  |
|
|
Index Interviews: Bill DeSmedt Mothers Who Write: Antonya Nelson Are You Dead Certain? Stories Behind the Carols Return to This Issue's Index Return to Homepage Subscribe
|
|
Nonfiction Book ReviewsPage One of TwoBuilt to Last by Jim Collins and Jerry I. PorrasHarperBusiness, November, 2004Hardcover, 342 pages ISBN: 0060566108 Ordering information: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk 
In Built to Last authors Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras
offer a look at what makes visionary companies so
outstanding and successful. To determine what makes the winners tick,
Collins and Porras compared highly successful companies like
General Electric, 3M, Merck, Wal-Mark, Walt Disney
and Boeing to a close competitor. For example, Sony is
compared to Kenwood, Wal-Mart is compared to Ames and
GE is compared to Westinghouse. Along the way Collins and
Porras dispel some myths about what makes successful company.
One of the most interesting myths that they dispel is
the myth that you initially need a great product
to becoming a visionary compay. They found that some
of the best companies followed more of a trial and error process
that eventually led to them creating many good and successful
products. Another myth they dispel is the myth that only
charismatic leaders can build visionary companies.
The authors also take a close look at core ideologies in the
companies, profitability and risk taking. Executives will get a
lot out of this book as it also discusses the management and
leadership practices inside the studied companies. The authors also
offer great insights to investors that are always looking to
find the next great
visionary company. Highly recommended.
Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition by Peggy PostHarperCollins, November, 2004Hardcover, 876 pages ISBN: 0066209579 Ordering information: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk 
When one mentions the subject of etiquette, some people
might wonder what use such an antiquated notion has
today. How many people actually need to know all the various
proper forms of address for the Queen of England, after all?
But the truth is that etiquette is as important
today as ever. Knowing what to do and say in
virtually any social situation gives one confidence. The etiquette
bible has always been Emily Post's Etiquette. Society has
changed much since the first
book was published in 1922. Luckily, Ms. Posts' granddaughter-in-law
has carried on Emily Post's work; this 17th edition of
Etiquette is the result -- and it is an absolutely invaluable
book to have in one's home. Now with handy index tabs in the
text, the book is the place to turn to find out what you are supposed
to do in any conceivable life situation, from breaking up with someone
to writing thank you notes, to handling another's illness, to giving gifts,
to dealing with children (yours or other people's) to
behaving and dressing appropriately at work. The new edition is
totally up to date with all those questions of the digital age, such
as etiquette for email, text messaging and even online dating.
You'll be surprised how helpful this 800 page volume will be,
and it would make the perfect gift for anyone of high school age and
beyond.
Nonfiction Book Reviews Page One | Page Two Click Here to Return to the Book Reviews Index ** To visit the archives of nonfiction books reviewed in The IWJ, please click here. |
www.internetwritingjournal.com
WritersWrite.com | WriteNews.com | WatchersWatch.com | ReadersRead.com
Advertising | Classifieds | Media Jobs | RSS Feeds | Shopping | Subscribe
Copyright © 1997-2008 by Writers Write, Inc. All Rights Reserved.