Plowing the Sea: Nurturing the Hidden Sources of Growth in the Developing World

Book Description

The authors address the issue of competitiveness in the developing world. Using the Colombian cut-flower industry as a backdrop (and drawing from a variety of industries in Bolivia, Venezuela, and Peru), they identify seven core elements of the failed model of competitiveness in which much of the developing world appears to be trapped. These patterns include an over-reliance on basic production factors and natural resources, inadequate supplier and distributor relationships, and insufficient tools for performing customer and competitor analysis. In a challenge to conventional economic development theory and practice, Fairbanks and Lindsay propose an action framework, emphasizing strategic and microeconomic approaches to growth, based on a partnership between the public and private sectors. The authors argue that only by identifying common goals, committing to a long-term perspective, investing in human resources, and assigning new leadership roles for businesspeople and policymakers alike, can developing countries break out of the vicious cycle of underperformance.

Customer Reviews:

Making True Revolution with Success.......2001-05-06

This is a complex and multidimensional book on many levels. This book is not really about what governments can do to help their countries develop. In fact, the word "development" hardly appears. It is about the unproductive relationship between government and the private sector that wastes time and other valuable resources in emerging economies. The authors hold both parties responsible for moving on.

As stated on the first page, Simon Bolivar's epitaph reads, "Whomsoever has worked for a revolution has plowed the sea." Meant by Bolivar to convey despair and the heartbreak of failure, these words are transformed by the authors who have maintained a sense of optimism and good humor throughout their own experiences in the rugged world of transformation consulting. The Introduction, the book's first substantive chapter, is a cautionary tale of the Colombian flower industry, that prospered globally for decades, but later declined and has not yet recovered. Through this "case", seven patterns of firm behavior that inhibits economic agility are identified. The first seven chapters of the book elaborate on these patterns, wonderfully illustrated with other cases (Peru's fishmeal and Bolivia's soy industry, for example). The authors describe a sort of bratty adolescence that traps companies and industries in emerging economies. Chapters 8 and 9 are a fine application of micro principles around the theme of strategy, again focused on the firm. The authors advocate the old-fashion but culture shattering step of focusing on customers, costs and competitors in order to guide and inform decisions about strategy, positioning and productivity. They offer information and learning as a way for firms to experience a "coming of age" in the competitive sense. The role of government in promoting economic transformation is not touched until Chapter 10, two-thirds of the way through the book. Chapter 10-12 are probably where readers will find the book a bit frustrating and repetitive. Not enough time is spent defining what the authors mean by "steering mechanisms". This is undoubtedly because the book assumes the reader already knows alot. Chapter 10 mostly illustrates shifts in steering mechanisms using the case of a wall-bouncing Bolivian government. Chapter 11 is almost singular for business books - there is an actual discussion of research and the presentation of data. It is a practitioners discussion, however, not an academic one, so potential readers can relax.

B-school vets and other warriors will recognize alot here as an application of Michael Porter's "diamond model" from his Competitive Advantage of Nations (1990) and indeed, Porter writes the Foreword. The authors have extended the "diamond's" scope and reach, but their own model is not apparent until the end, Chapter 13. Their model for bringing about industry level change appears in the book's final four pages.

This book's protagonists are leaders in firms, industries and government, as well as their mindsets and actions. The word "leader" might be interpreted by some readers as "government" but this is not accurate. This book does do something extraordinary, however. On one hand, it is a blood and guts how-to on diagnosing and fixing the self-defeating decision making of firms in the emerging world. On the other hand, the conceptual framework within which political economics is practiced, debated, planned and evaluated is updated to reflect the fact that competitive advantage, not absolute or comparative advantage will increasingly referee the win/loss columns in the global economy. The context of political economics is addressed entirely without reference to ideology. This might strike some as soulless or arrogant. It might strike others as about time.

The writing in this book reflects a highly integrated understanding of business and economics, as well as intimate and affectionate knowledge of Latin American business and classical culture. Also apparent are the authors very fine liberal arts backgrounds, years on the road and a sense of mirth. Finally, these authors clearly know their work and thinking is culture altering and socially revolutionary. Their obvious goal is to realize the dream of Bolivar by capturing the minds of today's business, industry and government trend setters. While I would say their hearts are definitely not bleeding nor on their sleeves, their drive and focus are more uplifting than anything I have read or seen in a long time.

Insightful but too wordy.......2000-05-09

A very insightful book about how countries as a whole compete in the world economy. It presents several interesting ideas about relative competitive strengths & weaknesses of nations and the source of these competitive positions.

The book falls short on readability. The authors could have conveyed the same message in half the pages. Often, I found myself skipping entire paragraphs and sections to find the ideas burried in all the verbiage.

I still rate it a 4 because of the importance of the topic covered and the insights contained in the book.

A refreshing guide to strategy in third world economies.......1999-03-09

This book is a surprise. Very fun to read, very insightful and plenty of new ideas for doing business from emerging economies.

terrific read.......1999-03-07

I found the book a terrific read. I think it is huge task for an developing country to grow out of the habits of being follower. It is not impossible, but the probablity is low, especially since most of these countries are not technologically savvy.

The book gives anyone from an emerging country some hope that they too can compete in this quickly advancing world.

Cheers

Victor

terrific read.......1999-03-07

The book gives anyone from an emerging country some hope that they too can compete in this quickly advancing world.

Cheers

Victor

Book Description

As the way work is done changes and as organizations "flatten themselves down" in response to demands posed by the new global economy, managers on the front lines, where some say the real work is done, need a broader set of skills than ever before. They must learn to see their jobs differently--to become tougher and more durable--but they must also become more flexible in how they interact with the organization itself and its changing work and economic environments. The authors emphasize key tasks that front-line managers must do today, such as strategic planning, budgeting, quality management, and benchmarking, and how they must focus attention on their customers, until now far removed and perhaps out of mind. They must also recognize the need for effective information systems and find ways to align their immediate work units with larger organizational strategies and processes. In short, the authors offer essentially a new paradigm for the way management should now be practiced in a far-ranging book that today's managers will need to keep pace with changes that could threaten their careers, and a book that offers others on the way up a way to start their own careers on the right foot. Becoming an effective front-line manager starts with understanding the job. The authors begin with a comprehensive look at what it means to be a front-line manager and the special challenges they face. They must become all things to all people, say the authors, and at the same time consider other, perhaps unfamiliar challenges, such as safety and health concerns. Front-line managers today must also learn to grow and adapt to changing work environments. The authors present an extensive view of these new tasks and roles and detail the ways in which front-line managers can address and overcome the obstacles they will find. The book is a readable, thought-provoking study of special interest to teachers of general management courses on the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Book Description

This is the first volume in the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network Series. Established in 1980, the LTER program is exploring a wide variety of biomes characteristic of the United States and developing a baseline for ecosystem dynamics over long time periods and broad spatial scales. The volumes in this series will include both comprehensive reviews of research from particular sites and topical overviews which use data from many sites to examine important questions in ecology. This volume, which focuses on the Konza Prairie in northeastern Kansas, is a synthesis of over 15 years of research in pristine tallgrass prairie. It gives a comprehensive site description and summarizes the key long-term studies that form the basis for the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research Program. It then presents a synthesis of the many research areas involved and develops a foundation for future ecological studies in tallgrass prairie. With over 150 figures and tables, chapters that encompass microbial through landscape scales, and an emphasis on lessons learned from long-term studies, this volume provides a unique and comprehensive perspective on the structural and functional ecology of the grassland ecosystem that once covered most of central North America.

Book Description

Remote geochemical analysis offers a powerful tool to study the elemental and mineralogical composition of our planet from its interior through to its atmosphere and to explore our solar system. Such studies have become possible because of major advances in sensor technology. Remote Geochemical Analysis fully covers both techniques and key applications. Chapters have been contributed by experts in their respective fields and describe a variety of remote sensing tools and their use in gaining an understanding of compositional properties. This book offers students as well as researchers a unique single source of information about the acquisition of compositional information using advanced sensors.

Book Description

Coaching Volleyball Successfully concentrates on teaching the club, junior high, or high school coach how to explain, demonstrate, and direct the practice of fundamental skills and strategies of volleyball. This book is not limited to teaching coaches how to perform required volleyball skills, but rather focuses on how to teach these skills to young or inexperienced athletes. The book is also designed to help coaches with high-level sport skills tailor their instruction to meet the basic needs of beginning players.

Used as the text for Level 1 of USA Volleyball's Coaching Accreditation Program (CAP), this book is full of proven techniques that make it ideal for home study and as a reference at team practices. Because coaching involves two distinct functions, teaching skills and organizing practices, Coaching Volleyball Successfully is divided into two sections.

The Volleyball Coaching Guide details how to perform and teach fundamental volleyball skills and includes over 40 drills and activities to help your players improve their skills quickly.

The Volleyball Planning Guide explains how to plan your season and conduct effective practices with ready-to-use practice plans that will help prepare your players for their first match.

Customer Reviews:

Good basic book, with good perspective.......2000-01-22

This book is used as the textbook for the first level of the Coaching Accreditation Program for USA Volleyball. It has a good broad perspective on the game, how to motivate and how to teach the skills. It also goes the through season and practice planning and breaks down the process in a very basic manner, which I found very useful.

A great beginning coach's book.

Best Coaching Book Available.......1995-07-21

Bill Neville breaks a season/practice/match into simple parts which he then walks you through progressions. This book will help the starting coach up through experienced high school coaches. Get this book today if you want to improve your volleyball coaching.

Coaching Volleyball Successfully (Coaching Successfully Series)

Average customer rating:

Love this book!
Coaching VB Successfully by Sally Kus

Coaching Volleyball Successfully (Coaching Successfully Series)
Sally Kus
Manufacturer: Human Kinetics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0736040374

Book Description

In Coaching Volleyball Successfully, Sally Kus presents the formula she used to build and sustain the most successful high school volleyball program ever. From establishing a philosophy and planning productive practices to game-time decision making and player evaluation, this book will help you coach your team to championship-level performances season after season.

Kus compiled an amazing 794-29 record at the high school level, prompting Volleyball Magazine to call her program "the best ever in the history of the sport." Coaching Volleyball Successfully is the first publication of Kus' winning blueprint. Now you can put her expertise to use on your side of the net!

Customer Reviews:

Love this book!.......2007-09-21

Sometimes as player it is hard to break down a skill in verbal cues in order to teach beginning players as a coach. This book is great at doing just that! I even took this book to practice and read to my girls out of it. This book introduces a skill, gives lots of pictures of a player going the skill, breaks the skill down into step-by-step actions, gives some verbal cues that you can teach with and then later remind your players with and gives some drills. Also with each skill, the book has a section on teaching beginning players and then a section on breaking bad habits. This is my favorite coaching resource.

Coaching VB Successfully by Sally Kus.......2004-08-09

I have probably read most every book on vb published recently, and this book ranks up there at the top alongside Mike Hebert's "Insights & Strategies for Winning Volleyball". Sally covers all aspects of the sport from grassroot to club to college and from starting a program to successfully managing and sustaining a vb program. This book is unexcelled. It gives a step-by-step for setting up a program or a practice. It gives details on all of the vb skills along with appropriate drills and what to look for. Unlike most books on the subject, it is very relevant to today's vb, as it addresses rally scoring, overhand passing, serving from various points along the baseline, backrow hitting, etc. I would recommend it for anyone involved in coaching vb or wanting to improve their game.

Average customer rating:

Coaching Successfully Volleyball
S.K. Saggar
Manufacturer: Sports Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8178790467

Average customer rating:

Coaching Volleyball Successfully
William J. Neville
Manufacturer: HUMAN KINETICS TRADE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K6KRRU

Coaching Volleyball Successfully: The Usvba Coaching Accreditation Program and American Coaching Effectiveness Program Leader Level Volleyball Book

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Coaching Volleyball Successfully: The Usvba Coaching Accreditation Program and American Coaching Effectiveness Program Leader Level Volleyball Book
William J. Neville
Manufacturer: Leisure Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4JXZU

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Resource for Literacy Education

3rd Grade Teacher

Every Four Blocks Teacher Needs This Book!

The Teachers' Guide to the Four Blocks: A Multimethod, Multilevel Framework for Grades 1-3
Patrica M. Cunningham , Dorothy P. Hall , and Cheryl M. Sigmon
Manufacturer: Carson-Dellosa Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Pedagogy | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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Guided Reading the Four-blocks Way: The Four Blocks Literacy Model Book Series (Four Blocks Series)

Making Words: Multilevel, Hands-On, Developmentally Appropriate Spelling and Phonics Activities

Month-by-Month Phonics for Second Grade: Systematic, Multilevel Instruction for Second Grade

Month-by-Month Phonics for First Grade: Systematic, Multilevel Instruction for First Grade (Month-By-Month (Scholastic))

Writing Mini-Lessons for First Grade: The Four-Blocks Model (Four-Blocks Literacy Model)

Product Features:

Resource book for Teachers

Explains how to help children become better readers and writers

ASIN: 0887244947

Product Description

This resouce book explains how teachers can help all children become better readers and writers. It includes a summary of each of the Four Blocks, steps for implementation in the classroom, and a variety of student acitivities. 208 pages

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Resource for Literacy Education.......2006-02-25

I bought this book for ideas for structuring my time with my students, but came away with a wonderful reference for literacy instruction. The ideas shared match directly with research in reading, writing, and literacy development. I am so glad I discovered this book!!!!

3rd Grade Teacher.......2005-08-28

Our school has recently restructured to follow the four blocks model. This book has been my bible. I have learned so much about my teaching!

Every Four Blocks Teacher Needs This Book!.......2001-04-10

This is a "getting started" guide to implementing the four blocks framework into your classroom. I have read every word in this well-written manual and it helped me have the confidence to implement the four blocks in my third grade classroom.

The Teacher's Guide to the Four Blocks: A Multimethod, Multilevel Framework for Grades 1-3

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The Teacher's Guide to the Four Blocks: A Multimethod, Multilevel Framework for Grades 1-3
Patrica M.; Hall, Dorothy P.; Sigmon, Cheryl M. Cunningham
Manufacturer: Carson Dellosa Pub Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4LB96

Average customer rating:

Great Diet

Ok I guess

given as a gift

The Smart-Aging Bible

His skin products don't work. His diet isn't new (and imperfect)

The Perricone Promise: Look Younger, Live Longer in Three Easy Steps
Nicholas Perricone
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cosmetics | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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General | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Skin Ailments | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet: A Simple 3-Part Plan to Lose the Fat, the Wrinkles, and the Years

The Perricone Prescription: A Physician's 28-Day Program for Total Body and Face Rejuvenation

The Wrinkle Cure: Unlock the Power of Cosmeceuticals for Supple, Youthful Skin

Dr. Perricone's 7 Secrets to Beauty, Health, and Longevity: The Miracle of Cellular Rejuvenation

The Clear Skin Prescription: The Perricone Program to Eliminate Problem Skin

Accessories:

Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)

RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device

Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED)

ASIN: 0446695912

Amazon.com

To this end, he recommends a three-pronged approach: a very specific 28-day diet; supplements taken morning, noon, and night; and his own line of "topical" cosmetics, all aimed at boosting the body's levels of "peptides and neuropeptides." These substances, according to Perricone, are not only the building blocks of the skin's collagen, but an integral part of the functioning of the immune system, and may prevent inflammation in the body that's associated with such illnesses as arthritis and heart disease.

Perricone's diet sensibly includes a "rainbow" of fruits and vegetables and the liberal use of herbs and spices, and shuns any foods browned or cooked at high temperatures. But unfortunately, some of the food combinations sound less than appetizing (typical snack: "1-2 ounces sliced turkey or chicken breast, 3 olives, 3 strawberries, 8 ounces water"). His eponymous supplements and cosmetics are also pretty pricey, but as far as Perricone's fans are concerned, when it comes to putting the brakes on the aging process, you get what you pay for. --Erica Jorgensen

Book Description

For women seeking complexion perfection, Dr. Nicholas Perricone is the name to know; actress Courteney Cox counts herself among his many devotees. In The Perricone Promise, he claims that his 28-day program will help stop and even reverse the aging process, making anyone who follows his advice "look and feel ten years younger." Perricone says the brain and the skin both start out as the same embryonic tissue, so it follows that any efforts aimed at improving one's complexion will also improve one's memory and overall sense of well-being. To this end, he recommends a three-pronged approach: a very specific 28-day diet; supplements taken morning, noon, and night; and his own line of "topical" cosmetics, all aimed at boosting the body's levels of "peptides and neuropeptides." These substances, according to Perricone, are not only the building blocks of the skin's collagen, but an integral part of the functioning of the immune system, and may prevent inflammation in the body that's associated with such illnesses as arthritis and heart disease.Perricone's diet sensibly includes a "rainbow" of fruits and vegetables and the liberal use of herbs and spices, and shuns any foods browned or cooked at high temperatures. But unfortunately, some of the food combinations sound less than appetizing (typical snack: "1-2 ounces sliced turkey or chicken breast, 3 olives, 3 strawberries, 8 ounces water"). His eponymous supplements and cosmetics are also pretty pricey, but as far as Perricone's fans are concerned, when it comes to putting the brakes on the aging process, you get what you pay for. --Erica Jorgensen

Customer Reviews:

Great Diet.......2007-08-01

I tried Perricone's diet and it makes me feel good and active. He has done his research and is aware of the new products available. I did not try the supplements. I felt they are over priced.

Ok I guess.......2007-07-02

It has a lot of great detailed data and things like that...BUT in the end it is the same ole addage that we all know: Eat right, Sleep enough, Exercise, and be positive. LESS Alcohol, stress, bad carbs...

given as a gift.......2007-06-27

One of the Christmas gifts given to my daughter in 2005. I am sure she was satisfied; I did not receive a feedback from her

The Smart-Aging Bible.......2007-06-10

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is perhaps the leading expert on "smart-aging" diet and nutritional supplements.

His advice on the best foods / beverages and the most scientifically-advanced nutritional supplements is FAR ahead of any other "expert" out there.

Being in the nutritional supplement industry, I can vouch that what he says about specific supplements is scientifically accurate.

I especially like what he says about the nutrients Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Benfotiamine (fat-soluble vitamin B1) and Carnosine as being the most powerful "age-fighting" supplements avialable.

For those of you who can afford the supplements...and some of the foods he recommends, I can virtually guarantee you that you will see & feel results very fast.

For those of you that complain about how much the foods / supplements / cosmaceuticals cost..."don't shoot the messenger" (Dr. Perricone)...he doesn't set the prices on most of these products - especially the foods and supplements.

The alternative is to keep eating the typical "Standard American Diet" (ironically called SAD), so you can continue to look and feel like hell, and set yourself up for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration and all the "wonderful" things associated with getting older.

He is sharing the science of "smart-aging" with you, so you can make highly informed / educated decisions about what foods / supplements / skincare products to use to feel & look your absolute best.

Do your doctors share this information with you?

His skin products don't work. His diet isn't new (and imperfect).......2006-08-10

It hasn't been clinically proven that Perricone skin products work. My mom (age 46) tried them anyway, and they didn't work.

His advice to stay away from grains (and whatever comes from them, of course) is great, but not new. Yes, farm-raised salmon is screwed up, eat the wild one, but again, I knew that already.

And I disagree with his complicated "system" of taking supplements. If you just eat normal food, like vegetables and fruit, NOT grains and soda, you won't need supplements. The only supplement you need is fish oil, since farm-raised animals that we eat lack necessary fatty acids.

The Perricone Promise: Look Younger, Live Longer In Three Easy Steps

Average customer rating:

The Perricone Promise: Look Younger, Live Longer In Three Easy Steps
Nicholas Perricone
Manufacturer: Warner Books Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NKH4YC

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