine (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Much has been said or written in recent times about the value of Six Sigma methodologies in driving organizational improvement. Yet, so many still seem to be intimidated by or skeptical about these principles and tools. In this text, Drs. Gitlow and Levine have provided a pragmatic, user-friendly treatment of underlying principles and methods, management obligations, and helpful case study examples to assist all of us in value-added enterprise-wide improvement."

—Gary Floss, Managing Director, Bluefire Partners, and Board of Directors, the American Society for Quality (ASQ)

"The authors provide the perfect blend of managerial insight and a straightforward "how to" approach to statistics. Anyone interested in learning about Six Sigma for the first time, or practitioners wanting to learn more, will find this book to-the-point, exciting, and easy to read. And also hard to put down!"

—Timothy C. Krehbiel, Professor of Decision Sciences and MIS, Miami University (Ohio)

"This book provides an excellent understanding of the foundations of quality management that provide a basis for the evolution of Six Sigma. For executives who wish to be "Champions" of Six Sigma, this book provides an understanding of what to expect of Green Belts as they work through a DMAIC project and what they should expect of themselves. Green Belt candidates will find the case studies extremely useful and informative. Both Champions and Green Belts will benefit from the comprehensive coverage of certification."

—Edward A. Popovich, Ph. D., Vice President, Enterprise Excellence, Boca Raton Community Hospital and President, Sterling Enterprises International, Inc.

The first complete Six Sigma implementation guide for Green Belts and Champions!

Understand the rationale for Six Sigma
Implement a proven executive framework for a successful quality initiative
Use the DMAIC method for improvement from start to finish: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control
Manage Six Sigma statistics—without becoming a statistician
Learn through complete detailed manufacturing and service case studies
Learn how to understand and manage Six Sigma statistics, through practical, Minitab-based application examples. Includes instructions for using Minitab software
Learn how to pass Six Sigma certification examinations with sample questions and answers

If you're "project managing" Six Sigma (potential Green Belt)—or promoting it at the executive level (potential Champion)—this is your book. It's the first Six Sigma book written specifically for Green Belts, Champions...and anyone who plans to become one. Two experts help you master the entire DMAIC model: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. You'll discover realistic solutions for Six Sigma's profound human and technical challenges. You can even prepare for one of the world's leading Six Sigma certification programs. Clear, detailed, and proven...this is the one indispensable book for anyone who must manage Six Sigma to success.

About the Author

David M. Levine is Professor Emeritus of Statistics and Computer Information Systems at Bernard M. Baruch College (City University of New York). He received B.B.A. and M.B.A. degrees in Statistics from City College of New York and a Ph.D. degree from New York University in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. He is nationally recognized as a leading innovator in business statistics education and is the co-author of such best-selling statistics textbooks as Statistics for Managers using Microsoft Excel, Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications, Business Statistics: A First Course, and Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists using Microsoft Excel and Minitab, He has published articles in various journals including Psychometrika, The American Statistician, Communications in Statistics, Multivariate Behavioral Research, Journal of Systems Management, Quality Progress, and The American Anthropologist.

Dr. Howard S. Gitlow is Executive Director of the University of Miami Institute for the Study of Quality in Manufacturing and Service and a Professor of Management Science, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. He was a Visiting Professor at the Science University of Tokyo in 1990 where he studied Quality Management with Dr. Noriaki Kano. He received his Ph.D. in Statistics (1974), M.B.A. (1972), and B.S. in Statistics (1969) from New York University. His areas of specialization are Six Sigma Management, Dr. Deming's theory of management, Japanese Total Quality Control, and statistical quality control.

Dr. Gitlow is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, a senior member of the American Society for Quality Control and a member of the American Statistical Association. He has consulted on quality, productivity, and related matters with many organizations, including several Fortune 500 companies.

Dr. Gitlow has co-authored several books. These include: Quality Management: Tools and Methods for Improvement, Richard D. Irwin Publishers (2005), third edition; Quality Management Systems, CRC Press (2000), Total Quality Management in Action, Prentice-Hall, (1994); The Deming Guide to Quality and Competitive Position, Prentice-Hall, (1987), fifteenth printing; Planning for Quality, Productivity, and Competitive Position, Dow Jones-Irwin Publishers (1990); and Stat City: Understanding Statistics Through Realistic Applications, Richard D. Irwin Publishers (1987), second edition. He has published over 45 academic articles in the areas of quality, statistics, management, and marketing.

While at the University of Miami, Dr. Gitlow has received awards for Outstanding Teaching, Outstanding Writing, and Outstanding Published Research Articles.

Preface

Unique Aspects of the Book

Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions: Foundations, DMAIC, Tools, Cases, and Certification, has numerous features that make this book unique.

• Contains coverage of the foundations of management necessary for professional Six Sigma management. This includes how to deploy an organization's mission statement throughout an organization through a cascading and interlocking system of key objectives and key indicators, called a dashboard. It is illustrated with many practical and relevant examples.

• Presents a thorough and detailed anatomy of the Six Sigma improvement model, called the DMAIC model. DMAIC is an acronym for Define-Measure-Analyze- Improve-Control. The DMAIC model is a well-tested vehicle for guiding an improvement team through the maze of a complex process improvement project.

• Integrates coverage of Six Sigma management with detailed coverage of those statistical methods that are appropriate for Green Belt and Champion certification. Each statistical method is explained and applied to an example involving actual data in a quality improvement context. Coverage of statistics begins with an introduction and basic definitions, along with graphs and descriptive statistical measures; provides critical insights into probability and probability distributions; and covers the essential topics of confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, design of experiments, and control charts, all from an applied quality improvement perspective. Output from the Minitab statistical software package, widely used in Six Sigma management, is illustrated.

• Includes chapter ending appendixes that provide step-by-step instructions for using Minitab Version 14 for the statistical methods covered in each chapter.

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive Textbook at Black Belt Level, March 28, 2007

By	Theodore R. Spickler(Beaver Falls, PA United States) - See all my reviews

I was surprised by the well balanced and complete coverage of the Six Sigma methodology from DMAIC, including managerial steps, all the way to statistics up through Design of Experiments. The all inclusive topics seem to parallel full Black Belt training. I would expect green belts to be offered selections from the book in a standard course. I would say no other book has this "textbooky" look and feel (that is not meant as a criticism). At the end of chapters find Minitab instructions including screen shots. The material is well written, hence understandable, hence I think this is one of the best overall introductions to the subject without slamming the reader with high levels of mathematical theory.

An Excellent Introduction to Six Sigma, July 20, 2006

By	Bug-eyed bookworm(USA) - See all my reviews

This book was well worth my time and money! Being a Six Sigma beginer, I found this book to be easy to follow and comprehend.

Explained is the DMAIC process model, Voice of Customer (VOC), Voice of Process (VOP)and Design of Experements (DOE) in clarifying detail. Best of all, it includes step-by-step explanations of project experiments and the statistical analyses from the expereiments using Minitab 14!

Whether you want to learn the basics of the Six Sigma process (Chapters 1-8) and / or basic Six Sigma statistical tools and methods (Chapters 9-15), I highly recommend this book!

Note: Minitab 14 (Statistical software)is free for 30 days and the associated minitab-formatted excercise worksheets are down-loadable from the publisher's website.

Six Sigma Workbook For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))

2008-06-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Six Sigma Workbook For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) (Paperback)

by Craig Gygi (Author), Bruce Williams (Author), Terry Gustafson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Improve your efficiency -- and bring in big profits!

Need help implementing or understanding Six Sigma? Want to take this powerful problem-solving methodology and apply it to your business? Six Sigma isn't just for Fortune 500 companies anymore; it's for every business, even yours, no matter how big or small. This hands-on workbook provides the knowledge, insight, and practical exercises you need to master Six Sigma and put it to work in your business. Perfect as a companion workbook for Six Sigma For Dummies -- or any other Six Sigma book -- Six Sigma Workbook For Dummies gives you a wealth of examples, problems, and other tools you need to turn Six Sigma theory into practice -- today!

Discover
* How to form and lead a Six Sigma initiative
* Project alignment with business objectives and strategy
* How to create process flow maps and models
* Chart and graph plotting for analysis and interpretation
* Methods for calculating Sigma scores
* How to quantify variable relationships

About the Author
Craig Kent Gygi began studying and applying the elements of Six Sigma well before they were formalized into today’s renowned breakthrough method. As an engineering graduate student at Brigham Young University in the early 1990s, he integrated these then-unorganized improvement techniques into his research and coaching of student product development teams. Upon beginning his career in 1994 at Motorola’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Lab in Florida, he was formally introduced to the just-formalizing Six Sigma method. It resonated deeply with his previous findings. From that time, Craig has applied, taught, and led Six Sigma in all his endeavors, including management and technical capacities at Motorola, Iomega, and General Atomics.
In 1998, Craig founded TolStack, Inc., to develop commercial Six Sigma software tools. He also worked for several years as a technical colleague of Dr. Mikel J. Harry, the original consultant of Six Sigma, co-developing and teaching new advances in its theory and application. In 2002, Craig co-founded Savvi International, into which TolStack merged. Savvi provides solutions for business performance improvement using Six Sigma, Lean, and Business Process Management techniques. Craig acted as the director of Savvi’s products, service, and tools. Today, Craig works with companies in the USA and internationally to integrate Six Sigma practices directly into their core operations.
A Master Black Belt, Craig has wielded Six Sigma techniques now for over 13 years, spanning projects from design to manufacturing to business management. He is also an expert teacher, having instructed and mentored at all levels of Six Sigma, from executives to White Belts.

Bruce David Williams has been fascinated with complex systems since the launch of Sputnik on his third birthday. With undergraduate degrees from the University of Colorado in Physics and Astrophysics, he entered a career in aerospace systems, where he first encountered Six Sigma after Motorola won the inaugural Baldridge Award in 1988. Later, with graduate degrees in technical management and computer science from Johns Hopkins University and Colorado, and as a member of the Hubble Telescope development team, he was intrigued by how breakdowns in the smallest components could lead to colossal system failures. He entered the Six Sigma industry for good in the mid-1990s when he founded a software company to pursue product life-cycle traceability.
Bruce has since been founder and CEO of two Six Sigma research and technology firms, and is now Chairman and CEO of Savvi International, a provider of solutions for business performance improvement using Six Sigma, Lean, and Business Process Management techniques. He resides in the highly-variable environment of the desert foothills of North Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, two children, and a normal distribution of dogs, cats, birds, and horses.

Terry James Gustafson comes out of the world of business and finance, and brings a practical and entrepreneurial perspective to Six Sigma. After an undergraduate degree in finance from Baldwin-Wallace, and an MBA degree from Kent State, he began his career in the field of accounting with KPMG Peat Marwick in 1969, and advanced to a Partner position in auditing. After leaving public accounting in 1990, Terry helped found, build, and operate a series of technology-based entrepreneurial ventures, including venture-backed companies as well as a public company.
In 2002, Terry co-founded Savvi International, which provides solutions for business performance improvement using Six Sigma, Lean, and Business Process Management techniques. Terry serves as Savvi’s chief finance and operations officer.
Since founding Savvi, Terry has been immersed in Six Sigma techniques, helping to design and develop Savvi’s training courses in Six Sigma and Lean. In addition, he has extensively taught Six Sigma courses, both in a classroom and as an online instructor.

Customer Reviews

Six Sigma Workbook for Dummies, February 15, 2008

By	Fred L. Friend (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Great first primer on Six Sigma - just what you would expect from the Dummies series. Got it used and it was a super value for the money. Great reference book and well as something to use to teach techniques to others. Great supplement for six sigma trainers.

6sigma Theory to Practice made easy, January 9, 2007

By	Petros Panagiotidis "Dr. Petros Panagiotidis" (Athens Greece) - See all my reviews

Being an Academic and a Black Belt myself as well as a practicing manager for 15 years at Fortune 100/500 companies, I found this book an excellent practical guide to introduce people in the SixSigma concept.

Statistical concepts that usually trouble people are presented in an easy to read format with examples that link 6sigma theory to 6sigma practice thus preparing the reader to take rational-scientific and fact-oriented action in the business world.

Though I bought this book out of curiosity, I found it very enjoyable indeed! In my opinion this book can be used not only by starters in the 6sigma methodology but it can also be used for 6sigma training purposes as well as for review and reference purposes by the practioners.

The Six Sigma Way: How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance

2008-06-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Six Sigma Way:

How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance [ABRIDGED] [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio CD)

by Peter S. Pande (Author)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Six Sigma is a data-driven management system with near-perfect-performance objectives that has been employed to acclaim at leading corporations like General Electric. Its name is derived from the eye-catching statistical target of operating with no more than 3.4 defects per one million chances, but Peter Pande, Robert Neuman, and Roland Cavanagh--associates in a firm providing Six Sigma implementation, training, and management services--contend its principles can be applied in businesses of all types to routinely reduce costs, improve productivity, increase market share, and achieve other positive results. The Six Sigma Way is their comprehensive self-help guide to adapting and using the system under various conditions. Its first two parts cover fundamentals and provide specific suggestions for aligning the process with individual needs and goals. (These include sections on balancing potential costs and benefits, clarifying objectives, and defining time frames.) The final part, which accounts for more than half the book, focuses on implementation through a detailed yet flexible five-step "road map" tied to a company's core processes, key customers, current performance, "high-potential improvement opportunities," and future practices. While the procedure is quite complex, diligent managers should be able to bring at least basic components to their organization with the tools and techniques provided. --Howard Rothman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
This is the first book to provide basic, non-technical information on understanding and implementing Six Sigma.

Download Description
Six Sigma -- the organizational quality system made famous by GE's legendary Jack Welch -- has set new standards for process improvement. The Six Sigma Way is the first book to provide basic, non-technical information on understanding and implementing Six Sigma. Eye-opening success stories show how companies including GE, Motorola, Allied Signal, and others have used Six Sigma to produce millions in cost-savings and quality improvements. Written to give managers a basic overview of what Six Sigma is and how to implement it, The Six Sigma Way covers the application of Six Sigma across all industries.

Book Info
Provides a comprehensive guide to the real-world application of Six Sigma across all industries. Provides a comprehensive briefing on Six Sigma, showing what's behind the movement, how it's paying off, and most important, how to implement the system tailored to the individual circumstance. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

An implementation blueprint for SIX SIGMA!

"The Six Sigma Way demystifies Six Sigma with a real-world 'how-to 'guide. A good investment for any business planning to launch Six Sigma."

John Biedry, VP Quality & Compliance, Sears Home Services.

Cost reduction...productivity improvement...customer retention...these are the promises of the Six Sigma quality management system. The Six Sigma Way reveals how GE, Motorola, and numerous other companies are successfully using Six Sigma to fine-tune products and processes, improve performance, and increase profits. Now you can read the roadmap for implementing Six Sigma in your manufacturing or service organization.

The authorswho have worked with some of the most visible Six Sigma companies including GEprovide step-by-step guidance and practical implementation guidelines. Whether your goal is to fix a process problem or implement Six Sigma company-wide, The Six Sigma Way will help you develop an approach customized for your company's needs and the challenges of the twenty-first century business environment. The Six Sigma Way:

Addresses the challenges and politics of launching, leading, and training people for Six Sigma.
Focuses on implementing the major steps and quality improvement tools in the Six Sigma system.
Features insights, comments, and examples from business leaders and managers using Six Sigma in their organizations.

--Howard Rothman --This text refers to the Hardcover edition

Customer Reviews

The Six Sigma Way, August 9, 2000

By	Matthew Rowe (Indianapolis, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Six Sigma Way: How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance (Hardcover)

I am a former GE Capital Black Belt and now Master Black Belt with experience at various companies in the process of implementing Six-Sigma Quality initiatives. I can tell you that I consider "The Six Sigma Way" by Pande et al as required reading for anyone who is even considering implementing or participating in a Quality program of this type. Whether you are an aspiring Black Belt or a seasoned member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll find a lot of good ideas and advice on proactive Quality in this book.

"The Six Sigma Way" introduces these state-of-the-art tools and concepts in plain...and often entertaining...English (for the rest of us), as opposed to the other books I've read that are dry and full of high-level concepts and statistical formulas that are far too advanced for most initial Six Sigma efforts anyway. The book provides an easy-to-follow roadmap for setting the proper foundation of a Six Sigma program and for obtaining buy-in and support from co-workers and business leaders. You can pick and choose whichever higher-level tools and techniques your business needs once you have established this critical (and often neglected) foundation.

The book also promotes one of the more important aspects of the Six Sigma methodology that others seem to miss...that there is no single way of doing it! The authors recognize that every business environment is not the same, and that different aspects and techniques will appeal to different business cultures. One of this book's best features is that it very clearly spells out the principles involved with Six Sigma and then offers some practical ideas on how they can be successfully applied to a strategy for your specific business.

The authors also provide clear examples of what works and what doesn't. They include "case study" examples that are actually entertaining to read and that are likely to be encountered in today's business environment. At the same time, they have carefully contrasted the successes of Six Sigma to the TQM movement that preceded it. Instead of simply saying "TQM, bad...Six Sigma, good," as others have, the authors eloquently point out why certain aspects of TQM didn't work consistently. They go on to explain exactly what it is that Six Sigma does differently so that gains can be maintained for the long-term.

Finally, I have to mention something about how the book addresses the use of statistics in Six Sigma type initiatives. All too often, business managers operating in a high-paced environment hear the words "statistical process control" and they are immediately turned-off...believing that a statistical approach to business management is too time consuming, unresponsive, and probably beyond their math capabilities anyway. "The Six Sigma Way" helps lay this ambiguity and fear of statistics to rest by explaining the key concepts in ways that don't require a degree in math. They focus on the basic measurement and analysis techniques that can actually be used and understood by managers at all levels, and the authors communicate this in a way that can be followed by anyone who can balance a checkbook.

"The Six Sigma Way" is a wonderful guide to understanding proactive Quality programs; to designing and implementing a program for your specific business; and to maintaining that program over time. I am certain that you will find this book on every successful manager's reading list.

Six Sigma Statistics with EXCEL and MINITAB (Hardcover)

2008-06-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

Six Sigma Statistics with EXCEL and MINITAB (Hardcover)
by Issa Bass (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Master the Statistical Techniques for Six Sigma Operations, While Boosting Your Excel and Minitab Skills!

Now with the help of this “one-stop” resource, operations and production managers can learn all the powerful statistical techniques for Six Sigma operations, while becoming proficient at Excel and Minitab at the same time.

Six Sigma Statistics with Excel and Minitab offers a complete guide to Six Sigma statistical methods, plus expert coverage of Excel and Minitab, two of today's most popular programs for statistical analysis and data visualization.

Written by a seasoned Six Sigma Master Black Belt, the book explains how to create and interpret dot plots, histograms, and box plots using Minitab…decide on sampling strategies, sample size, and confidence intervals…apply hypothesis tests to compare variance, means, and proportions…conduct a regression and residual analysis…design and analyze an experiment…and much more.

Filled with clear, concise accounts of the theory for each statistical method presented, Six Sigma Statistics with Excel and Minitab features:

Easy-to-follow explanations of powerful Six Sigma tools
A wealth of exercises and case studies
200 graphical illustrations for Excel and Minitab

Essential for achieving Six Sigma goals in any organization, Six Sigma Statistics with Excel and Minitab is a unique, skills-building toolkit for mastering a wide range of vital statistical techniques, and for capitalizing on the potential of Excel and Minitab.

Six Sigma Statistical with Excel and Minitab offers operations and production managers a complete guide to Six Sigma statistical techniques, together with expert coverage of Excel and Minitab, two of today's most popular programs for statistical analysis and data visualization.

Written by Issa Bass, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with years of hands-on experience in industry, this on-target resource takes readers through the application of each Six Sigma statistical tool, while presenting a straightforward tutorial for effectively utilizing Excel and Minitab. With the help of this essential reference, managers can:

Acquire the basic tools for data collection, organization, and description
Learn the fundamental principles of probability
Create and interpret dot plots, histograms, and box plots using Minitab
Decide on sampling strategies, sample size, and confidence intervals
Apply hypothesis tests to compare variance, means, and proportions
Stay on top of production processes with statistical process control
Use process capability analysis to ensure that processes meet customers' expectations
Employ analysis of variance to make inferences about more than two population means
Conduct a regression and residual analysis
Design and analyze an experiment

In addition, Six Sigma Statistics with Excel and Minitab enables you to develop a better understanding of the Taguchi Method…use measurement system analysis to find out if measurement processes are accurate…discover how to test ordinal or nominal data with nonparametric statistics…and apply the full range of basic quality tools.

Filled with step-by-step exercises, graphical illustrations, and screen shots for performing Six Sigma techniques on Excel and Minitab, the book also provides clear, concise explanations of the theory for each of the statistical tools presented.

Authoritative and comprehensive, Six Sigma Statistics with Excel and Minitab is a valuable skills-building resource for mastering all the statistical techniques for Six Sigma operations, while harnessing the power of Excel and Minitab.

About the Author
Issa Bass is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Six Sigma project leader for Kenco Group, Inc. He is the founding editor of SixSigmaFirst.com.

Customer Review

Masterpiece, July 16, 2007

By	Habibatou Niang "Habibatou Niang" (Newport News, VA) - See all my reviews

Masterful!!!!

Teaching is a gift that not any scientist has. I can safely say that I have bought and studied 37 Amazon bestseller statistics books. Not a single one of them comes anywhere close to Issa Bass' "Six Sigma statistics with Minitab and Excel".
This book goes from the most basic and elementary descriptive statistics such how to determine the mean and median of a distribution to the most complex experimental design including Taguchi's method.
It does it in a very comprehensive method combining a step-by-step mathematical approach with Microsoft Excel and Minitab.
The introduction clearly defines what Six Sigma is and statistically defines Six Sigma and explains why the methodology is called 6 and sigma. It explains the methodology and shows how to use statistics to create balanced scorecards and how the six sigma project selection is conducted.
The rest of the book is essentially statistical. Chapter 2 introduces you to how to start Minitab and its functionalities and Excel's statistics add-ins.

Each chapter is filled with examples with more than 200 graphics applicable in real six sigma projects and each one of them walks you step by step on how to use mathematical formula to solve before using Excel and Minitab to come to the same conclusions obtained from the mathematical demonstration. All the examples on the CD are explained in plain English. Even if you have never done statistics in your life, you should understand all the examples.

The chapters on Regression Analysis, Process Capability Analysis, Measurement System Analysis and Taguchi Method are the most complete I have ever come across.
They are filled with examples that make the complex look easy.
Mr. Bass knows how to remove complexity from a complex science.
I give him a five stars.

Statistics for Six Sigma Green Belts with Minitab and JMP (Six Sigma)

2008-05-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

Statistics for Six Sigma Green Belts with Minitab and JMP (Six Sigma) (Hardcover)

by David M. Levine (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The only book on the market that provides a simple nonmathematical presentation of the statistics needed by Six Sigma Green Belts. Every concept is explained in plain English with a minimum of mathematical symbols. Includes real-world examples, step by step instructions and sample output for Minitab and JMP software as well as downloadble, ready to use data sets and templates. Includes applications to service industries to help managers understand the role of Six Sigma in nonmanufacturing industries.

Acknowledgments xvii

About the Author xix

Preface xxi

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Six Sigma 1

Chapter 2: Introduction to Statistics 7

Chapter 3: Presenting Data in Charts and Tables 23

Chapter 4: Descriptive Statistics 39

Chapter 5: Probability and Probability Distributions 59

Chapter 6: Sampling Distributions and Confidence Intervals 95

Chapter 7: Hypothesis Testing 113

Chapter 8: Design of Experiments 157

Chapter 9: Simple Linear Regression 211

Chapter 10: Multiple Regression 241

Chapter 11: Control Charts for Six Sigma Management 279

Appendix A: Review of Arithmetic and Algebra 321

Appendix B: Summation Notation 329

Appendix C: Statistical Tables 333

Appendix D: Documentation of Data Files 347

Glossary 349

Index 359

About the Author

David M. Levine, Professor Emeritus of Statistics and Computer Information Systems at Bernard M. Baruch College (City University of New York), is nationally recognized as a leading innovator in business statistics education.

He is co-author of several best-selling statistics textbooks, including Statistics for Managers Using Microsoft Excel, Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications, Business Statistics: A First Course, and Applied Statistics for Engineers and Scientists Using Microsoft Excel and Minitab. He also recently wrote Even You Can Learn Statistics and co-authored Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions and Design for Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions, all published by Prentice Hall.

Dr. Levine holds B.B.A. and M.B.A. degrees in Statistics from City College of New York and a Ph.D. degree from New York University in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.

Preface

Green belts working in a Six Sigma organization need to be familiar with statistics because statistical tools are an essential part of each phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC model. This book focuses on those statistical tools that are most important for Six Sigma green belts. The objective of this book is to familiarize readers with these tools, so that they will be able to use either the Minitab or JMP software to analyze their data. Among the important features of this book are the following:

Provides a simple nonmathematical presentation of topics. Every concept is explained in plain English with a minimum of mathematical symbols. Most of the equations are separated into optional boxes that complement the main material.
Covers the statistical topics that are most important for Six Sigma green belts. After beginning with the use of tables and charts and descriptive statistics, the book includes coverage of those statistical topics that are most important for Six Sigma green belts; i.e., statistical process control charts, design of experiments, and regression. This book minimizes emphasis on probability, probability distributions, and sampling distributions.
Covers statistical topics by focusing on the interpretation of output generated by the Minitab and JMP software.
Includes chapter-ending appendices that provide step-by-step instructions (with screenshots of dialog boxes) for using Minitab Version 14 and JMP Version 6 for the statistical topics covered in the chapter.
Provides step-by-step instructions using worked-out examples for each statistical method covered.
Includes service industry applications. This book focuses on applications of Six Sigma in service industries. These service applications enable those who work in service industries to understand the role of Six Sigma in their industries, something that is difficult for them to see when examples from manufacturing industries are used.

Contacting the Author

I have gone to great lengths to make this book both pedagogically sound and error-free. If you have any suggestions or require clarification about any of the material, or if you find any errors, contact me at

DAVID_LEVINE@BARUCH.CUNY.EDU

David M. Levine

Customer Reviews

a Keeper, January 22, 2008

By	Brian K. Seitz (Eatonville, Wa USA) - See all my reviews

Prior to its release, the publisher asked me to review this and Design for Six Sigma for Green Belts and Champions: Applications for Service Operations--Foundations, Tools, DMADV, Cases, and Certification (Six Sigma) both by Levine et al. I found each to be well though out a good presentation of materials to get someone a working knowledge of Six Sigma. The only fault I would say is relying on Minitab as a vehicle for teaching instead of using a more general purpose and avialable tool like EXCEL. --a very small issue.

Overall I highly recommend both books as both text and handbook for organinzations starting now the Six Sigma path

Brian K Seitz
BPR/M Industry Analyst & Consultant
Cyon Research

Green Belts, August 7, 2007

By	Mr. I. Headland "Ian" (South Africa) - See all my reviews

Heres a book worth its weight in gold to anybody that is using Minitab. A great help

Six Sigma and Minitab

2008-05-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Six Sigma and Minitab: A complete toolbox guide for all Six Sigma practitioners (2nd edition)
By Quentin Stephen Brook

Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Product Description

The long awaited 2nd edition of this bestselling pocket guide on Six Sigma contains a range of new tools and techniques including new Lean material and Improve tools. In addition it has been updated for Minitab 15 (whilst still compatible with versions 13 and 14).
Cutting through Six Sigma s strange terminology and consultancy speak, this guide delivers Six Sigma in a down to earth, logical and user friendly format. Minitab:
or each tool, this guide details how to enter the data into Minitab, interpret the results and avoid the common pitfalls. Interactive: All the data files and templates are available online. Routemaps:
A logical flow is provided through each DMAIC phase.
Who should use this book? Six Sigma Trainees: Both during and after training, this guide provides an invaluable reference text to those who are actually implementing Lean Six Sigma improvement projects. Six Sigma Project Sponsors and Managers: For those who are accountable for deploying Six Sigma or sponsoring Six Sigma projects, and who might not have been fully Six Sigma trained, this guide will provide an overview of the tools and techniques that your project teams are trained in.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #7364 in Books
Published on: 2006-10-23
Released on: 2006-10-23
Binding: Spiral-bound
240 pages

Editorial Reviews

The TQM Magazine, Volume 17 Issue 1, 2005
Not only useful for SS practitioners but also for anyone involved in quality management, as well as for academic students.

Six Sigma Today Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 3, 2004
It's refreshing to see a book aimed for those actually using the tools and techniques of Six Sigma.

From the Publisher
A long awaited pocket guide to Six Sigma that provides practical advice on the Six Sigma tools alongside detailed instructions for the MINITAB software where applicable.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding Reference Text
I have been a Lean Six Sigma practitioner for over 12 years (MBB since 1995) and this is by far the best reference text I have found.

Highly recommended regardless of level of skill or position in the organization.

Great guide
This guide really shows you how to use MiniTab while following the DMAIC model. It will show you in detail how the process works and how to use the tools in Mintab in a process flow map manner. It uses real screen shots and explains what you see and what it means. Very well done.

Minitab and Six Sigma
This is a very good book/guide to using the Minitab Software for Six Sigma analysis. The author discusses the tools available in Minitab to use in each of the DMAIC stages of Six Sigma. The book offers excercise files on the web to download, and use on his examples in the book.
I found that very helpful. The book also offers a helpful web download of a customized Menu for Six Sigma. The details are on page 225.
found that extremely helpful to have the Six Sigma tools readely available at a touch of an icon. This is not a Minitab guide, but a Minitab guide for Six Sigma. I highly recommend this book as such.

Kaizen and the Art of Creative Thinking

2008-05-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Kaizen and the Art of Creative Thinkin g - The Scientific Thinking Mechanism
By Shigeo Shingo

Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Average customer review:

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #38796 in Books
Published on: 2007-10-28
Binding: Hardcover
281 pages

Editorial Reviews & Book Description

Once again Dr. Shigeo Shingo will amaze you.
Along with Taiichi Ohno, Dr. Shingo co-developed TPS (LEAN) with his deep understanding of how to improve the overall process of production. Dr. Shingo reveals how he taught Toyota and other Japanese companies the art of identifying and solving problems.

Many companies in the West are trying to emulate Lean but few can do it. Why not? Possibly, because we in the West do not recognize, develop and support the creative potential of every worker in solving problems.
Toyota makes all employees problem solvers. Dr. Shingo gives you the tools to do it.

It is an easy to read brilliant book!

Dr. Shingo presents six unique models, the sum of which he calls the Scientific Thinking Mechanism.These frameworks allow groups to deconstruct problems and rebuild them into powerful improvement ideas.
This concept is central to Toyota Production System (TPS) and provides the necessary foundation for any Lean Initiative to be built upon.Praise for the Book

“Dr. Shingo was a master of Kaizen, he had the scientific training and innovative genius to deeply understand processes and the humility to realize that he needed the operators to take ownership.
We are fortunate to have this new opportunity to gaze deeply into the thinking of one of the true geniuses behind TPS —Dr. Shigeo Shingo.”
From the foreword by Jeffrey K. Liker, Ph. D.,
New York Times best–selling author, The Toyota Way

“This book contains a myriad of case studies taken from office examples as well as the shop floor. It is a gold mine of improvement ideas that cumulatively must have saved millions, and could still do so today!”
Don Dewar, President & Founder, Quality Digest Magazine

“Kaizen and the Art of Creative Thinking is a revealing book and is the genesis manuscript to the Lean Manufacturing mindset.
t captures the fundamental thought process to structure problem solving activities and is the foundation to all essential aspects of the Kaizen philosophy.
Truly a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and frameworks to embolden you to change existing practices!”
Michel Mestre, Ph.D. Professor, Northwest University

“For those of us who have revered the work of Dr. Shingo, this is an exciting work. More so than any other of his books.”
Bill Kluck, President, Northwest Lean Network

“Practicing Kaizen (the habit of making small improvements) eludes many people. Dr. Shingo's Scientific Thinking Mechanism replaces the hope for a flash of creativity with a reliable and learnable habit-building approach.
Thanks for making this Rosetta Stone for Kaizen available to the world.”
Hal Macomber, Principal, Lean Project Consulting, Inc.

What you will learn from Shigeo Shingo?

Dr. Shingo explains the ethos of Toyota's production system, with examples of how other companies benefited and struggled with these principles. Kaizen and The Art of Creative Thinking is the genesis guide to the foundations of the Toyota Production System.

How to create an innovative company and culture
How to manage a creative environment
How to focus your resources for successful growth
How to create an internal engine of idea generation
How to harness the true value of improvement, and
How to unlock human potential

Dr. Shingo's Scientific Thinking Mechanism was born in the 1950's and has never been fully revealed to the West. This is Toyota's secret weapon.
From this day forward you will now have the power and knowledge to start the process of implementing your own Lean system.

--From the Publisher

About the Author

Dr. Shigeo Shingo along with Frederick Taylor, Henry Ford and Taiichi Ohno are probably the four greatest manufacturing minds in the last 100 years.
Dr. Shingo was born in 1909 in Saga City, Japan, graduated from Saga Technical High School and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yamanashi Technical College and received an honorary doctorate degree from Utah State University. He taught over 3000 Toyota engineers in the principles stated in this new book Kaizen and the Art of Creative Thinking — The Scientific Thinking Mechanism.

Dr. Shingo authored over 20 books, six in English:

A Study of the Toyota Production System
Revolution in Manufacturing: The SMED System
Zero Quality Control: Source Inspection and the Poka-Yoke System
The Sayings of Shigeo Shingo: Key Strategies for Plant Improvement
Non-Stock Production: The Shingo System for Continuous Improvement, and
The Shingo Production Management System: Improving Process Functions.

He died in 1990, one week after his last consulting assignment.
We should all be indebted to Dr. Shingo for helping to improve the world's manufacturing processes.

Customer Reviews

From J. Kaye's Book Blog
Kaizen is a Japanese word for small changes for continuous improvement. Kai means change and Zen means good. Anthony Robbins, the self-improvement guru, uses this, so does Toyota.

"Kaizen and The Art of Creative Thinking" by Shigeo Shingo is a book about change, and how to making it happen.
This book is designed to shake up the status-quo.
It is self-help for organizations, and has much information that can be used by individuals. While the examples are from manufacturing, these principles can be used, and are being used, in many different organizations. If you are a supervisor, shift leader, manager, or a worker looking to improve work, you need to read this. If you are a business consultant and haven't read this, shame on you!

Dr. Shigeo Shingo was a master of Kaizen and wrote a book in 1958 about creative thinking. This is his book. Shingo writes "based on my 30 years of hands-on experience of plant improvement, I developed a system called the "Scientific Thinking Mechanism." It embodies techniques and philosophies advocated by others, such as the aforementioned Experimental Scientific Thinking, Creative Thinking, and Brainstorming methods.
Although each of these methods captured a certain aspect, none of them were comprehensive.
Thus, I combined the strengths of these various methods and created this Scientific Thinking Mechanism." Some of these are Fredrick Taylor, Immanuel Kant, and W. E. Deming, well known to all college business students.

Dr. Shingo breaks down complex subjects in simple terms.
He illustrates his points using humor and shop floor examples with lots of charts and illustrations to show what's discussed and to tie these concepts together.
Each one of the six chapters, Principles of Analytical Thinking, Capturing Problems, Idea Generation for Improvement, Evolution of Improvement, From Ideas to Reality, and Promoting Improvement Ideas are stuffed full of real-life examples highlighting the chapter's points. You can actually see how The "Scientific Thinking Mechanism" came to be.

In Chapter Six, he describes the Engineer's Instinct and the Manager's Instinct.
In the example, the change didn't completely solve the problem, just 60% successful.
The engineer's instinct says it didn't do 100%, so it doesn't work. The manager's instinct says there a savings of 40% - so more profit! Also in this chapter he describes 10 common objections to change.
I hate to admit it, but I've used some myself. It is worthwhile to note that between 50 years and two cultures, Japanese and American, there are the same obstacles to change.

Reviewed by Steve at J. Kaye's Book Blog

...the opening to creative thinking
I have just received the book the other day and I am impressed with what impressive clarity Shigeo Shingo shows what Kaizen is really about:

-- Finding new ways of improvement through thinking out of the box.

Half way through the book I can say it is the most challenging and condensed piece of literature I have read on Lean until the present day.

Shigeo Shingo shows through his given examples (from various industries and backgrounds) where people's mental models (meaning assumptions, behaviours, beliefs, etc.) seem be stuck to old thinking until there comes a shift of thinking.
The short episodes have a great impact on the reader's own thinking and connecting to his/her past experiences.

So my opinion is that the book -even though (or because?) the initial work of Shingo came out in 1959- is well suited to present questions around work improvement.

Worth every penny is an understatement
Having practiced Lean for over seven years, my biggest complaint has been the difficulty of finding books written simple and direct.
Dr. Shingo's book is easy to read, simple, full of real-world examples not theory, and yet provides deep insight into a difficult area that all western manufacturers struggle with - continuous improvement at all levels.

People with different reading styles will appreciate his graphical representations. Although, at times I found them less useful (personal reading style).

Read this book once for the simplicity, then read it again to see the insights behind the simplicity. Then share it with everyone in your organization if you truly want to become a world-class manufacturer.

Audel Installation Requirements of the 2005 National Electrical Code

2008-05-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Audel Installation Requirements of the 2005 National Electrical Code (Audel Installation Requirements of the National Electrical Code)

By Paul Rosenberg

Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Average customer review:

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #41074 in eBooks
Published on: 2005-01-28
Format: Kindle Book
Number of items: 1

Customer Reviews

Must-Have Real-World Reference
Really helpful for understanding how to apply the NEC in the real-world.

Communicating Design: Developing Web Site

2008-05-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Communicating Design: Developing Web Site Documentation for Design and Planning
By Dan Brown

Availability:
Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com

Average customer review:

Product Description
Most discussion about Web design seems to focus on the creative process, yet turning concept into reality requires a strong set of deliverables - the documentation (concept model, site maps, usability reports, and more) that serves as the primary communication tool between designers and customers.
Here at last is a guide devoted to just that topic.
Combining quick tips for improving deliverables with in-depth discussions of presentation and risk mitigation techniques, author Dan Brown shows you how to make the documentation you're required to provide into the most efficient communications tool possible.
He begins with an introductory section about deliverables and their place in the overall process, and then delves into to the different types of deliverables. From usability reports to project plans, content maps, flow charts, wireframes, site maps, and more, each chapter includes a contents checklist, presentation strategy, maintenance strategy, a description of the development process and the deliverable's impact on the project, and more.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #764 in eBooks
Published on: 2007-03-22
Released on: 2007-03-22
Format: Kindle Book
Number of items: 1

Customer Reviews

Wonderfully comprehensive book on IA/UX documetion
As a self-starting IA working on large-scale websites, this book has been indispensable.
It offers a comprehensive overview of all relevant design documentation from personas and usability to inventories and wireframes. It is an intelligently written and highly readable must-have book for all IAs.

Helpful for practitioners
If you are an Information Architect, usability person, or interaction designer, this is a must have on your shelf.

Informative and Fun
This book is very informative and useful, and it's fun to read at the same time.
The author keeps the language simple so it's easy to get through, and it's humorous. A great choice for Information Architects and others interested in the field.

Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology

2008-05-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications (Essential Psychopharmacology Series) (Paperback)
by Stephen M. Stahl (Author), Nancy Muntner (Illustrator) "Modern psychopharmacology is largely the story of chemical neurotransmission..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Review
From reviews of the Second Edition:

"All of Dr. Stahl's writing is characterized by clarity of presentation and a notable ability to transform complicated scientific principles into readily understood prose. Characteristically, he illustrates his instructions with informative, charming, and sometimes witty cartoon figures and diagrams. Dr. Stahl has a gift for teaching, and it is a pleasure to recommend this book."
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

"Essential reading ... I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who works with psychotropic drugs - or who has the task of teaching others about them!"
American Journal of Psychiatry

"Essential Psychopharmacology offers a wide range of readers an engaging and comprehensive view of psychopharmacology. It is highly recommended to both novice and experienced researchers, who stand to gain a new or renewed appreciation for the complexity and beauty of how the nervous system mediates the behavioral effects of drugs."
Contemporary Psychology

Product Description
Essential . Trusted. Indispensable. Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology has established itself as the preeminent source of education and information in its field. This much-expanded third edition relies on advances in neurobiology and recent clinical developments to explain the concepts underlying drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. In addition to redrawn art, an improved and more readable layout, and 30% more illustrations, the Third Edition has four all-new chapters on Psychiatric Genetics, Chronic Pain and Functional Somatic Syndromes, Disorders of Sleep, and Disorders of Cognition. Covered within are new neurotransmitter systems; theories on schizophrenia; clinical advances in antipsychotic and antidepressant therapy; coverage of attention deficit disorder and drug abuse; and new coverage of sleep disorders, chronic pain, and disorders of impulse control. This volume is indispensable for all students and professionals in mental health, enabling them to master the complexities of psychopharmacology .

Book Info
Univ. of California, San Diego. Textbook relies on advances in neurobiology and recent clinical developments to explain the concepts underlying drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. Includes a new chapter on gender and sexual psychopharmacology. Color illustrations. Previous edition: c1996. Hardcover, softcover also available. DNLM: Mental Disorders--drug therapy. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author
Stephen M. Stahl is Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California at San Diego. He has conducted numerous research projects awarded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Veterans Administration, and the pharmaceutical industry. Author of more than 200 articles and chapters, Dr Stahl is an internationally recognized clinician, researcher, and teacher in psychiatry with subspecialty expertise in psychopharmacology.

The Toyota Way : By Jeffrey Liker

2008-05-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Toyota Way : By Jeffrey Liker

Product Details
Hardcover: 350 pages
Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (December 17, 2003)
Language: English

In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

Editorial Reviews
Product Description

How to speed up business processes, improve quality, and cut costs in any industry

In factories around the world, Toyota consistently makes the highest-quality cars with the fewest defects of any competing manufacturer, while using fewer man-hours, less on-hand inventory, and half the floor space of its competitors. The Toyota Way is the first book for a general audience that explains the management principles and business philosophy behind Toyota's worldwide reputation for quality and reliability.

Complete with profiles of organizations that have successfully adopted Toyota's principles, this book shows managers in every industry how to improve business processes by:

Eliminating wasted time and resources
Building quality into workplace systems
Finding low-cost but reliable alternatives to expensive new technology
Producing in small quantities
Turning every employee into a quality control inspector

From the Publisher
Winner of the Institute for Industrial Engineer’s Book-of-the-Year award and the Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence

From the Back Cover

"This book will give you an understanding of what has made Toyota successful and some practical ideas that you can use to develop your own approach to business."--Gary Convis, Managing Office of Toyota

Fewer man-hours. Less inventory. The highest quality cars with the fewest defects of any competing manufacturer. In factories around the globe, Toyota consistently raises the bar for manufacturing, product development, and process excellence. The result is an amazing business success story: steadily taking market share from price-cutting competitors, earning far more profit than any other automaker, and winning the praise of business leaders worldwide.

The Toyota Way reveals the management principles behind Toyota's worldwide reputation for quality and reliability. Dr. Jeffrey Liker, a renowned authority on Toyota's Lean methods, explains how you can adopt these principles--known as the "Toyota Production System" or "Lean Production"--to improve the speed of your business processes, improve product and service quality, and cut costs, no matter what your industry.

Drawing on his extensive research on Toyota, Dr. Liker shares his insights into the foundational principles at work in the Toyota culture. He explains how the Toyota Production System evolved as a new paradigm of manufacturing excellence, transforming businesses across industries. You'll learn how Toyota fosters employee involvement at all levels, discover the difference between traditional process improvement and Toyota's Lean improvement, and learn why companies often think they are Lean--but aren't.

The fourteen management principles of the Toyota Way create the ideal environment for implementing Lean techniques and tools. Dr. Liker explains each key principle with detailed, examples from Toyota and other Lean companies on how to:

Foster an atmosphere of continuous improvement and learning
Create continuous process "flow" to unearth problems
Satisfy customers (and eliminate waste at the same time)
Grow your leaders rather than purchase them
Get quality right the first time
Grow together with your suppliers and partners for mutual benefit

Dr. Liker shows the Toyota Way in action, then outlines how to apply the Toyota Way in your organization, with examples of how other companies have rebuilt their culture to create a Lean, learning enterprise. The Toyota Way is an inspiring guide to taking the steps necessary to emulate Toyota's remarkable success.

What can your business learn from Toyota?

How to double or triple the speed of any business process
How to build quality into workplace systems
How to eliminate the huge costs of hidden waste
How to turn every employee into a quality control inspector
How to dramatically improve your products and services!

With a market capitalization greater than the value of General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler combined, Toyota is also, (by far), the world's most profitable automaker. Toyota's secret weapon is Lean production--the revolutionary approach to business processes that it invented in the 1950's and has spent decades perfecting. Today businesses around the world are implementing Toyota's radical system for speeding up processes, reducing waste, and improving quality.

The Toyota Way, explain's Toyota's unique approach to Lean--the 14 management principles and philosophy that drive Toyota's quality and efficiency-obsessed culture. You'll gain valuable insights that can be applied to any organization and any business process, whether in services or manufacturing. Professor Jeffrey Liker has been studying Toyota for twenty years, and was given unprecedented access to Toyota executives, employees and factories, both in Japan and the United States, for this landmark work. The book is full of examples of the 14 fundamental principles at work in the Toyota culture, and how these principles create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. You'll discover how the right combination of long-term philosophy, process, people, and problem solving can transform your organization into a Lean, learning enterprise--the Toyota Way.

The Host: A Novel : By Stephenie Meyer

2008-05-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Host: A Novel By Stephenie Meyer

In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Gift-wrap available.

Product Details

Hardcover: 624 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Amazon Best of the Month, May 2008:
Stephenie Meyer, creator of the phenomenal teen-vamp Twilight series, takes paranormal romance into alien territory in her first adult novel. Those wary of sci-fi or teen angst will be pleasantly surprised by this mature and imaginative thriller, propelled by equal parts action and emotion. A species of altruistic parasites has peacefully assumed control of the minds and bodies of most humans, but feisty Melanie Stryder won't surrender her mind to the alien soul called Wanderer. Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories of fellow resistor Jared, Wanderer yields to her body's longing and sets off into the desert to find him. Likely the first love triangle involving just two bodies, it's unabashedly romantic, and the characters (human and alien) genuinely endearing. Readers intrigued by this familiar-yet-alien world will gleefully note that the story's end leaves the door open for a sequel--or another series. --Mari Malcolm

Product Description
The author of the Twilight series of # 1 bestsellers delivers her brilliant first novel for adults: a gripping story of love and betrayal in a future with the fate of humanity at stake.

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Exciting and Thought-Provoking Post-Invasion Story,

May 6, 2008

By	SciFiChick "www.SciFiChick.com" (Fishers, IN USA) -

It's been years since parasitic aliens calling themselves "Souls" have invaded Earth and taken over. Once a "Soul" is placed in a human host, the alien takes over and suppresses the human's mind. But when Wanderer awakes in her new body, she finds that her human host isn't so easily overcome. Melanie, her younger brother, and the man that she loves have been in hiding; and she'll do anything to get back to them, even resist the alien parasite that has taken over her body.

The parasitic "Souls" are easy to dislike at first. But Meyer has given the alien race such a rich and colorful backstory that is truly fascinating. And Wanderer is a unique "Soul" who soon finds herself caring for the same people as her host, and finding herself torn between ties to her own people and the humans.

It's been a long time since I've read such a stirring, science fiction tale that has made me go through so many emotions. The Host is a deep and beautiful story, and very different from Meyer's popular, young adult series. This is a rare story that made me stop and think about the choices that are made and what I would do in their place. Intense, exciting, dramatic, and inspiring, I'd highly recommend this novel to any reader, not only science fiction fans.

Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America

2008-05-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America (Hardcover)

Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #192 in Books
Published on: 2008-05-13
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
896 pages

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Amazon Best of the Month, May 2008:
How did we go from Lyndon Johnson's landslide Democratic victory in 1964 to Richard Nixon's equally lopsided Republican reelection only eight years later? The years in between were among the most chaotic in American history, with an endless and unpopular war, riots, assassinations, social upheaval, Southern resistance, protests both peaceful and armed, and a "Silent Majority" that twice elected the central figure of the age, a brilliant politician who relished the battles of the day but ended them in disgrace. In Nixonland Rick Perlstein tells a more familiar story than the one he unearthed in his influential previous book, Before the Storm, which argued that the stunning success of modern conservatism was founded in Goldwater's massive 1964 defeat. But he makes it fresh and relentlessly compelling, with obsessive original research and a gleefully slashing style--equal parts Walter Winchell and Hunter S. Thompson--that's true to the times. Perlstein is well known as a writer on the left, but his historian's empathies are intense and unpredictable: he convincingly channels the resentment and rage on both sides of the battle lines and lets neither Nixon's cynicism nor the naivete of liberals like New York mayor John Lindsay off the hook. And while election-year readers will be reminded of how much tamer our times are, they'll also find that the echoes of the era, and its persistent national divisions, still ring loud and clear. --Tom Nissley

Review
A richly detailed descent into the inferno -- that is, the years when Richard Milhous Nixon, 'a serial collector of resentments,' ruled the land." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS

Nixonland is a grand historical epic. Rick Perlstein has turned a story we think we know -- American politics between the opposing presidential landslides of 1964 and 1972 -- into an often surprising and always fascinating new narrative. This riveting book, full of colorful detail and great characters, brings back to life an astonishing era -- and shines a new light on our own." -- Jeffrey Toobin author of The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court

"This is a terrific read. What a delight it is to discover the new generation of historians like Rick Perlstein not only getting history correct but giving us all fresh insights and understanding of it." -- John W. Dean Nixon's White House counsel

"Rick Perlstein has written a fascinating account of the rise of Richard Nixon and a persuasive argument that this angry, toxic man will always be part of the American landscape." -- Richard Reeves author of President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination

Rick Perlstein's Nixonland digs deep into a decisive period of our history and brings back a past that is all the scarier for its intense humanity. With a firm grasp on the larger meaning of countless events and personalities, many of them long forgotten, Perlstein superbly shows how paranoia and innuendo flowed into the mainstream of American politics after 1968, creating divisive passions that have survived for decades." -- Sean Wilentz Princeton University, author of The Age of Reagan: A History, 1974-2008

Amazon Kindle

2008-05-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

Amazon Kindle: Free Two-Day Shipping for Mother's Day

Still looking for a gift for Mom? Amazon Kindle lets her wirelessly download from more than 120,000 books, newspapers, magazines and blogs in less than a minute.

Get it from Amazon Kindle Store

Shop the Kindle Store Right from Your Device
You can shop the Kindle Store wirelessly right from your device, allowing you to click, buy, and start reading your purchases within a minute. The Kindle Store offers the same great Amazon.com customer experience you're used to, including customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and low prices. Simply search for the title or author you're interested in reading, or browse the store to discover titles and download your reading choices. We auto-deliver your selections wirelessly, so the next time you hear about a great book, just click, buy, and read.

Search

Kindle makes it easy to search across your library. To use the Search feature, simply type in a word or phrase you’re looking for, and Kindle will find every instance across your Kindle library. Looking for an article you read a couple of days ago about hybrid cars but can’t remember where? Simply type in hybrid and Kindle will search your library for each reference, making it easy to jump directly to what you’re looking for. You can extend your search to the Kindle Store to find related titles you may be interested in. Explore even further by searching Wikipedia.

Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Light - Black

Amazon Kindle Replacement Book Cover

Amazon Kindle Replacement Battery

Amazon Kindle Replacement Power Adapter

iGo A00 Power Tip for Amazon Kindle

iGo Everywhere PS00252-0003 Universal Wall (AC) and Auto (DC)...

Product Overview

Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing.
Wireless connectivity enables you to shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
More than 120,000 books available, including more than 98 of 112 current New York Times® Best Sellers.
New York Times® Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise.
Free book samples. Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.
Top U.S. newspapers including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post; top magazines including TIME, Atlantic Monthly, and Forbes—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
Top international newspapers from France, Germany, and Ireland; Le Monde, Frankfurter Allgemeine, and The Irish Times—all auto-delivered wirelessly.
More than 300 top blogs from the worlds of business, technology, sports, entertainment, and politics, including BoingBoing, Slashdot, TechCrunch, ESPN's Bill Simmons, The Onion, Michelle Malkin, and The Huffington Post—all updated wirelessly throughout the day.
Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
Holds over 200 titles.
Long battery life. Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Fully recharges in 2 hours.
Unlike WiFi, Kindle utilizes the same high-speed data network (EVDO) as advanced cell phones—so you never have to locate a hotspot.
No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments—we take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read.
Includes free wireless access to the planet's most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org.
Email your Word documents and pictures (.JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .PNG) to Kindle for easy on-the-go viewing.
Included in the box: Kindle wireless reader, Book cover, Power adapter, USB 2.0 cable

Product Detail

Kindle User's Guide (preinstalled on device) [PDF]

About Your Kindle Manual (included in box) [PDF]

Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches ; 10.4 ounces
Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1 in Kindle Store

Technical Detail

Display: 6" diagonal E-Ink® electronic paper display, 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 4-level gray scale

Size (in inches): 7.5" x 5.3" x 0.7"

Weight: 10.3 ounces

System requirements: None, because it doesn't require a computer

Product Description

Introducing Kindle™

Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.

We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both "lefties" and "righties" can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.

We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read.

With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand.

And because we know you can't judge a book by its cover, Kindle lets you download and read the beginning of books for free. This way, you can try it out—if you like it, simply buy and download with 1-Click, right from your Kindle, and continue reading. Want to try a newspaper as well? All newspaper subscriptions start with a risk-free two-week trial.

Kindle’s paperback size and expandable memory let you travel light with your library. With the freedom to download what you want, when you want, we hope you’ll never again find yourself stuck without a great read.

We're very proud to introduce Amazon Kindle and we hope you like it as much as we do.

- The Amazon Kindle Team

Paper-like Screen

Utilizing a new high-resolution display technology called electronic paper, Kindle provides a crisp black-and-white screen that resembles the appearance and readability of printed paper. The screen works using ink, just like books and newspapers, but displays the ink particles electronically. It reflects light like ordinary paper and uses no backlighting, eliminating the glare associated with other electronic displays. As a result, Kindle can be read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room.The screen never gets hot so you can comfortably read as long as you like.

See what others are saying about the Kindle screen:

James Patterson, author of You've Been Warned, "The screen is fabulous. You would expect that, with a screen, there would be a glare, it would be hard to read but it's not. There’s no glare. It's not backlit, which is kind of magical. I think people are going to be very, very surprised and delighted. This is a lot easier to read than a lot of books are these days."

Michael Lewis, author of Moneyball, "I'm telling you, after five minutes I've ceased to think I'm looking at a screen. It's not like reading a computer screen. It's more like reading a piece of paper. I think it's actually clearer, easier on the eye than the printed word."

Neil Gaiman, author of Stardust, "It's like paper and it’s very interesting. It’s very, very crisp. Very functional. Very readable."

Wireless Access with Whispernet™

Whispernet utilizes Amazon's optimized technology plus Sprint's national high-speed (EVDO) data network to enable you to wirelessly search, discover, download, and read content on the go.

Unlike WiFi, you don't have to find a hotspot. Amazon pays for Kindle's wireless connectivity so you will never see a monthly wireless bill for shopping the Kindle Store. There is no wireless setup—you are ready to shop, purchase and read right out of the box.

Note: There is no wireless coverage available currently on Sprint’s data network for Kindle in Montana and Alaska.
Check Wireless Coverage

Carry Your Library in 10.3 Ounces

At 10.3 ounces, Kindle is lighter and thinner than typical paperbacks, and fits easily in one hand. Its built-in memory stores hundreds of titles. An optional SD memory card lets you hold even more. From Melville to Morrison, your favorite authors can always be with you.

In addition, a copy of every book you purchase is backed up online in Your Media Library in case you ever need to download it again. This allows you to make room for new titles on your device, knowing that Amazon is storing your personal library, which can always be re-downloaded wirelessly. If you are out of wireless coverage, such as traveling overseas, you can download books to your computer from Your Media Library and transfer via USB to your Kindle. Think of it as a bookshelf in your attic—even though you don't see it, you know your books are there.

Ergonomic Design

We wanted Kindle to be as easy to hold and use as a book, so we designed it with long-form reading in mind. When reading for long periods of time, people naturally shift positions often. Kindle's full-length, vertical page-turning buttons are located on either side, allowing you to read and turn pages comfortably from any position. Navigation on both sides means both "lefties" and "righties" can easily use Kindle with one hand. And at only 10.3 ounces, Kindle is lighter and thinner than a typical paperback.

Shop the Kindle Store Right from Your Device

You can shop the Kindle Store wirelessly right from your device, allowing you to click, buy, and start reading your purchases within a minute. The Kindle Store offers the same great Amazon.com customer experience you're used to, including customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and low prices. Simply search for the title or author you're interested in reading, or browse the store to discover titles and download your reading choices. We auto-deliver your selections wirelessly, so the next time you hear about a great book, just click, buy, and read.

Search

Keyboard

Kindle's QWERTY keyboard puts the Kindle Store at your fingertips. Simply type in a title, author, or keyword to find the book, newspaper, or magazine you are looking for. From there, click to buy, and begin reading your selection in under a minute.

The keyboard also enables you to do a full text search across your entire library or within a specific title. To find the article you read last week on globalization, simply type in globalization to locate each relevant reference. You can then jump to Wikipedia to learn more about it. The keyboard also means you can annotate text and utilize Kindle’s built-in dictionary without interrupting your reading.

Bookmarks and Annotation

By using the keyboard, you can add annotations to text, just like you might write in the margins of a book. And because it is digital, you can edit, delete, and export your notes, highlight and clip key passages, and bookmark pages for future use. You'll never need to bookmark your last place in the book, because Kindle remembers for you and always opens to the last page you read.

Built-in Dictionary

Never get caught without a dictionary. Kindle includes The New Oxford American Dictionary with over 250,000 entries and definitions, so you can seamlessly look up the meanings of words without interrupting your reading. Never fear a sesquipedalian word again—simply look it up as you go.

Wireless Access to Wikipedia

Kindle also includes free built-in access to the world's most exhaustive and up-to-date encyclopedia—Wikipedia.org. With Kindle in hand, looking up people, places, events and more has never been easier. It gives whole new meaning to the phrase walking encyclopedia.

Adjustable Text Size

Because one size doesn’t fit all, you can increase the text size of your favorite book or periodical with the push of a button. If your eyes tire, simply increase the font size and continue reading comfortably. Kindle has six adjustable font sizes to suit your reading preference.

Long Battery Life

Leave wireless on and recharge approximately every other day. Turn wireless off and read for a week or more before recharging. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store and downloading content. In low coverage areas or in 1xRTT only coverage, wireless usage will consume battery power more quickly. Kindle fully recharges in two hours.

What's included in the box?

Kindle Electronic Reader
Book cover
Power adapter
USB 2.0 cable

Product Development for the Lean Enterprise: Why Toyota's System Is Four Times More Productive and How You Can Implement It (Paperback)

2008-05-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Michael N. Kennedy (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A must-read for leader's who demand excellence in the development of new products. --President, Lockheed Martin Aeronoautics Company

Review
The author provides great insight into the Toyota product development process and how the principles can be adapted to any business environment in any culture. --Richard Pearson, President, National Center for Manufacturing Excellence

Review
This book is about what is next. If you want your company to be around in the future, product development is a key to winning. Here is a great road map and some tools to speed you on your way. --John H. Weber, President & CEO, Eagle-Picher Industries, Inc.

Patricia E. Moody, CMC, author of Breakthrough Partnering, Powered by Honda, The Kaizen Blitz, The Technology Machine, The Purchasing Machine, The Perfect Engine, and The Incredible Payback
"This is the secret weapon we've been waiting for, the opportunity to ratchet up design and development..." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Stephen N. Douthit (Retired), Vice President, Global Operations, Vickers
"This book provides the silver bullet required to achieve the desired results -- great product design." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Emery Powell, New Product Development Manager, Texas Instruments
"It leads you through the application of the principles step by step...it is even entertaining and fun to read." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Whether a group of engineers is developing new cars, software applications, aerospace equipment, kitchen appliances, controls, sensors, or any of hundreds of different items, the process they follow is pretty much the same. Except in one company -- Toyota, perhaps the most innovative and highly respected car company on the planet. What is most startling is that Toyota s product development engineers are four times as productive as their counterparts in other companies, according to a study by the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences. Most follow a linear process in developing new products.

Toyota's engineers do not. As this book reveals and explains, Toyota's development engineers rely on a development paradigm that is totally different than that found in the West. Companies that are early adopters of the Toyota product development system are certain to realize tremendous advantages over their competitors. This is a change that is coming to businesses everywhere and this book shows the way. It is a must-read for anyone in management.

About the Author
The author was the lead engineer at Texas Instruments on many developmental projects, including both missile and manufacturing systems, and he developed the defense business sector strategy for design automation. As a consultant, Mr. Kennedy works extensively with major manufacturers, including General Motors, United Technologies, Boeing, and Delphi.

5S for Operators: 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace (For Your Organization!) (Paperback)

2008-05-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews

"I recommend this book to every supervisor who wants a commonsense, inexpensive method for improving quality, productivity, and morale within their department."
Jaymie Randel, Training Coordinator, Douglas and Lomason Co. 06/01/04

This book should be read and studied by all shopfloor managers, supervisors, leaders, and associates looking for a direction to success."
Steven Warywoda, Plant Manager, Douglas & Lomason Co. 06/01/04

Product Description
Hiroyuki Hirano’s five pillars of the visual workplace: sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain are the most fundamental and often overlooked aspects in continuous improvement initiatives. Together, these concepts form the framework of the 5S System, a set of principles whose simplicity often betrays its powerful impact on the workplace. So much of the 5S System seems like common sense, that it is astonishing how often such seemingly simple practices are absent in manufacturing operations. That is why Productivity Press is proud to bring you 5S for Operators: 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace, a hands-on book that explains the principles, rationale and implementation details of the 5S System.

Easy-to-read and apply, each section of the text is loaded with questions, outlines, summaries, diagrams and illustrations. Most importantly, 5S for Operators provides the foundational knowledge that is essential for implementing not just the 5S System, but overall manufacturing improvements like shorter equipment changeovers, just-in-time inventory, total quality management and total productive maintenance.

Since its publication in 1996, 5S for Operators has been and continues to be hugely popular, consistently ranking among Productivity's list of top-sellers, and its popularity is not hard to understand. 5S has proven its worth in one company after another, consistently reducing waste, guaranteeing product quality, ensuring safety and increasing the bottom line. With 5S for Operators, the 5S System can have the same profound effect on your operations.

To introduce the 5S system and sell its use to executives as well as workers, consider purchasing—

5S System: An Introduction DVD Catalog no. PP5934,

Adhering to the principle of efficiency that defines this revolutionary and proven system, this video succinctly explains what is involved, who should participate, and what it will take to get started.

Book Info
Intended to give you powerful knowledge that you can use to make your workplace cleaner and safer, and your job simpler and more satisfying. Outlines 5 pillars of the visual workplace. Paper. DLC: Factory management.

Lean Production Simplified (Paperback)

2008-05-07T05:16:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Pascal (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Lean Production Simplified is both enlightening and informative for all levels of "lean learners.” It is written from a very human perspective. Many prior publications focus on the "lean bag of tools" or the softer cultural aspects of lean. Dennis' contribution is a well integrated blend of both giving the reader not only a systemic understanding of lean, but also the clear skill development required for leadership at all levels. Wherever you are on your journey to lean, Lean Production Simplified will provide further knowledge and insight to help achieve the next level on the eternal path to perfection."
--Anne Stevens, VP, North America Vehicle Operations, Ford Motor Company, June 2004

"This book is just too important! In this age of global competition threatening to annihilate all but the very leanest, Pascal Dennis' masterwork, Lean Production Simplified — APlain-Language Guide to the World's Most Powerful Production System, is a must-read. Midway through my career, after working at five, large North American manufacturing companies, it's absolutely crystal clear that the three which "died" would have survived if only they'd known of and successfully implemented The Toyota Production System. Dennis is clearly North America's Ohno-san!"
--Michael A. J. Davis, Executive VP, Waterville TG, Inc., June 2004

"Lean Production Simplified goes beyond being a "primer" for the Toyota Production System - it is "lean thinking" at its best, revealed and explained. Pascal Dennis has drawn from his own experience at Toyota to help the reader understand the meaning behind their language of success, with the why's and how's explained clearly with illustrations that include the very forms used to collect and organize data. Be prepared to have your continuous improvement / people skills honed to a higher level. Whether you're a CEO, president, vice president, manager, supervisor, leader, an engineer, HR specialist, employee or a private owner, Lean Production Simplified is not a book you will read once. It's a book you will read once and then use as a reference book to read and re-read again and again, as its content is absorbed into your area of influence."
--Bob Schroer, Lean Change Agent, Lexington, Ohio, June 2004

Product Description

2006 SHINGO PRIZE WINNER for EXCELLENCE in MANUFACTURING RESEARCH

Lean Production Simplified, 2nd Edition is a plain language guide to the lean production system written for the practitioner by a practitioner. It delivers a comprehensive insider's view of lean manufacturing. The author helps the reader to grasp the system as a whole and the factors that animate it by organizing the book around an image of a house of lean production.

Highlights include:

A comprehensive view of Toyota¹s lean manufacturing system

A look at the origins and underlying principles of lean

Identifying the goals of lean production

Practical problem solving for lean production

Activities that support involvement - Kaizen circles, suggestion systems, and problem solving

This 2nd Edition has been updated with expanded information on the Lean Improvement Process; Production Physics and Little's Law - the fundamental equation for both manufacturing and service industries (cycle time = work in process/throughput); Value Stream Thinking - combining processes required to bring the product or service to the customer; Hoshin Planning -- using the Planning and Execution Tree diagram and Problem Solving -- including the "Five Why" method and how to use it.

Lean Production Simplified, 2nd Edition covers each of the components of lean within the context of the entire lean production system. The author's straightforward common sense approach makes this book an easily accessible on-the-floor resource for every operator.

From the Publisher
IN STOCK!

About the Author

Pascal Dennis is a professional engineer, author, and educator with 20 years experience in manufacturing, public service and consulting engineering. He developed his lean thinking skills on the shop floor of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), and by working with lean masters in Japan and North America. In his leadership position at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada he supported various model launches, the construction of a new facility, and the hiring of new team members. Under his leadership Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada has received the JD Power Gold Medal for quality and he received the OSH Award of Excellence for Professional Achievement.

The Lean Pocket Guide (Spiral-bound)

2008-05-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

by Don Tapping (Author), MCS Media (Other Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Ron Camp, Consultant and Lean Sensi
I highly recommend this tools throughout any organization that wants to disseminate lean into actionable results.

Book Description
The Lean Pocket Guide is designed for use as a convenient, quick reference as you learn and implement lean manufacturing tools and techniques. It provides valuable insight into the nuances of lean from a team of lean sensi's throughout the world.

You can put your finger on any entry or lean concept, term, tool, or technique within a matter of seconds! With the simply, clear illustrations, this is definitely meant for use on the shop floor.

Also, included is this Pocket Guide is a ready-to-submit Suggestion Form to get those ideas into action, NOW!

About the Author
The development group of authors that contributed to this list is as follows:

Bob Angeli, VP Operations, IdraPrince, Lean Sensi

Tom Fabrizio, Consultant, Author, Lean Sensi

Roger Kremer, Manager, Global Lean Manufacturing, Eaton Corporation, Lean Sensi

Tom Melcher, Quality Consultant

Kim DeForest, Lean Facilitator, Eaton Corporation

Joe Singer, Training Director, Lacks Enterprises, Inc.

Amy Rosse, Engineering Manager, The Oakwood Group, Inc.

Don Tapping, Publisher and Author