Great Overview for Role Definition and General Planning
357790
I wish I had bought this book a year ago when I began building our PM Department!  I live in Germany and the role of the product manager is poorly understood by many people I come into contact with.  So it helps to have written examples which indicate that I am moving in the right direction.  Even today, I find the book to be quite useful and the scenarios described in the book certainly apply to much of what I had to learn the hard way. It is a bit general for an experienced product manager but its small form-factor makes it easy to have with you at all times.  It is an invaluable resource for those who are new to product management and is full of great ideas to help you move your product forward.
2725137
Paul Carrol introduces thirteen areas for consideration in planning your writing.  He considers planning to be a major element in writing. These important topics become the titles for his chapters and our covered in two sections in the book.

Part One in details a logical approach to writing by leading  the reader through steps which consider type of writing and how this determines quantity, timeframes, research, preparation for writing, and allocating time. Part Two looks at mind maps, divisions, lists, character sketches, key scenes and more detailed helps in planning  your time and research.

I found the material on crafting characters and his summary of the three parts of any writing both interesting and helpful. Carrol writes with clarity and informative. He writes with confidence and conviction.

Planning Before Writing is compact and concise but comprehensive in content.
A good read with practical helps that can provides material for immediate application.
891851
I chair the board of a non-profit organization. In an effort to get all of our board onto the same page regarding our projects, I have purchased this book to evaluate.

I will be purchasing one for each of our directors once I get the funds approved. It's 200 pages, a fairly quick read, and the information is well laid out. This is exactly what I needed.

There are more comprehensive options if you need more depth, or if you want to obtain the PMP credential, but if you are looking for a great, quick intro that covers everything, this is a good choice.
848925
A bit dated. But, in its day, this was a wonderful resource for planning. Published in 1986, the editors sought out experts to author individual chapters. Disclaimer: One of the editors, Irving Hand, is someone with whom I have worked since I came to Penn State Harrisburg.

There are several sections to the book. The first provides background and context on the subject. The second part explores analysis and information (e.g., chapters on policy analysis, environmental impact analysis, and citizen participation). Part Three focuses on development policies and strategies, including urban development, rural development, andf economic development. The fvinal section addresses major types of state and regional plans, such as housing and transportation.

Chapter authors include many experts in their specialties, lending real credibility to this work.(
2870820
Goldmine of plans in this book! Illustrations are done very well, plans are explained in clear detail.
4109698
I love the background provided as to why... and then the follow on of how and examples of what to do.
Worthwhile and easy reading with action steps.
4728136
Great overview.  Suggest to anyone wanting to revisit this for designing homes.
1997685
Very good overview from the product perspective of managing an API.
1062471
Easy read and good summary and presentation of useful leadership principles.  Definitely  emphasizes leadership rather than managership which is a real plus.  Very good intro for someone in the middle of an organization who wants to take it to the next level.  Well worth the time and cost.
3276813
I put 5 stars to this book because its treatment of the requirements area. The framework of Dr. Poht is a great help to understand the differents aspects inherent to this discipline.

I recommend it a lot.
3322066
The author did a great job in explaining how to link strategy formulation to performance concepts. Define strategic factors, stakeholders analysis, the importance of defining strategic factors/objectives for each stakeholders group, not only for clients/customers. In this way we are going to define strategic factors for shareholdres, employees, and other stakeholders groups. This process is well known to ones familiar with Project Managament Body of Knowledge from Project Management Institute.
Readers advanced in Strategy Formulation and Performance Management might find several useful ideas. Intermediate readers can learn how to better define objectives, to design a strategy and implement it. Readers which are begginers in the subject might find a lot of interesting and new topics to explore. Nice and pleasant book, with a lot of examples from real world.

PS. In the book are several places where is written "if you'd like assistance... our organization has developed...". To say this and present the company once, it is OK. To mention it several times in the book made me feel like I'd paid for a commercial that was supposed to be free.
3520446
This is a great book for anyone looking to start planning for medicaid or begin planning for their retrierment.  Written in language that can be easily understood with great examples of exactly what is being explained.  Would highly recommend it
2184406
An excellent primer on how to build a functional team focused on common goals, instead of individual "silos." Highly recommended.
61565
I found the summary useful because I could get a quick overview and note where a team struggles, then resource the needs. I also find it a good size to work with busy them leaders.
50542
well done and useful with just the right amount of background
3490991
Great overview of important role of gut for health. Integrates and synthesises information from a range of data sources to elucidate the role of your gut in well being. I liked it - and have taken some of the teachings on board to my benefit.
2954208
Straight and to the point with actionable grid layouts and information. Some typos and some layout issues subtract from higher rating.