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Book Reviews
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THE GOAL - A Process of Ongoing Improvement
By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox
Price: Third Revised Edition - Rs. 425.00
Hindi Edition - Rs. 299.00
Written in a fast-paced thriller style, The Goal, a gripping novel, is transforming management thinking throughout the world. It is a book to recommend to your friends in industry – even to your bosses – but not to your competitors.
Alex Rogo is a harried plant manager working ever more desperately to try improve performance. His factory is rapidly heading for disaster. So is his marriage. He has ninety days to save his plant – or it will be closed by corporate HQ, with hundreds of job losses. It takes a chance meeting with a professor from student days – Jonah – to help him break out of conventional ways of thinking to see what needs to be done.
The story of Alex’s fight to save his plant is more than compulsive reading. It contains a serious message for all managers in industry and explains the ideas, which underline the Theory of Constraints (TOC), developed by Eli Goldratt.
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THE GOAL II: It's Not Luck - The Sequel to THE GOAL
By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Price: Rs. 375.00
Alex Rogo, the hero of The Goal, has had a great year, having been promoted as the Executive Vice President of UniCo, a diversified conglomerate with the responsibility of managing three recently acquired companies. His team of former and new associates is in place and the future looks secure and exciting.
How Alex applies the Theory of Constraints to Sales, Marketing, Inventory Control and Business Strategy, to overcome cruel challenges and eventually emerge a winner, forms rest of the story.
As Alex grapples with problems at work and at home, we learn the full scope of Eli Goldratt’s powerful Thinking Process techniques for solving problems using his (Goldratt’s) Current Reality Tree, which incorporates UnDesirable Effects (UDEs), and then a Future Reality. Some excellent business wisdom is presented including techniques like Vendor Managed Inventory. The user will find these techniques effective not only in business application but at a personal level as well.
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PRODUCTION THE TOC WAY
By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Price: Rs. 750.00
The Goal, Eli Goldratt’s first book lays the basis for the THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS.
The Goal was a runaway best-seller with many managers totally identifying themselves with Alex Rogo, the hero in the story. Many tried to implement the revolutionary management principle, The Theory of Constraints, unsuccessfully, with a few exceptions.
While most readers could perceive and agree with the "common sense" of The Goal, they nevertheless had difficulty implementing the Theory of Constraints, for they could not identify the real constraint – they continued to try to improve everything they knew how to improve, they continued to justify investments based on cost calculations, they continued to make decisions based on product-cost impact. However, they continued to ignore the fundamental difference between a transfer batch and a process batch, they even continued to measure efficiencies and variances. And this was done even in companies where the President made The Goal mandatory reading!
Why?
The obstacles, identified, being:
- Lack of ability to propagate the message throughout the company
- Lack of ability to translate the learning from the book into workable practices
- Lack of ability to persuade the decision makers to allow the change of some of the measurements.
Goldratt's answers for overcoming these obstacles were in the form of a precise verbalization of the need to change the measurements and the rules of logistical procedure; Drum-Buffer-Rope and the Buffer Management principles. Once again, many managers did not get the expected benefits. So Dr. Goldratt developed a computer game. A game is probably easier to understand than a story. It is in the form of a computer simulation – where a factory situation is simulated. He called the book Production the TOC Way.
We present the Production the TOC Way along with a work book and the computer simulation. This book is a must for all those anxious and eager to implement The Goal.
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CRITICAL CHAIN
By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Price: Rs. 375.00
CRITICAL CHAIN, a gripping fast-paced business novel, does for Project Management what Eli Goldratt’s other novels have done for Production and Marketing. Dr. Goldratt’s books have transformed the thinking and actions of management throughout the world.
If you have read THE GOAL and GOAL II you will want to read CRITICAL CHAIN because you understand how Eli Goldratt’s books can change how you think about business.
If you have not read THE GOAL and the GOAL II, this book will introduce you to Dr. Goldratt’s Thinking Processes, and you will understand why Fortune Magazine calls him "a guru to industry," and Business Week describes him as a "genius."
"The difference between Goldratt and the new age business authors, I guess, comes down to one fundamental element. Goldratt is simply amazing and the others are amazingly simplistic." - Assembly.
"..A small but growing number of managers at some of the world’s biggest manufacturers are agreeing with him." - Business Week.
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NECESSARY BUT NOT SUFFICIENT - TOC Business Novel for IT
By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt with Eli Schragenheim & Carol A. Ptak
Price: Rs. 375.00
After reading the newspapers and following the sharp oscillations of the stock market, it becomes apparent that hi-tech companies are of a different breed. Never before have the chances of making a fortune been so realistic and never before have large companies been so fragile. What is really going on inside these hi-tech companies? What types of pressures and challenges are they facing? And how do they cope?
Computer software providers, especially the ones that specialize in handling the data needs of organizations, are prime examples of these volatile companies. In the nineties we witnessed their growth from small business into multi-billion dollar giants. No wonder investors were attracted.
In 1998 it was easy for such companies to raise as much money as they wanted. But now, investments funds have dried up. Why? And more importantly, is there a way to reverse the trend? This book gives the answers.
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ONE LAND ONE BILLION MINDS - Insights on branding in India
By: Ramanujam Sridhar
Price: Hard Cover - Rs. 850.00
Paper Cover - Rs. 550.00
India will soon be among the top 5 global economies in the world, so is it time for brands to invest and harvest? How did a brand like Mohun’s benefit from the advertising prowess of Kellogg’s? What exactly is Personal Branding? Can the Indian Industry learn about branding from the Software Industry?
Here's a book that provides more than just answers to these questions, a comprehensive guide for corporates, managers, branding experts, CEOs, management students; in short anyone who is interested in getting a different perspective. In a nutshell, this book adds a billion new perspectives to that old clinche 'Mind over Matter'.
One land, a billion minds is a compilation of interesting anecdotes, experiences and above all it provides key insights on branding in a multilayered and a multifaceted land. It delves deep into the minds and the behaviour of the Indian consumer. It provides a holistic view of the Indian market and the consumers, on innovative strategies and unique approaches that have made a brand, a brand.
One Land One Billion Minds is penned by Ramanujam Sridhar, a man known for his advertising acumen and deep understanding of the Indian consumer. His association with the advertising industry is as interesting as the man himself. In this book he writes about his experiences with different brands during his stints in different agencies and his learnings as a consultant. Above all, it provides readers, insights on branding in India. His earlier writings on related subjects have made a great impact and have won him rave reviews and recognition.
I have been exposed to many of Sridhar’s columns over time... they focus on today’s issues, but expose the underlying principles with such simplicity that even I understand them. It’s like a "third umpire" who explains why you score or miss in the game of media and advertising.
Dr. Bob Hoekstra
Chief Executive Officer, Phillips Innovation Campus
Sridhar was my student at IIM, Bangalore. I am sure that his practical insights and real life examples offered in his book on branding, will be valuable to both practicing managers and management students.
Prakash G Apte
Director, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
"... for over a decade, Ramanujam Sridhar is known to his readers for his light, engaging style. His writings on the challenges of branding and marketing in India are unique for their insights into the country’s chaotic, vibrant market. Ramanujam incorporates numerous personal observations and examples which make his articles stimulating and accessible even to the general reader."
N R Narayana Murthy
Chairman & Chief Mentor, Infosys Technologies Ltd.
"One land, One billion minds is as solid as its author Ramanujam Sridhar. Sridhar and I worked together in Mudra from the mid-eighties to the early nineties. He launched the Mudra Bangalore operations... he and Mudra were... inseparable... he was a major strength for... the Agency.
He is simple, straightforward... well-informed... a thorough gentleman and a hard-core professional... his views on marketing communications and brand-related issues. His views on marketing communications and brand-related issues are likewise.
A G Krishnamurthy
Reliance Industries Ltd (Former CMD Mudra Communications)
I am delighted that Sridhar has brought out a book that contains some of his finest writings on branding…an insightful commentary on the thinking of the Indian consumer and how it has progressed over time. Students and practitioners alike will find this book invaluable stimuli for arriving at their own unique formula for brand building.
Sam Balsara
Chairman & MD - Madison Communications
Sridhar’s "word" has impacted me as beer, Jethro Tull and John Lee Carre did in college. You taste a little, listen a little, read a little and then a little more and more until your "dil maange more" ... I always feel he writes... for me... something very relevant.
Bhaskar Bhat
MD – Titan Industries
I can think of no one better than Sridhar... to unravel the issues surrounding branding in India. Sridhar penetrates the fog that surrounds this subject... with illuminating examples... simply written…about the most complex things... the reader will emerge with greater clarity and deeper wisdom after reading this book.
Santosh Desai
President, McCann Erickson, India
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MEASURING PROCESS CAPABILITY - A reference Handbook for Quality & Manufacturing Engineers
By: Davis R. Bothe
Price: Rs. 2500.00
The first practical guide for measuring process capability in machining and assembly operations.
This tells you how to correctly measure capability with all types of industrial data, including attribute and non-normally distributed variable data. This practical, on-the-job reference also provides:
- Methods used to identify critical process characteristics and variables
- Procedures for establishing reasonable process and machine capability goals
- Steps for correctly conducting machine and process capability studies
- Real-life case studies illustrating how capability indices should be calculated, analyzed and interpreted
- Confidence bound formulas for almost every measure covered
- Ways of assessing capability in special situations-processes with tool wear, autocorrelated data, or multiple setups; short production runs, features with GD&T; parts having within piece variation
In addition, you’ll find innovative techniques-developed by the author for measuring the combined capability of multiple process streams, as well as that of an entire product or assembly line.
Filled with more that 450 superb illustrations, this expert reference is destined to become the "bible" of capability studies,enabling you to implement the latest capability measures in any industrial setting.
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LEAN TOOLS - A pocket Guide to Implementing Lean Practices
By: Micheal Wader
Price: Rs. 80.00
This pocket guide was developed as part of a training system that any trainer with Lean Tools knowledge and experience can use to promote student understanding and shop floor application.
According to author Michael Wader, some of the simplest tools are often overlooked because of our desire to implement the latest and greatest techniques. These tools can help organizations simplify their processes and reduce their costs.
Many organizations are ordering these pocket guides for all of their improvement teams and taking advantage of bulk discounts. Take advantage of bulk-order rates:
*50-99 copies: $10.75 each
*100 or more copies: $9.50 each
This pocket guide is a great way to train your whole staff on Lean practices.
Also available in a Tamil edition.
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GREAD BOSS DEAD BOSS - How to Exact the Very Best Performance from Your Company and Not Get Crucified in the Process
By: Ray Immelman
Price: Rs. 400.00
Motivating entire organizations to embrace large-scale change is the biggest challenge most managers face. Ray Immelman's insightful book offers a new perspective on why groups resist change and how to leverage the very same trait to get change implemented.
Learn how to develop a strategy to gain buy-in and commitment to new behaviours on a large scale.
This is what Ray Immelman says about what motivated him to write this book:
"As an international management consultant, I have always been fascinated by the extraordinary diversity of people in management positions. After the first ten years and more than a hundred companies, I came to realize that the leadership values and attitude are the most important factors in the success of an enterprise.
Through first-hand observation, I analyzed the dynamic interplay between leaders and subordinates, which led to the formulation of the concepts in GREAT BOSS DEAD BOSS."
"An absolutely extraordinary book. Like Eli Goldratt's bestseller 'The Goal', it is destined to profoundly change the way companies are managed - for the better."
Robert Fox
President, TOCC
Co-author of "The Race"
"Ray's brilliance lies not only in his deep understanding of human behavious but also in his ability to communicate his ideas in ways that can be commonly internalized and put into action by people dedicated to improving their organizations."
Michael Ahearn
President and CEO, First Solar
"..Offers a perspective on how to coach, guide, and lead an organization that is sorely needed in the light of the recent antics of corporate America.
Ray's values-based approach to business is not only refreshing, but fundamental to allowing capitalism to succeed in our world."
Michael Shirkey
President and CEO, Orbitform
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