The Ecology of Management Accounting and Control Systems: Implications for Managing Teams and Work Groups in Complex Organizations

Book Description

Recent technological and environmental changes have shifted the operations of management control systems from meeting separate, individually based budgetary goals to management control techniques that emphasize group and team control structures. Accordingly, team-based management controls that incorporate normative, instrumental, and coercive controls are being used in complex organizations to monitor production quality and cost control, manage incentive systems, and design and implement management accounting systems. This book provides the first attempt to bring the theory of organizational ecology to the forefront in behavioral accounting research. The adaptation framework has been utilized to incorporate environmental and technological issues as well as organizational structural and contextual factors to examine recent developments in management control systems, particularly the use of accounting systems in managing the performance of teams. Researchers and teachers in graduate programs, managers in business, and service organizations who use work groups to manage their organization activities should find this work an immense addition to their collections.

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Audit Guide: Auditing And Investigating The Internal Control Of Government Purchase Card Programs
Stephen William Lipscomb
Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Purchasing & Buying | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0756740231

Book Description

In the opening chapter of this book, Elizabeth Price Foley writes, “The slow, steady, and silent subversion of the Constitution has been a revolution that Americans appear to have slept through, unaware that the blessings of liberty bestowed upon them by the founding generation were being eroded.” She proceeds to explain how, by abandoning the founding principles of limited government and individual liberty, we have become entangled in a labyrinth of laws that regulate virtually every aspect of behavior and limit what we can say, read, see, consume, and do. Foley contends that the United States has become a nation of too many laws where citizens retain precious few pockets of individual liberty.

With a close analysis of urgent constitutional questions—abortion, physician-assisted suicide, medical marijuana, gay marriage, cloning, and U.S. drug policy—Foley shows how current constitutional interpretation has gone astray. Without the bias of any particular political agenda, she argues convincingly that we need to return to original conceptions of the Constitution and restore personal freedoms that have gradually diminished over time.

Customer Reviews:

Too Sure Of Itself For Its Flaws, Interesting Though.......2007-07-15

Books of this sort are interesting but too doctrinaire and selective to be convincing ... surely to the level of assurance suggested. This is furthered by the author -- again not unique to her -- questionable use of history, often ignoring troubling matters that would make her conclusions harder to reach. Thus, even if you respect her argument of libertarian views based on individual sovereignty (I do), how she gets there and how she applies it leaves something to be desired.

A few examples. As is typical of the genre, at least of those favored by the blurbs on the back of the book, the author argues recent courts have 'invented' things to fit the Constitution into what they feel is necessary for society. Interesting. After all, the author opposes Justice John Marshall's (who was at the founding) rejected of applying the Bill of Rights to the states in 1833 (before the 14th Amendment). One can also cite the Slaughterhouse Cases. That was 1873. And, a myriad others before the New Deal. As some note, pre-New Deal cases quite often upheld regulations. The 'Lochner Court' stereotype, notwithstanding.

Or, in general, all the liberty violations upheld in the past by the courts (no sending contraceptives thru the mail, various sexual practices, prohibtion laws [the fact a few did not doesn't suggest 'original understanding' which she claims is a primary drive of her jurisprudence] etc. One might also note times have changed -- there weren't even any police forces back in 1789. Modern society requires more laws (though citations of spitting on the sidewalk as an issue, is that not a public nuisance, is curious); but in many ways we are more free than we were in the past.

This is so even if general principles, though not how they were often applied, might be interpreted differently. She cites Burke ... but he was a conservative who supported many repressive laws on tradition grounds. Selective use of his statements mislead. Likewise, her balancing of state interest at times is rather brief (esp. latter chapters ... the one on illegal drugs are almost conclusionary; the book is under 200pg. w/o notes) and a bit dubious. For instance, as to motorcycle helmets and public health costs, she notes the state generally doesn't pay. What if it did?

The book does have benefits, if we admit to such problems, suggesting that off the top claims and a bit more modesty is often useful in such works. The fact a 'living constitution' approach can use a work of this nature is a bit ironic, but so it goes. I'd add a recent book by Daniel Farber on the Ninth Amendment was also pretty brief, providing some interesting arguments, but not enough depth at times. A good companion volume.

Compelling Libertarian Thesis.......2007-01-15

Bound to be a future classic-- a sort of modern, practical John Stuart Mill "On Liberty"-esque book. An intriguing historical account of the unique features of the American Constitutional structure that have been unfortunately abandoned, leading to a proliferation of significant and trivial laws that restrict individual liberty and expand government's power. Foley's thesis is that there are "twin foundational principles" of American law that make it unique from all prior forms of government: (1) limited government (in terms of the powers granted by the people to their governors); and (2) residual individual sovereignty. She convincingly shows how these principles indicate a harm principle at work in American law-- not just in theory, but in fact.

Most original is her treatment of number 2 (residual individual sovereignty), which she traces back to the original Law of Nations devised by writers influential with the founding fathers, such as Vattel, Grotius and von Puffendorf. To the founding fathers, sovereignty, as defined by this Law of Nations, was understood in a very specific way, to mean complete liberty or power to do as the sovereign pleased, subject only to the principle of "do no harm" (except in self-defense). In the newly formed United States, the founding fathers parsed out to the governors only a very limited portion of sovereignty (limited powers) and kept the residuum in the hands of the people. When paired with the conception that American government was intended to possess power only to protect the people's life, liberty, and property, Foley shows us how the residual sovereignty remaining in the people's hands is very broad and meaningful indeed. This notion was memorialized in the Ninth Amendment (which has been completely ignored by the judiciary, as if it did not exist).

Unlike writers like Joel Feinberg (who is also highly recommended), Foley
offers a comprehensive definition of legal harm that can be applied to judge the legitimacy of all laws. She then proceeds to do so, tackling with finesse and mind-boggling breadth of knowledge issues like sex, drugs and alcohol, reproduction, marriage abortion, assisted suicide and others.

The writing is clear, crisp and entertaining. Her historical research is very original and tight. This book is a great read for anyone who is interested in a deep theory of the American Constitution. Unlike the previous reviewer (who apparently cannot spell), I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, conservative, liberal, libertarian or anywhere in between. Looking forward to reading her future work.

libetrian with liberal veiws.......2007-01-14

Where are the constitutional values for liberty>? I do not recommend this book.

Book Description

One of the world's leading astronomers, Robert Kirshner, takes readers inside a lively research team on the quest that led them to an extraordinary cosmological discovery: the expansion of the universe is accelerating under the influence of a dark energy that makes space itself expand. In addition to sharing the story of this exciting discovery, Kirshner also brings the science up-to-date in a new epilogue. He explains how the idea of an accelerating universe--once a daring interpretation of sketchy data--is now the standard assumption in cosmology today.

This measurement of dark energy--a quality of space itself that causes cosmic acceleration--points to a gaping hole in our understanding of fundamental physics. In 1917, Einstein proposed the "cosmological constant" to explain a static universe. When observations proved that the universe was expanding, he cast this early form of dark energy aside. But recent observations described first-hand in this book show that the cosmological constant--or something just like it--dominates the universe's mass and energy budget and determines its fate and shape.

Warned by Einstein's blunder, and contradicted by the initial results of a competing research team, Kirshner and his colleagues were reluctant to accept their own result. But, convinced by evidence built on their hard-earned understanding of exploding stars, they announced their conclusion that the universe is accelerating in February 1998. Other lines of inquiry and parallel supernova research now support a new synthesis of a cosmos dominated by dark energy but also containing several forms of dark matter. We live in an extravagant universe with a surprising number of essential ingredients: the real universe we measure is not the simplest one we could imagine.

This book invites any reader to share in the excitement of a remarkable adventure of discovery.

Customer Reviews:

A must - have in you library!.......2007-01-25

Who may resist the irresistible magnetism of an unfinished and always explored issue like this one?. This is indeed, one of the hottest topics in the modern science, supported by an easy lexicon and remarkable information.

Great writing, but not enough physics, and too much history.......2006-09-28

The writing is excellent. He has a nice way of describing things.

I wish the book focussed more on describing physical processes. For example, he briefly defines a cepheid on p. 62 (of the hardcover edition) and uses the term often. But I wish he spent some time describing exactly what a cepheid is. He couldn't spare 10 pages, or even 5, on the subject?

Depsite these reservations, I found the first half of the book very interesting, especially the issue of the cosmological constant and how it went out of fashion and then back in.

Then beginning with Chapter 8 ("Learning to Swim"), the book become more of a journal of what happened. I made it through chapter 8, but then I finally put the book down in chapter 9. Here's an example, taken completely out of context. On p. 216 (hardcover): "The weeks passed quickly in Pasadena while Adam and I went back and forth about the latest results. Did we really believe we were seeing the effects of a cosmological constant?" It goes on and on like this. There's too much "We did this", "I said that", or "Then we thought that". Yawn. Just get to the point and tell us what the heck is going on with the universe. Where did the physics go?

Extravagant Universe, by Robert P. Kirshner.......2005-08-28

I loved this book!!
Very informative but easy to understand.
I read it 4 times!!

Good, but was hoping for more scientific detail.......2005-01-10

The Extravagant Universe is an interesting read, taking you through the career of Professor Kirshner as well as an overview of the components of the universe and astronomy. Particularly interesting are the descriptions of how the researchers use supernovae to measure the expansion of the universe. Likewise, other scientific discussions, such as how the different elements in the universe were formed are well detailed.

However, I was hoping for a more detailed discussion of dark matter and a greater focus on the scientific concepts.

I would recommend this book if you're looking for a story of the evolution of a discovery and the twists and turns of the research behind it. If you're looking for a pure description of the theories discussed in The Extravagant Universe, this book may fall short.

Nice story - science lacking.......2004-05-19

Dr. Kirshiner spins a good yarn. The focus of the book is mostly on the story and history of the accelerating universe theory, presented in a very readable style. I would only fault the book in that after reading it, while I'm now comfortable with the idea of the accelerating universe, I would have liked to see more of the science and math involved. It's a great overview, though; recommended!

THE EXTRAVAGANT UNIVERSE: EXPLODING STARS, DARK ENERGY, AND THE ACCELERATING COSMOS. INSCRIBED FIRST EDITION.

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THE EXTRAVAGANT UNIVERSE: EXPLODING STARS, DARK ENERGY, AND THE ACCELERATING COSMOS. INSCRIBED FIRST EDITION.
Robert P. Kirschner
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press Princeton and Oxford
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IWTZ9M

Book Description

The Logic of Chemical Synthesis The title of this three-part volume derives from a key theme of the book-the logic underlying the rational analysis of complex synthetic problems. Although the book deals almost exclusively with molecules of biological origin, which are ideal for developing the fundamental ideas of multistep synthetic design because of their architectural complexity and variety, the approach taken is fully applicable to other types of carbon-based structures. Part One outlines the basic concepts of retrosynthetic analysis and the general strategies for generating possible synthetic pathways by logical reduction of molecular complexity. Systematic retrosynthetic analysis and the concurrent use of multiple independent strategies to guide problem solving greatly simplify the task of devising a new synthesis. This way of thinking has been used for more than two decades by one of the authors to teach the analysis of difficult synthetic problems to many hundreds of chemists. A substantial fraction of the intricate syntheses which have appeared in the literature in recent years have been produced by these individuals and their students. Part Two, a collection of multistep syntheses, provides much integrated information on synthetic methods and pathways for the construction of interesting target molecules. These syntheses are the result of synthetic planning which was based on the general principles summarized in Part One. Thus, Part Two serves to supplement Part One with emphasis on the reactions of synthesis and on specific examples of retrosynthetically planned syntheses. Part Three is intended to balance the coverage of Parts One and Two and to serve as a convenient guide to the now enormous literature of multistep synthesis. Information on more than six hundred interesting multistep syntheses of biologically derived molecules is included. It is hoped that the structural range and variety of target molecules presented in Part Three will appeal to many chemists.

Customer Reviews:

buy this book.......2007-08-31

it's a classic. if this is your field either buy this book and keep it on your shelf, or go read it in the library.

Logic Of Organic Synthesis.......2002-02-13

Organic chemists and practicing researchers would agree that this book goes hand-in-hand with Nicoloau's Classics in Total Synthesis. While the latter discusses the total synthesis of some of the most fascinating molecules from all over the world, The Logic of Chemical Synthesis is a collection of E. J. Corey's (winner of 1990 Nobel Prize in Chemistry) total syntheses. The book deals almost exclusively with molecules of biological origin.

Part 1 of the book discusses the basic concepts of retrosynthetic analysis. Subtopics include transform-based strategies, structure-based strategies, topological strategies, stereochemical strategies, functional group-based strategies, and convergence of such strategies. Many examples are provided to illustrate these strategies. Molecules shown include Longifolene, Porantherine, Gibberellic acid, Picrotoxinin, and Ginkgolide B. The strategies help generate possible synthetic pathways by logical reduction of molecular complexity. In more plain words, the section help dissect complex molecules and reduce them into smaller precursors.

Part 2 focuses on how to apply the synthesis strategies from Part 1 in synthetic methods and pathways for the construction of many complex target molecules. The syntheses combine general principles presented in Part 1 and further enforces idea of retrosynthetic analysis by showing specific examples and emphasizing on reactions of synthesis. The section breaks down into macrocyclic structures, heterocyclic structures, sesquiterpenoids, polycyclic isoprenoids, prostanoids, and Leukotrienes. The syntheses presented here might be somewhat more difficult to comprehend at first sight. E. J. Corey here presents the straightforward synthesis of molecules without any didactic explanations and comments. Unlike the Nicoloau approach in Classics in Total Synthesis, retrosynthetic analysis of these complex targeting molecules is omitted. The book also skips all the reaction intermediates and reaction mechanisms. A good way to understand the syntheses would be to go backward and make sense out of each step.

Part 3 deals with current chemical literature pertaining to multistep syntheses. The book assumes knowledge of at least one course in organic syntheses which emphasize on synthetic strategies and named reactions.

Not a text for beginners.......2001-03-15

This text is a wonderful insight into the mind and chemical synthetic strategies of E. J. Corey. However, it is really not a good tool for beginning students. The sections on synthons and retrosnthetic strategies are fairly useful for beginners, but the majority of the text are the examples of total syntheses from Corey's work. While these are greatly useful as an insight into Corey and complex synthesis, it is not the best book for beginning students. Too often the routes Corey uses/used involve rare and expensive reagents, seldom the first choice in most labs. Students who start with this text are often confused when approaching a problem in a more realistic (cost concerned) environment and are confused as to what should be the first attempt at a particular transformation--Corey often tells what worked without mentioning what else was tried first, suggesting to the beginning student that the route ultimately used was the first choice, which often is not the case. Long story short, for advanced students or professors of chemistry this is an ideal text, but it is not something a beginning graduate student wants to study without a great deal of other sources.

A masterpiece in the realm of synthetic chemistry books.......2000-07-05

This is an extraordinarily well-written book which may be used as a learning tool for the starting Organic synthetic chemist, who, with no doubt, will enjoy himself by going through it. Many references are given after each synthesis, so that the reader can refer to specific journals and find out the actual reaction conditions that were carried out for each synthesis. Also, at the end of the book, a list of several natural products and their classical preparations are given with their respective journal citation. I believe that this book provides the organic syntehtic chemist with a feel for the area and its boundless applications and limits. I would recommend this book to anybody engaged in some kind of synthetic work, since there is good chance that this book will have the answer to some of their questions.

It's useful for people who want to learn total synthesis.......1999-08-06

It teaches you general methods and logic of organic synthesis. There are a lot of example about total synthesis.

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The Logic of Chemical Synthesis
E.J. Corey
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7GEPK

Customer Reviews:

Informative, well presented, essential.......1999-03-26

An excellent lab testing guide, with theory, history, methodology, and sample results.

Book Description

All papers were peer reviewed. The importance of connecting astrophysical theory, simulations and laboratory experiments is enormous. In particular it is widely understood that laboratory experiments are the key ingredients for validating astrophysical codes. This understanding is particularly acute in the area of magneto-rotational instability (MRI) research. This book witnesses the vigorous discussions that groups of experimentalists and theorists had during the workshop, from "what would the ideal MRI experiment be like," to "can we understand the nonlinear saturation of the MRI?"

Book Description

A macho struggle for supremacy over a barbecue; a young boyÂ's daydream carved on a wall; a snatched moment of passion in a cramped tunnel deep underground; two obsessive genealogists united by a century-old tragedy; and one manÂ's bizarre newspaper-buying habits.

These unforgettable moments chronicle the lives of a diverse range of characters, played out against a backdrop of over 150 years of British industrial history. The author explores the effectsÂ—both protective and oppressiveÂ—of industrial communities on those who live at the heart of them. His lucid prose vividly depicts the humanity of the individual struggling to gain a footing in this world of mass-identity, and the devastating consequences of the industrial decay of the late Twentieth Century on those whose lives have been built around it.

This finely crafted short story collection introduces a fresh and youthful new voice in fiction.

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