Building Information Modeling. A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Asset Managers

The bright future and exciting possibilities of BIM Many architects and engineers regard BIM as a disruptive force, changing the way building professionals design, build, and ultimately manage a built structure. With its emphasis on continuing advances in BIM research, teaching, and practice, Building Information Modeling: BIM in Current and Future Practice encourages readers to transform disruption to opportunity and challenges them to reconsider their preconceptions about BIM. Thought leaders from universities and professional practice composed essays exploring BIM's potential to improve the products and processes of architectural design including the structure and content of the tools themselves. These authors provide insights for assessing the current practice and research directions of BIM and speculate about its future. The twenty-six chapters are thematically grouped in six sections that present complementary and sometimes incompatible positions: Design Thinking and BIM BIM Analytics Comprehensive BIM Reasoning with BIM Professional BIM BIM Speculations Together, these authors provide stimulating ideas regarding new directions in building information modeling.

Clinical Governance: A Guide to Implementation for Healthcare Professionals provides a comprehensive overview of what is meant by clinical governance and how it can be implemented in practice. It explores the evolution of clinical governance, its key components, legal implications, the barriers to implementing it, and its impact. Clinical Governance provides step-by-step practical advice, facilitating better understanding of the key principles of clinical governance. This third edition has been fully updated throughout to incorporate a more integrated approach to achieving clinical governance, with an additional chapter on education and training. Each chapter includes reflective questions, activities and case studies taken from clinical practice as well as a full list of references and further reading.

The most practical, authoritative guide to implementing GAAP Until now, accountants have had no guidance for what controls, policies, procedures, forms, reports, or archiving requirements they should use to properly mesh with the latest GAAP. An ideal companion volume to the Wiley GAAP guide, the GAAP Implementation Guide provides the practical application information essential to ensuring that a company's accounting systems are fully capable of incorporating the most recent GAAP. GAAP Implementation Guide features handy, illustrative decision trees showing how to determine which GAAP ruling to use in a variety of situations, eliminating hours of time wading through detailed GAAP rulings. Other helpful, timesaving features include: A concise version of the more detailed GAAP found in the Wiley GAAP guides Specific accounting policies that comply with GAAP, especially in terms of creating controls that mesh with GAAP The most common accounting transactions modified to work within GAAP restrictions Specific controls that allow the maximum level of control over accounting systems while remaining in compliance with GAAP Templates for forms and reports that can be used in a GAAP-compliant accounting system Numerous examples of footnotes that can be used to describe GAAP-mandated financial disclosures Hundreds of GAAP-compliant journal entries for most accounting transactions Identification of the types of reports and other information to be retained as part of a comprehensive accounting system GAAP Implementation Guide is a valuable tool for CFOs, controllers, accounting managers, and general ledger accountants who need to ensure that their company properly treats all types of accounting transactions in accordance with GAAP.

The ultimate resource on strategies for redeveloping abandoned urban sites Architects, urban planners, urban designers, developers, city officials, and all those interested in revitalizing their post-industrial cities will find the tools they need here. Redeveloping Industrial Sites delivers solutions to complex issues concerning urban planning, design, and financing to reveal lessons on ways to successfully convert decaying land and buildings into vibrant parks, stimulating cultural destinations, and active commercial complexes. In addition, carefully chosen real-world examples illustrate topics such as sustainability, public policy, and developer know-how to form a complete picture of the elements involved in planning and executing urban redevelopment projects. Redeveloping Industrial Sites: Covers strategies used to turn abandoned industrial sites into vibrant new neighborhoods and special districts such as Toronto's Distillery District and Philadelphia's Piazza at Schmidts Emphasizes design and economic issues that urban planners and city officials need to plan successful projects as well as manage spontaneous neighborhood transformations such as loft conversions Includes case studies of a variety of redevelopments from across North America and Europe ranging from large projects such as New York's Hudson River Park and Amsterdam's harbor to the small, but important neighborhood regenerators such as Baltimore's American Brewery Building for Humanim Examines how cities from Minneapolis, Minnesota to North Adams, Massachusetts, to Swansea, Wales harnessed the forces of tourism and art to transform their mills and harbors Providing historical context as well as current perspective, Redeveloping Industrial Sites offers clear direction on repurposing derelict and polluted wastelands and warehouses into vital, living extensions of their communities.

Praise for Service-Oriented Architecture «This book provides a superb overview of the SOA topic. Marks and Bell provide practical guidance across the entire SOA life cycle-from business imperatives and motivations to the post-deployment business and technical metrics to consider. With this book, Marks and Bell demonstrate a unique ability to take the complex dynamics of SOA, and through an eloquent set of metaphors, models, and principles, provide an understandable and insightful how-to manual for both technical and business executives. This will become a required handbook for any organization implementing SOA.» —Dan Bertrand, Enterprise Technology Officer & EDS Fellow, EDS Corporation «A fundamental breakthrough in the business and technology perspectives of SOA-this book belongs in every software developer, architect, and IT executive library. Marks and Bell demonstrate a creative and practical approach to building complex, service-oriented systems. I especially liked the hands-on perspective brought to multiple aspects of SOA. A must-have guide in the technology turbulence of the future.» —Ariel Aloni, Chief Technology Officer, SunGard Data Management Solutions «This outstanding text gets straight to the heart of the matter, cutting through the hyperbole and discussing how to drive real business value through SOA. It will certainly impact my behavior, our governance models, and, subsequently, the successful business outcomes we derive as we continue to embrace SOA. A must-read for battle-scarred SOA veterans and fledgling architects alike.» —Christopher Crowhurst, Vice President and Chief Architect, Thomson Learning «Too often, SOA has been perceived as 'all about the technology'-standards, technology stacks, operational monitoring, and the like. In this book, Marks and Bell expand beyond the technology to provide a refreshing business-driven perspective to SOA, connecting the dots between business requirements, architecture, and development and operations, and overlaying these perspectives with tried-and-true governance techniques to keep SOA initiatives on track. A must-read for those leading the charge to adopt SOA within their enterprise.» —Brent Carlson, Chief Technology Officer, LogicLibrary and coauthor of San Francisco Design Patterns: Blueprints for Business Software «Marks and Bell have captured a wealth of practical experience and lessons learned in what has become the hottest topic in software development. In this book, they explain in detail what works and what does not, from procedural issues to technical challenges. This book is an invaluable reference for organizations seeking the benefits of SOAs.» —Dr. Jeffrey S. Poulin, System Architect, Lockheed Martin and author of Measuring Software Reuse: Principles, Practices, and Economic Models «One of the last things companies often consider when implementing a business solution such as SOA is the impact on people. Marks and Bell provide an in-depth look at 'what has to change' from a process standpoint to make any SOA implementation a success. A great read for those considering to embark on an enterprise SOA and looking for the right mix of people, process, and products.» —Alan Himler, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, LogicLibrary SOA is a complex topic and a complex organizational goal Service-Oriented Architecture: A Planning and Implementation Guide for Business and Technology shows you how to plan, implement, and achieve SOA value through its prescriptive approach, joining the business and strategic perspective to the technical and architectural perspective. Applicable to all industries, technology platforms, and operating environments, this innovative book provides you with the essential strateg

The bestselling guide to qualitative research, updated and expanded Qualitative Research is the essential guide to understanding, designing, conducting, and presenting a qualitative research study. This fourth edition features new material covering mixed methods, action research, arts-based research, online data sources, and the latest in data analysis, including data analysis software packages as well as narrative and poetic analysis strategies. A new section offers multiple ways of presenting qualitative research findings. The reader-friendly, jargon-free style makes this book accessible to both novice and experienced researchers, emphasizing the role of a theoretical framework in designing a study while providing practical guidance. Qualitative research reaches beyond the what, where, and when of quantitative analysis to investigate the why and how behind human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior, but this presents a number of significant challenges. This guide is an invaluable reference for students and practitioners alike, providing the deep understanding that this sometimes difficult area of research requires to produce accurate results. The book contains a step-by-step guide to analyzing qualitative data and an addendum for graduate students with a template for a thesis, dissertation, or grant application. Build a strong foundation in qualitative research theory and application Design and implement effective qualitative research studies Communicate findings more successfully with clear presentation Explore data sources, data analysis tools, and the different types of research

An introduction to the concepts and principles of architectural structures in an easy-to-read format Written as an easy-to-understand primer on the topic, Structure for Architects engages readers through instruction that uses a highly visual format and real-world examples to underline the key facets of structural principles that are essential to the design process. Eschewing complicated mathematics and technical jargon, Structure for Architects demystifies the subject matter by showing it in the context of everyday situations, giving architects and architectural technologists a clear understanding of how to incorporate structural principles into their designs. Highlights of this book include: A rich collection of drawings, photographs, and diagrams, spread throughout the text, which demonstrate fundamental structural concepts using everyday examples An overview of structural design basics, as well as a summary of structural forms A look at the design implications of steel, reinforced concrete, and wood By providing an overall view of structures that covers the essentials of what architects and architectural technologists need to know, Structure for Architects is a valuable tool for illustrating the importance of designing with structure in mind and for learning the basics that are necessary for collaborating confidently with project team members.

"Daniel Cassidy has written a detailed, comprehensive guide for managers to understand and succeed at the ongoing process of managing a company retirement plan. If motivating your employees is important to you as a manager, this book is an essential key to your success." –Josh Gordon, author of Presentations That Change Minds and Selling 2.0 Written by renowned retirement benefits planning specialist Daniel Cassidy, A Manager's Guide to Strategic Retirement Plan Management focuses on current best practices regarding company-sponsored retirement plans within the United States. Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, this valuable guide will aid managers in applying strategic thinking to their retirement plan management activities–whether it be a 401(k) plan, investing in company stock, or a traditional defined benefit plan. It will also help you to view retirement plans in a holistic manner–ever more necessary given the unpredictable economy and recent troubles with companies such as Enron and WorldCom. Covering everything from administrative issues to financial and legal responsibilities, A Manager's Guide to Strategic Retirement Plan Management will allow you to make the best decisions possible while managing this ongoing process and help you find solutions that best fit your organization's specific needs.

A comprehensive guide to building financial models Building Financial Models with Microsoft Excel + CD-ROM provides beginning or intermediate level computer users with step-by-step instructions on building financial models using Microsoft Excel-the most popular spreadsheet program available. The accompanying CD-ROM contains Excel worksheets that track the course of the book and allow readers to build their own financial models. This comprehensive resource also covers important topics such as the concept of valuation, the concept of sensitivity analysis, the concepts of contribution margin and financial ratios and the basics of building and using a Capitalization Table. K. Scott Proctor, CFA, is the Director of Investor Analytics at SNL Financial, a financial information provider.

The 2nd edition of Strategy in Practice presents a practitioner focused approach to strategy. It is increasingly recognised that the ability to adapt classic formulas to changing circumstances and develop fast, sound strategic thinking is what differentiates the successful corporate leader. Developed from experience in industry this successful text will include an instructor site with PowerPoint slides, extra examples and exercises, and links highlighting changing business practice. While rigorously founded on current thinking and theoretical concepts in the field of strategic management it aims to: • provide the strategy practitioner with a systematic and insight-driven approach to strategic thinking • establish and translate the relevance of strategy theory to its application in the practice field • lead the reader through the strategic thinking process, beginning with the formulation of compelling and clearly articulated strategic questions that set the scene for practical issues • provide tools of strategic analysis in combination with informed intuition to understand the strategic landscape.