Using Trends and Scenarios as Tools for Strategy Development

Provides a clear, useful framework and methods for R&D, including robust technology development, product planning, and product design and development management Quality Strategy for Research and Development integrates the Japanese and Western perspectives on Quality Function Deployment (QFD), updates the strategy of Robust Engineering (RE), and relates their unique frameworks to current, widely adopted philosophies of quality assurance. Featuring real-world case studies, more than thirty tables, and over seventy figures, this essential guide identifies key issues and proposes improvements in the current R&D paradigm. It offers in-depth coverage of technology development, product planning, and product design and development management. Quality Strategy for Research and Development: Updates the conventional approaches to QFD and RE, and provides the implementation model of combining them into a corporate operating system Identifies key issues in the current practice of R&D, and provides solutions for improving design quality and R&D productivity Includes the case studies of designing a functional circuit, magnetic component, measurement system, and machining equipment Offers the integration models of QFD and other breakthrough strategies including DFX (Design For eXcellence), DFSS (Design For Six Sigma), and Blue Ocean Strategy Written for R&D executives, managers, engineers, and quality practitioners, Quality Strategy for Research and Development is also an ideal text for professors and students of industrial and systems engineering, technology management, and business administration.

Features an integrated approach of statistical scenarios and simulations to aid readers in developing key intuitions needed to understand the wide ranging concepts and methods of statistics and inference Illuminating Statistical Analysis Using Scenarios and Simulations presents the basic concepts of statistics and statistical inference using the dual mechanisms of scenarios and simulations. This approach helps readers develop key intuitions and deep understandings of statistical analysis. Scenario-specific sampling simulations depict the results that would be obtained by a very large number of individuals investigating the same scenario, each with their own evidence, while graphical depictions of the simulation results present clear and direct pathways to intuitive methods for statistical inference. These intuitive methods can then be easily linked to traditional formulaic methods, and the author does not simply explain the linkages, but rather provides demonstrations throughout for a broad range of statistical phenomena. In addition, induction and deduction are repeatedly interwoven, which fosters a natural «need to know basis» for ordering the topic coverage. Examining computer simulation results is central to the discussion and provides an illustrative way to (re)discover the properties of sample statistics, the role of chance, and to (re)invent corresponding principles of statistical inference. In addition, the simulation results foreshadow the various mathematical formulas that underlie statistical analysis. In addition, this book: • Features both an intuitive and analytical perspective and includes a broad introduction to the use of Monte Carlo simulation and formulaic methods for statistical analysis • Presents straight-forward coverage of the essentials of basic statistics and ensures proper understanding of key concepts such as sampling distributions, the effects of sample size and variance on uncertainty, analysis of proportion, mean and rank differences, covariance, correlation, and regression • Introduces advanced topics such as Bayesian statistics, data mining, model cross-validation, robust regression, and resampling • Contains numerous example problems in each chapter with detailed solutions as well as an appendix that serves as a manual for constructing simulations quickly and easily using Microsoft® Office Excel® Illuminating Statistical Analysis Using Scenarios and Simulations is an ideal textbook for courses, seminars, and workshops in statistics and statistical inference and is appropriate for self-study as well. The book also serves as a thought-provoking treatise for researchers, scientists, managers, technicians, and others with a keen interest in statistical analysis. Jeffrey E. Kottemann, Ph.D., is Professor in the Perdue School at Salisbury University. Dr. Kottemann has published articles in a wide variety of academic research journals in the fields of business administration, computer science, decision sciences, economics, engineering, information systems, psychology, and public administration. He received his Ph.D. in Systems and Quantitative Methods from the University of Arizona.

Properly researched and intelligently deployed, scenario planning is today’s most powerful tool for understanding and preparing for an uncertain future. Yet it remains a niche approach, poorly understood by leaders at large. To bring it into the strategy mainstream, leaders need advice on how to turn concepts (scenarios) into actions (strategy). Scenarios for Success delivers a unique and coherent account of the state of the scenario planning art. It is aimed particularly at those trying to implement its findings. Striking a balance between theory and practice, the contributors show how and why the core techniques of scenario thinking have endured and are still valuable, while bringing new tools and processes that keep scenario planning in touch with modern realities.

This book discusses scenarios for risk management and developing global investment strategies. What are the chances that various future events will occur over time and how should these events and probable occurrence influence investment decisions? Assessing all possible outcomes is fundamental to risk management, financial engineering and investment and hedge fund strategies. A careful consideration of future scenarios will lead to better investment decisions and avoid financial disasters. The book presents tools and case studies around the world for analyzing a wide variety of investment strategies, building scenarios to optimize returns.

This text describes, analyses and synthesises a wide range of contemporary issues from research and practice in the field of individual and collective workplace learning and development. Enables students and managers of learning and development (L&D) to understand the theory and practice of L&D in organizations. Explores the concept of learning from a variety of perspectives through the use of examples of research and practice from all over the world. Takes a broad view of learning as encompassing both explicit and implicit and individual and collective learning processes. Argues that the practice of L&D should be based upon a rigorous theoretical and empirical base. Each chapter uses synopses of research studies and case studies from businesses to illustrate the most important theories, concepts and models. Lists of key concepts, knowledge outcomes, ‘perspectives from practice’, ‘perspectives from research’, discussion points (for individual or class use), and concept checklists to benefit both students and teachers. Is illustrated throughout with diagrams, tables and ‘L&D facts and figures’.

An invaluable resource for HR professionals and executive coaches, this book focuses on how to reduce the time needed to prepare high-potential (HIPO) leaders for next-level positions. Providing the leading trends, tools, and techniques in the industry, the book demystifies the process of HIPO development. It includes a powerful five-step process for increasing leaders' readiness, as well as a complete set of tools for running workshops on developmental planning and coaching. This text also serves as a core text for the author's Executive Coaching Certificate Programs.

As individuals and companies realise the importance of their inventions, issues surrounding patent laws and practices are taking centre stage around the world. Patent Strategy introduces researchers to patent applications and patent portfolios. With minimum use of ‘legal jargon’ it provides the technical professional with the assistance and advice they require to understand the legal complexities that they may encounter before and during a patent application. It also discusses the responsibilities of the researcher after patent applications have been filed and the role the researcher can play in the maintenance of a global patent estate. This updated edition of the best selling book has been expanded to keep pace with modern day movements and addresses the global issue surrounding intellectual property. Including new information on areas such as software and biotechnology it shows the techniques that can be used by individuals and academic inventors to protect their work and is the ideal reference source. Bridges the gap between the legal system and scientific research and avoids legal jargon Details the reasons behind patents, their importance and relevance to all researchers and the strategy needed for filing for a patent Focuses on the strategy and reasons rather than just being a textbook of patent law Presents an overview of tools a researcher can use while working with a patent attorney or agent Adopts a readable style that explains the basics right up to developing a strategy Essential reading for all those who wish to keep pace and protect their work Reviews from previous edition: «…I can recommend it for technology managing types. Does a nice job of explaining many aspects of the patent system and patent strategies with a minimum of jargon and case citations…» —Internet Patent News «…provides an enlightened approach to a complex subject. It is relatively easy to read and follow…» – Polymers Paint and Colour Journal «This handy book provides the researcher with useful guidance on how to maximize the benefit of their inventiveness to themselves and their organization». —Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology

Trustees are responsible for the stewardship of assets and for implementing the mission of their endowment or foundation. Almost invariably trustees delegate the management of those assets to agents who are investment professionals. In this increasingly sophisticated and litigious financial world there can be a growing gap of comprehension, exacerbated by mathematics and jargon, between trustees who are responsible and agents who are accountable. This book aims to fill that gap. The book draws on the author's own experience and research and that of generations of investment professionals and academics to explain the fundamentals of investment strategy. Key features are therefore: Foreword by George Keane (founder and former president of Commonfund, won the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from Foundation & Endowment Money Management) one of the icons of endowment fund management in the US Aimed at professional trustees An holistic approach to strategy Avoidance of jargon and mathematics Focus on principles underlying asset strategy

Podcasting 101 for Training and Development Podcasting can help you revolutionize the way you deliver training. This groundbreaking book provides an innovative approach to designing and developing podcasts that can improve employees' productivity by providing them with easy-to-access up-to-date information. The book is designed to help you to decide if podcasting is the right solution for the business challenge that your organization is facing, and then guide you to make the right decisions in selecting the software and hardware that you will use to create your podcasts. Podcasting 101 for Training and Development includes critical information about the legal issues surrounding podcast development, contains an approach to developing podcasts that will ensure that your podcasts make a positive business impact, and teaches you how to plan, record, edit, and publish a training podcast. «Timely and relevant, Podcasting 101 for Training and Development is required reading for anyone interested in realistic cost-effective strategies for delivering rapidly changing content to an increasingly mobile-enabled workforce. Kaliym strikes a perfect balance between visionary thinking and practical application.» –Tai Goodwin, principal lead, Learning Media «This book introduces not only a great media, but a great approach for developing and deploying podcasts in a training environment. Podcasting 101 for Training and Development is a must read for any training manager who must deploy frequently changing training programs to a distributed workforce.» –Herman C. Thomas, deputy director for technical training, New York City Housing Authority

Detailed tools and techniques for developing efficiency and effectiveness in forensic accounting Using Analytics to Detect Possible Fraud: Tools and Techniques is a practical overview of the first stage of forensic accounting, providing a common source of analytical techniques used for both efficiency and effectiveness in forensic accounting investigations. The book is written clearly so that those who do not have advanced mathematical skills will be able to understand the analytical tests and use the tests in a forensic accounting setting. It also includes case studies and visual techniques providing practical application of the analytical tests discussed. Shows how to develop both efficiency and effectiveness in forensic accounting Provides information in such a way that non-practitioners can easily understand Written in plain language: advanced mathematical skills are not required Features actual case studies using analytical tests Essential reading for every investor who wants to prevent financial fraud, Using Analytics to Detect Possible Fraud allows practitioners to focus on areas that require further investigative techniques and to unearth deceptive financial reporting before it's too late.