Introduction to the Foundations of American Education (13th Edition)
Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
  • I've seen better
  • Okay, but other books are out there.
  • Okay, for a Textbook
Introduction to the Foundations of American Education (13th Edition)
James A. Johnson , Diann L. Musial , Gene E. Hall , Donna M. Gollnick , and Victor L. Dupuis
Manufacturer: Allyn & Bacon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0205395783

Book Description

Keeping pace with current issues and professional requirements, such as standards and teacher certification, this classic text offers solid coverage of the foundations of education. This best-selling text by respected authorities in their fields continues to develop successful teachers by providing a broad introduction to the foundations of education through interesting and current discussions of theory and practice. The book offers a thorough overview of the historical, legal, philosophical, social, and practical aspects of American education. The thirteenth edition includes features dedicated to classroom observation, INTASC standards, and teacher certification. Pre-service and in-service teachers.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars I've seen better.......2004-01-23

The tenth edition is not very well organized. Overall, a very boring book.

2 out of 5 stars Okay, but other books are out there........2003-04-21

Like I said in a precious review, I like National University, but they could have chosen a different book. I am Caucasian, white, Christian, heterosexual, male, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and let me tell you, this book will make it seem that the whit people in this country are racist bigots. And that we are trying to indoctrinate every single child that comes to America while keeping all the other people in lower classes. That is how I felt.

I was shocked by how biased this book is. I am beginning to think that the publishers Allyn and Bacon have an agenda.

One of the only topics I liked about this book is the short parts at the end of each chapter that tells the reader different ideas for making a professional portfolio. But, I can imagine that there are other books better.

4 out of 5 stars Okay, for a Textbook.......2002-02-25

This book wasn't too bad, considering it is a textbook. If you're forced to read it for class, take heart! It's not too boring--once you get started, it actually moves pretty quickly, and you will learn a lot. If this isn't required for a class, I would not suggest curling up in front of the fireplace with this book, or, really, reading it at all, unless you're really into learning more about the basics of American Education.
Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Extremely cursory overview
  • Theories of Childhood: An introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky
  • Theory basics made accessible and practical for teachers
  • Excellent classroom resource that links theory to practice
  • A great introduction to popular theories of childhood
Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget & Vygotsky
Carol Garhart Mooney
Manufacturer: Redleaf Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 188483485X

Book Description

A look at the ideas of five educational theorists in relation to early childhood care. An easy-to-learn overview of the theorist opens each chapter. The author then distills the theorists' work to reveal how it relates to child care and children.

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Extremely cursory overview.......2007-09-14

This is basically a pamphlet. Wikipedia probably has longer entries for each of the theorists/practitioners covered here than each chapter of this book. It is an informative introduction, but if you want anything more than a cursory overview, go elsewhere. And even if that is all you want, might as well save your $ and look the people up on Wikipedia instead.

3 out of 5 stars Theories of Childhood: An introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky.......2006-11-08

This book is a concise review of the theories of each of the men listed in the title. It is most appropriate for college students. It is too elementary for graduate psychology or psychiatry students, who would like a more in-depth presentation of their ideas.

5 out of 5 stars Theory basics made accessible and practical for teachers.......2006-10-11

The worst thing I can say about this little book is that the title doesn't name Mooney's intended audience, which the reader quickly realizes is very specific: the teachers and guides of preschool and early-elementary aged children. But for that audience -- and, I would contend, also for the parents of infants and toddlers -- this is an excellent book. Mooney's purpose is to make the wisdom of these five theorists accessible to those who do not have time or interest to read dense, abstract theory, and I think she has succeeded admirably.

The introduction initially turned me off, as it begins with a rant about the evils of living in contemporary America -- apparently this is meant to show the reader how rational education and childcare are in extra need today. For me this is a throw-away argument: the basic ideas of the theories presented in this book would be extremely important to consider relative to raising children in any culture, time or place. There's no need to get on a soapbox about the "consumerism" and sundry "inequities" of our society.

The rest of the book completely won me over. The main text proceeds in five chapters covering some of the basic ideas of the five theorists named. The author had a difficult challenge in trying to introduce the reader to the complex theories of five extremely prolific thinkers (Piaget alone wrote 30 books) within less than 100 pages, and yet this book is an overwhelming success. This is because by narrowing down her intended audience and focusing on practical advice, Mooney can cover just the basic ideas from each theory that are especially relevant to early-childhood teachers.

The writing is readable and never dull, despite the inaccessibility of some of the thinkers she is presenting, and the structure within each chapter works well: first the theorist is presented generally, then a bit of his or her theory is presented in abstract, culminating in a short list of specific, practical guidelines, which are described with well-chosen, homey examples. For each theorist, there are two or three bits of theory presented this way in rotation. Very short lists of review questions and further reading suggestions follow each chapter.

Mooney makes minimal attempts to note some of the most obvious overlaps between the theorists, as well as some of the contrasts (such as Vygotsky's criticism of Piaget's supposed tendency to view learning as a primarily private affair). But since the focus of this book is on readable, practical advice for teachers -- on putting the theories to use in the classroom -- there is no deep analysis of the theories or of any of their subtleties. Not only are minor points of the theories consciously missing, some of each theory's major points are missing as well. This focus on relevant essentials is a real strength of the book.

As a parent, I loved this book. For one thing, it introduced me to some of the principles of Erikson which I think are critical to good parenting. In the end, I wonder if both teachers and parents of toddlers wouldn't be well-advised to re-read this small book every year.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent classroom resource that links theory to practice.......2004-08-13

This book is an excellent introduction to the work of five major child development theorists: Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky. In the book's introduction, the author accurately describes the book as "a practitioner's manual as well as a college textbook" that is "a basic introduction . . . not intended to be academic or scholarly." While it may not be written with a "scholarly" tone, don't discount the worthiness or usefulness of this book for students in early childhood programs. Students will be pleased with this book's readability and its emphasis on linking theory to real-world practice.
Each chapter begins with a photo of the theorist, along with a brief biographical sketch of their life and work. Mooney then hits the high points of each theory, concentrating on those parts that apply to young children (for example, Piaget's sensorimotor and preoperational stages of cognitive development receive the most attention in the text, while concrete operations & formal operations are mentioned briefly). Each component of the theory is then discussed in terms of how it is put into practice. For example, Montessori's emphasis on child-centered environments is examined in regards to providing children with real, child-sized tools and furnishings, keeping materials & equipment accessible to children, & creating beautiful, orderly, well-planned spaces for children. Each chapter concludes with three discussion questions which are framed as real-life scenarios in early childhood classrooms, followed by suggestions for further reading.
This book is an excellent and highly recommended supplemental text. It is also useful in answering the often-asked student question, "Why do I need to know theory? What good will it do me in working with children?"

4 out of 5 stars A great introduction to popular theories of childhood.......2003-04-28

This book was short but to the point. It is a great starting point for new parents or teachers just starting out in the child care profession. It whets the appetite for further readingon the popular theorists. The layout was simple and easy to follow. One of the best things I liked about this book was that it had discussion questions and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter. I have used this book as a teaching tool during seminars where I work. I could see this book as a good supplemental teaching tool in the classroom. A perfect addition to the pre-school teacher's library.
Introduction to Economic Growth (Second Edition)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Delivers on the promise
  • Excellent book about the economic growth theory.
  • A thorough introduction
  • Une théorie générale de la croissance
  • Very good as an undergraduate text in the subject
Introduction to Economic Growth (Second Edition)
Charles I. Jones
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0393977455

Book Description

One of the hottest fields in contemporary macroeconomics, economic growth is both fascinating to theorists and critically important to policy makers. In Introduction to Economic Growth—the only text in the field designed specifically for advanced undergraduates—Charles I. Jones explains in clear, direct language how economists have come to understand the long-run growth of economies. Beginning with empirical evidence—how rich are the rich countries, how poor are the poor, and how fast do the rich and poor countries grow? —Professor Jones then presents the major theories of economic growth, from the Nobel Prize-winning work of Robert Solow to the new growth theory that has ignited the field in recent years.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Delivers on the promise.......2003-02-18

This book delivers on its promise of being a textbook on economic growth theory for undergraduates. It is not easy (as economic growth is not), but it is definitely within the grasp of economics undergraduate with knowledge of basic economic principles. It also provides sufficient advance material in the second half of the book to stimulate further study into economic growth. However, beware that this is not a book about policy prescriptions for economic growth, it is about the theoretical framework to understand it (necessary, but not sufficient for policy prescriptions).

5 out of 5 stars Excellent book about the economic growth theory........2001-05-19

This is a excellent book about the economic growth theory. I've read excellent books as "Economic Growth" by R. Barro, "Advanced Macroeconomics" by David Romer and "Endogenous Growth Theory" by Philippe Aghion, the principal problem is the level, if you don't have notions about economic growth theory, you'll have problems to understand. Charles I. Jones wrote a excellent introduction about all the modern economic growth theory. I recommend this book amply.

5 out of 5 stars A thorough introduction.......2000-07-06

Since most intermediate-level macroeconomics textbooks - probably because of lack of space - usually decide to devote no more than a chapter or two to what is often considered to be the most important topic in economics, Jones' book serves as a very neat introduction to the field. Obviously, noone should expect to see the rigour one can find in advanced treatments, but - without doubt - it is easier to jump to advanced treatments if you see the intuitive explanation first. I could say this is one of the best textbooks I had a chance to read.

4 out of 5 stars Une théorie générale de la croissance.......1999-11-24

Une traduction francaise de l'ouvrage vient de paraître chez DE BOECK. Ce livre est une belle tentative de construction d'une synthèse des théories de la croissance et d'essai d'une théorie générale. A la lecture certaines manies de l'auteur apparaissent, certaines bonnes, d'autres curieuses. Les bonnes sont sans aucun doute la pédagogie, le lien permanent avec les faits, la volonté "to takes Robert Solow seriously" et la réalisation d'une synthèse entre Solow et les théories endogènes. Mais 1) le chapitre 5 donne une présentation bien compliquée du modèle de Romer, on pouvait faire plus clair.2) Alors que les commentaires insistent sur l'importance de la dynamique transitoire, aucune présentation théorique de la beta convergence n'est proposée. 3) Jones prétend que la croissance endogène est caractérisée par l'action de la politique economique sur le taux de croissance. Il a beau jeu de montrer qu'il n'en est rien et que selon lui, la croissance endogène se définit par le choix des agents qui investissent en recherche (page 159). En fait tout le monde est d'accord avec lui sur ce point.

4 out of 5 stars Very good as an undergraduate text in the subject.......1999-09-02

The book presents the subject in a very friendly way; great for a first glance to the subject. However, I have to agree that it turns out to be a little too basic as one approaches the chapters on new growth and other alternative theories.
An Introduction to General Systems Thinking (Silver Anniversary Edition)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Weinberg's Introduction to Systems Thinking
  • Outstanding book
  • not quite an alternative to 'Systems Thinking'
  • An excellent introduction...
  • A true classic in how humans set and solve problems
An Introduction to General Systems Thinking (Silver Anniversary Edition)
Gerald M. Weinberg
Manufacturer: Dorset House Publishing Company, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0932633498

Book Description

For more than twenty-five years, An Introduction to General Systems Thinking has been hailed as an innovative introduction to systems theory, with applications in computer science and beyond. Used in university courses and professional seminars all over the world, the text has proven its ability to open minds and sharpen thinking.

Originally published in 1975 and reprinted more than twenty times over a quarter century -- and now available for the first time from Dorset House Publishing -- the text uses clear writing and basic algebraic principles to explore new approaches to projects, products, organizations, and virtually any kind of system.

Scientists, engineers, organization leaders, managers, doctors, students, and thinkers of all disciplines can use this book to dispel the mental fog that clouds problem-solving. As author Gerald M. Weinberg writes in the new preface to the Silver Anniversary Edition, "I haven't changed my conviction that most people don't think nearly as well as they could had they been taught some principles of thinking.”

Now an award-winning author of nearly forty books spanning the entire software development life cycle, Weinberg had already acquired extensive experience as a programmer, manager, university professor, and consultant when this book was originally published.

With helpful illustrations, numerous end-of-chapter exercises, and an appendix on a mathematical notation used in problem-solving, An Introduction to General Systems Thinking may be your most powerful tool in working with problems, systems, and solutions.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Weinberg's Introduction to Systems Thinking.......2007-01-04

Weinberg's book will not teach you how to be a systems thinker. It will, however, provide a stimulating discussion and thoughtful examination of an alternative approach to problem analysis and solution. The book is not so much about how the systems approach works or how it can be applied to complex problems as it is an invitation to his readers to explore their perceptions of what they think they know versus what they really do know. Throughout the book, Weinberg follows the strategy of leading the reader through a series of logical discussions designed to bring them face to face with their biases and misconceptions about systems vs. reductionist thinking. In doing so, Weinberg exposes the shortcomings of the reductionist approach to problem solving by demonstrating to his readers that the real solutions to some familiar and apparently simple problems are very complex.

Through his examples, Weinberg shows that by viewing a system holistically within its environment, we may be able to discern patterns of behavior/actions and recognize interactions, interrelationships, and interdependencies among the components that will be missed in a reductionist approach. From that view, we can better understand the system and, perhaps, better predict how it will evolve over time. The success of his approach is demonstrated by the fact that people are still reading and quoting his book 25+ years after it was written.

One facet of this book which I found beneficial may be a drawback for some readers. Weinberg wrote from the viewpoint of a computer programmer and a scientist. A person not versed in either field might have difficulty understanding his examples.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding book.......2006-02-17

This book is excellent. I first read this book in graduate school in 1976, and I continue to find Weinberg's ideas useful. It was outstanding then, and it has held up with time.

3 out of 5 stars not quite an alternative to 'Systems Thinking'.......2005-09-17

I was searching for an alternative to the out-of-print book 'Quality Software Management, vol.1: Systems Thinking', written by the same Author.
Having read few Sofware Management series books from the same Author, which I rate at the very top of my list, I was biased on very high expectations. Surprisingly, I have found it being quite verbose and in the end, I couldn't get too much inspiration out of it.

5 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction..........2002-06-05

Weinberg distills the essence from von Bertalanffy's classic and manages to present it in a very accessible fashion. The book has been out of print for quite a while so it is great to see a new edition. The message and information contained in here, although originally published in 1975, is now more relevant than ever.

Weinberg covers many aspects of systems theory beginning with the main stumbling block with the present scientific paradigm: the idea that the universe is mechanistic. His treatment is much more general than Robert Rosen's in "Life Itself" but still conveys why the mechanistic notion is flawed.

He then outlines the general systems theory approach before leading into the idea that a system is simply a way of looking at the world. He then outlines the principle of indifference. This leads straight into two sections outlining various aspects of making observations. Finally he discusses behaviour and then some general systems questions.

Throughout the book he uses many examples from disparate fields in conjunction with questions for further research. It is great to see someone who doesn't preach systems but actually uses the ideas.

Definitely a must-read as we decided how to solve the myriad of issues before us.

5 out of 5 stars A true classic in how humans set and solve problems.......2001-03-23

In computing, a timeless classic is anything that is worth reading for any reason other than to obtain a historical context after five years. If that still holds true after twenty five years, then it is truly an extraordinary piece of work. That label applies to this book. It is not about computing per se, but about how humans think about things and how "facts" are relative to time, our personal experience and environmental context.
Human thinking is a complex operation and that is the point of this book. The problems and examples presented are not those in computing, but problems in how we think about the world and how that world can be different from person to person. In many ways, Weinberg anticipates the development of the science of chaos, where small changes lead to disproportionate large changes. His example of the "small" change of a single character is a classic. A man was considering the purchase of a piece of real estate, but when told the cost was fourteen million dollars, sent the response by telegram, "No, price too high." However, somehow a character was dropped, so the agent received the message, "No price too high", purchased the property and so a classic error was invented.
Weinberg uses science and mathematics as the genesis point for most of his examples. The laws of thermodynamics, chance and simulations in state spaces are used to demonstrate the points. As someone with a wide background in science, I found his examples of how scientific thought gives us an anchor but yet alters over time excellent learning material. Thought problems are included at the end of each chapter and they cover many different areas. Some involve mathematics, others science and many could be the point of a vigorous philosophical debate. Together they form the best collection of thought experiments and points of contention that I have ever seen gathered together in one location.
This is a book that is a true classic, not in computing but in the broad area of scholarship. It is partly about the philosophy and mechanisms of science; partly about designing things so they work but mostly it is about how humans view the world and create things that match that view. This book will still be worth reading for a long time to come and it is on my list of top ten computing books of the year.
A Practical Introduction to Denotational Semantics (Cambridge Computer Science Texts)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not suitable as a first (or only) book on the subject
  • The Cliffs Notes of denotational semantics
A Practical Introduction to Denotational Semantics (Cambridge Computer Science Texts)
L. Allison
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521314232

Book Description

This textbook is an introduction to denotational semantics and its applications to programming languages. Dr Allison emphasizes a practical approach and the student is encouraged to write and test denotational definitions. The first section is devoted to the mathematical foundations of the subject and sufficient detail is given to illustrate the fundamental problems. The remainder of the book covers the use of denotational semantics to describe sequential programming languages such as Algol, Pascal and C. Throughout, numerous exercises, usually in Pascal, will help the student practise writing definitions and carry out simple applications. The book culminates in discussing an executable semantics of the logic-programming language Prolog. Being an introduction, advanced undergraduates in computer science and graduates new to the subject will find this a readily accessible account of one of the central topics of computer science.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not suitable as a first (or only) book on the subject.......2007-08-03

This book greatest strength, and also its greatest weakness, is its brevity. It is a strength because it quickly gets down to business and presents a collection of techniques and devices for specifying the semantics of programming languages. It is a weakness because it glosses over many details and subtle points, especially when covering the theory of denotational semantics (complete partial orders, domain theory, lambda calculus). In some parts the text reads like underdeveloped lecture notes, not quite ready for a book yet. It gets better in the second half, though, and this is where most of the semantics for language features is presented.

The practical treatment of the subject is not as overt as it may seem, judging only the title, but it does include an interpreter, written in Pascal, for the semantics of chapter 5, and another one, written in Algol-68, for the semantics presented in chapter 7. The choice of languages is a consequence of it being more than 20 years old; a functional language like Standard ML, OCaml or Haskell would be a perfect fit for the interpreters. However, the Pascal code should be understandable to any reasonably skilled programmer; the Algol-68 is a bit more of a trouble, but should present no problems for anyone who has familiarity with higher-order functions (like those in the functional languages mentioned before). Another effect of the book's age is the lack of some topics that matured or were developed since the 80's, like monadic semantics and concurrency. But the essentials are there.

All in all, it's an interesting little book, but most useful if used together with lengthier, more thorough books like Formal Semantics of Programming Languages, or as supplementary reading in a course.

4 out of 5 stars The Cliffs Notes of denotational semantics.......2004-12-20

I found this book a great help while taking a class in grad school on denotational semantics. (It's not my area -- I'm a systems person.) It covers the important concepts clearly and quickly.
Culture and Development: A Critical Introduction
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Culture and Development: A Critical Introduction
    Jane Haggis , and Susanne Schech
    Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
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    ASIN: 0631209514

    Book Description

    This book introduces students to new ways of thinking about culture and development. The book integrates the recent scholarship in the area of cultural studies within the existing frameworks of development studies, which have primarily focused on issues of political economy and structural transformation. Rather than viewing culture as simply an attribute of the societies undergoing development, this text critically examines how development itself operates as a cultural process. The authors draw on theories of modernity, poststructuralism and post-colonial studies to show how development institutions, processes and practices are inevitably caught up in a web of cultural presuppositions, values and meanings.The authors use the themes of gender, tradition and identity, human rights and new communication technologies to explore the challenges that processes of cultural change pose to conventional understandings of development. The book concludes by considering the move beyond development to a post-development paradigm.The book is made up of thematic chapters which include outlines and overviews of the specific topics, as well as case studies to illustrate the issues. The authors have designed the book specifically for students and teachers and the material included has been class-tested during their own teaching.
    The Development of Modern State: A Sociological Introduction
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Development of Modern State: A Sociological Introduction
      Gianfranco Poggi
      Manufacturer: Stanford University Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      2. Birth of the Leviathan: Building States and Regimes in Medieval and Early Modern Europe Birth of the Leviathan: Building States and Regimes in Medieval and Early Modern Europe
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      5. Kings or People: Power and the Mandate to Rule Kings or People: Power and the Mandate to Rule

      ASIN: 0804710422
      Creating Computer Simulation Systems: An Introduction to the High Level Architecture (Book only)
      Average customer rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
      • Best book on HLA available
      • Superficial
      • Ok, but could be better.
      • Recommended, so far
      • Will do the job in the absence of alternatives
      Creating Computer Simulation Systems: An Introduction to the High Level Architecture (Book only)
      Frederick Kuhl , Richard Weatherly , and Judith Dahmann
      Manufacturer: Prentice Hall PTR
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      4. Applied Modeling and Simulation Applied Modeling and Simulation

      ASIN: 0130225118

      Amazon.com

      As simulations become increasingly important in nearly all aspects of life, we're finding that combining existing systems is much more efficient than building newer, more complex replacements. Whether your interest is in business, the military, or entertainment or is even more general, Creating Computer Simulation Systems: An Introduction to the High Level Architecture will show you how to use the new standard for building and integrating modular simulation components and systems.

      The HLA, adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense, has been years in the making and recently has shot out ahead of its competitors to grab the attention of engineers and designers worldwide. The book contains an overview of the rationale and development of the HLA; an extended, integrated tutorial that demonstrates its power and applicability to real-world problems; advanced topics and exercises; and well-thought-out programming examples.

      The book's organization and design are top-notch--the chapters are nearly as modular as the systems they explore, though the meat of the book runs the reader through an extended set of problems focusing on the same model. Designed more as a guide than a reference, it is still well-indexed and a must for managers, technicians, programmers, and anyone else working on building simulations. --Rob Lightner

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Best book on HLA available.......2006-05-02

      I think most of the negative reviews are actually against HLA and due to a lack of experience with component-based simulation system development ... not the book itself.

      With the lack of resources out there, I really appreciate this resource.

      I've just begun to read the book and find it very easily read. I'll post another review as I progress.

      1 out of 5 stars Superficial.......2006-03-27

      To paraphrase Douglas Adams, it is very easy to be blinded to the essential uselessness of the HLA by the sense of achievement you get from getting the RTI to work at all. In other words -- and this is the rock solid principal on which the whole of the DMSO's DoD-wide success is founded -- their fundamental design flaws are hidden by their superficial design flaws. This book covers in detail all of the HLA's superficial design flaws while omitting coverage of the fundamental design flaws. Thus, give it a miss.

      2 out of 5 stars Ok, but could be better........2003-02-26

      This book covers a lot of the basics of what HLA is but contains holes. After reading this book three times I am still left with questions as to how to implement HLA in an application. I [...] still have unanswered questions as to how to implement the HLA. The examples in the book are implemented in Java [...] however I would have been happier if the examples were implemented in C++ as well. This is a good starting point, in the absence of alternatives, but could be better.

      4 out of 5 stars Recommended, so far.......2002-10-08

      I am at the mid-point of the book and will likely post another review when I am done. [...] The authors give the history and motivation and design decisions behind HLA. They also give many good examples, [...], allow you to get a really good feel for the important concepts of HLA by running an actual federation. One thing I will be looking for is the impact of the architecture on simulation performance, scalability in practice (as opposed to in theory), and how is HLA likely to evolve over the next couple decades.
      I don't know yet whether the book is enough for you to create your first federation. If you really have NO background at all in simulation, you will still get a lot out of the first couple of chapters, plus the many references to articles written on the subject, but don't expect to find the other chapters easy. Using my background in simulation systems, I can say that HLA seems to have been very well thought out, based on real-life simulation systems, and is therefore not trivial. But that's what makes it interesting, and the book so far lives up to that.

      2 out of 5 stars Will do the job in the absence of alternatives.......2002-09-25

      Agree with the reviewer about "pompous computer speak", and that the real info could be presented in about 10 pages. I have far too many docs that I need to wade through. The published IEEE standards are always available if you're having insomnia. BUT, with some motivation to get through this book, I was able to accomplish my objective: get a feel for the HLA. [...] Next I'll try the Singhal/Zyda book that another reviewer suggested.
      Systematic Innovation: An Introduction to TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) (APICS Series on Resource Management)
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Systematic Innovation: An Introduction to TRIZ
      • Completely fullfills its promise.
      • A brilliant book that opens your mind to creativity
      • Excellent introductory book for the implementation of TRIZ.
      • Oversimplified approach to TRIZ
      Systematic Innovation: An Introduction to TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) (APICS Series on Resource Management)
      John Terninko , Alla Zusman , and Boris Zlotin
      Manufacturer: CRC
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

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      1. And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared: TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving And Suddenly the Inventor Appeared: TRIZ, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
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      5. Inventive Thinking through TRIZ: A Practical Guide Inventive Thinking through TRIZ: A Practical Guide

      ASIN: 1574441116

      Book Description

      This exciting new book presents the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), a process that will provoke a breakthrough in your thinking patterns and the way you approach problem solving. The pillar of TRIZ is that contradiction can be methodically resolved through the application of innovative solutions. The Three Premises of TRIZ · The ideal design is a goal · Contradictions help solve problems · The innovative process can be structured systematically With Systematic Innovation you will learn how to stop seeing conflicts as insurmountable barriers and instead celebrate them as opportunities for improvement and refinement of the design process. You will learn how to eliminate the words "tradeoff" and "compromise" from your vocabulary. The ideal design will become an expectation, not just a dream. By practicing the methods presented in this book, you will increase innovation and radically improve design. Discover the "science" of creativity!

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Systematic Innovation: An Introduction to TRIZ.......2005-08-15

      The book is really an overview of the TRIZ, it is not too academic, so it is ease to understand.
      Comparing with the original form of TRIZ, it shows that there are just made some adaptations to make it easier to work with it.
      But in some sections it could be somewhat deeper and show the way to go.
      I is good book that must been read with other os the same theme to give a broader view of the TRIZ.

      5 out of 5 stars Completely fullfills its promise........2003-02-10

      This book is subtitled "An Introduction to TRIZ" and it completely lives up to this promise. It gives a brief history of TRIZ, states very systematically how to apply TRIZ and also has all the necessary tools to implement TRIZ. Sure enough, a 200 page book does not replace a multiple day course. Nevertheless, this is the first book I've read on TRIZ and I feel very confident that I understand and can apply TRIZ. I am charmed by the concept and will continue to explore it further. I found this book to be a very decent intro, provided you start off with an eagerness to learn, but that goes for all books on concepts/techniques/processes.

      5 out of 5 stars A brilliant book that opens your mind to creativity.......1999-05-26

      A brilliant book explaining the work of G Altshuler, making it available to all people

      If you want to be more creative than you are now you must read this book, it will change the way you aproach creativity

      5 out of 5 stars Excellent introductory book for the implementation of TRIZ........1998-11-20

      There are several wonderful reference books on the theory and background of TRIZ. This book, however, is one of only a few that leads the reader "Step-by-Step" through the process of actually implementing this powerful method.

      I applaud John Terninko in recognizing the need for such a reference for those of us struggling with using the theory that the other books have taught us.

      1 out of 5 stars Oversimplified approach to TRIZ.......1998-08-24

      I have studied Theory of Inventive Problem Solving with The TRIZ Experts. In few lessons they named Alla Zusman and Boris Zlotin as good TRIZ scientists, so I decided to read this book.

      I was totally frustrated - the book is very repetitive (the same ideas mentioned in different chapters again and again), the view on TRIZ is very naive, even results (that according to The TRIZ Experts were obtained by Zlotin and Zusman) are presented in oversimplified form. I think I wasted time and money for this book.

      Juj Chan Hyjun
      Introduction to Formal Specification and Z (2nd Edition)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Introduction to Formal Specification and Z (2nd Edition)
        Ben Potter , Jane Sinclair , and David Till
        Manufacturer: Prentice Hall PTR
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

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        ASIN: 0132422077

        Book Description

        Following the sucess of the first edition, the authors have updated and revised this bestselling textbook to take into account the changes in the subject over the past 5 years.

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        6. Macroeconomics: Principles and Policy (with InfoTrac®)
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