Download or read book Ackoff s Best written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 1999-02-16 with total page 373 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Russell Ackoff is a very special management thinker. As an architect, city planner, doctor of philosophy, behavioral scientist, trailblazer in the fields of organizational, operations, and systems theory, bestselling author, distinguished Wharton School professor, and head of his own management education and consulting firm, he qualifies, as do few others in this century, for the title of "Renaissance Man." Fortunately, he makes up for this grievous shortcoming by also being an outrageously funny observer of homo commercium. Now, Ackoff's Best offers you an opportunity to become acquainted with this irreverent genius who, over the past forty years, has done so much to shape our understanding of the modern business organization. Compiled by the author, Ackoff's Best encapsulates the author's most controversial, influential, and wittiest work to appear since the 1970s. Ackoff's groundbreaking exploration of systems theory and its effect on business provides the backbone of this collection. Also included are his most lasting and thought-provoking writings on an array of topics in business, society, and human behavior that well reflect the sweeping scope of Ackoff's intellect and expertise. From managing teams, maximizing the effectiveness of information systems, and problem solving, to creativity, crime, and the role of the corporation in a democratic society, these writings are a cornucopia of insights, observations, and powerful lessons that will help you maximize your personal development and the effectiveness of your organization. An excellent introduction for newcomers to Russell Ackoff, and a welcome compendium of Ackoff's pithiest writings for those already familiar with his ideas from such classic works as Creating the Corporate Future and The Art of Problem Solving, Ackoff's Best is required reading for every intelligent businessperson. "The range, depth, and perspectives of these essays on management illustrate, once again, Russ Ackoff's unique genius." —Warren Bennis, University Professor, University of Southern California, and Co-author, Co-Leaders "Russ Ackoff uses words that cut through the familiar and open doors in one's brain." —Arie P. de Geus, Author, The Living Company "Ackoff's Best captures the lucid and compelling explorations of one of the most profound and influential thinkers of our time." —Ray Stata, Chairman of the Board, Analog Devices "This collection reminds me that I have learned my most valuable lessons from Russ Ackoff." —Vince Barabba, General Manager, Corporate Strategy and Knowledge Development, General Motors Corporation

Download or read book Management in Small Doses written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by . This book was released on 1986-08-19 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ackoff gives the reader 52 small doses of sound management thinking, delivered with characteristic Ackoff wit, humor and clarity.

Download or read book The Art of Problem Solving written by Russell Lincoln Ackoff and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 1978 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A witty, literate and, most of all, convincing reflection...[Ackoff] shines an often bright light into corners where problems hide, showing the manager how to understand the consequences of his own behavi identify real, rather than supposed, elements of problems; perceive another's aims; determine what is controllab and deal with other nettlesome factors." -Inc. The Art of Problem Solving Russ Ackoff-author, consultant, and teacher extraordinaire. During his long career, he has shown thousands of managers, architects, engineers, attorneys, advertising people, software developers, and scientists the way to more creative, artful problem solving. This new paper edition of The Art of Problem Solving is perhaps the best example of Ackoff in action. Step by step, this practical guide shows you how to develop an understanding of the art of creative thinking and the design of creative solutions. Using "Ackoff's Fables"-humorous yet eminently practical parables, based on real problems by real managers-you'll see why solving a problem seldom solves the problem, but why approaching it from a new, unorthodox angle often does. The result is vintage Ackoff-controversial, funny, and always on target. If you like to dig beyond simple solutions-to imaginative solutions that work-this book is for you.

Download or read book Beating the System written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2005-06-12 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When was the last time you dealt with a bureaucracy—the phone company, an airline, a hospital, school, or government agency—and got what you wanted without weaving through a maze of infuriating hand-offs? Have you found these systems to be utterly indifferent to the inconvenience or hardship they cause? Russell Ackoff and Sheldon Rovin say, "Enough is enough!" They have extensively studied organizational systems—how they function and malfunction, what drives them, and where their weaknesses are. Here they share both perversely entertaining anecdotes about the abuse of individuals by various bureaucracies and detail the creative—and deeply satisfying—approaches these people used to get even. Best of all, they offer successful strategies and tactics you can use to pinpoint the weakness of any system and exploit it to your advantage.

Download or read book Ackoff s Fables written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by . This book was released on 1991-03-27 with total page 248 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this insightful new book, bestselling author Russell Ackoff speaks out on everything from personal development and beating the system, to problem solving and the failure of public education. In a series of fables he offers practical advice that readers can put to use in every aspect of their lives. Throughout, his guiding principle is that the most direct route to problem solving is to ignore truisms and cut right to the heart of the matter.

Download or read book Systems Thinking for Curious Managers written by Russell Lincoln Ackoff and published by Triarchy Press Limited. This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduces the world of Systems Thinking and its 'Dean', Russell Ackoff, to curious and enquiring managers, teachers, business people, and those who work in an organisation. This book presents 40 more of Russ Ackoff's famously witty and incisive f-Laws (or flaws) of business - following on from his 2007 collection "Management f-Laws".

Download or read book Idealized Design written by Russell Lincoln Ackoff and published by Ft Press. This book was released on 2006 with total page 285 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Don't settle for incremental change: invent tomorrow today! bull; Discover your 'ideal' solution: then, work backwards to make it happen! bull; The definitive guide to idealized design, authored by its legendary creator, and leading practitioner. bull; Start-to-finish techniques and examples drawn from hundreds of companies, nonprofits, and government organizations. [Source : 4e de couv.].

Download or read book Redesigning Society written by Russell Lincoln Ackoff and published by Stanford Business Books. This book was released on 2003 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Health care, education, welfare, law the perceived success or failure of these social institutions is constantly being debated in the public arena. In this new book Ackoff and Rovin examine a variety of these issues and use systems theory to develop solutions for many of the problems society currently faces."

Download or read book Re Creating the Corporation written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 1999-07-29 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Over the last three decades the average life expectancy of a corporation in North America has dipped well below 20 years. In fact, by 1983 a full third of the 1970 Fortune 500 companies had been acquired, merged, or broken apart. In this landmark book, one of the business world's foremost pioneers, Russell L. Ackoff, delivers this indispensable guide for those hoping to beat these odds--and to better navigate the corporate challenges of the next millennium. While most business and management schools continue to teach the functions of a corporation separately--production, marketing, finance, personnel--the reality is that for a corporation to endure each division must work with the others to create an effective system. Re-Creating the Corporation is Ackoff's masterful blueprint for understanding and creating these model corporate systems. In four comprehensive sections--Background, Process, Designs, and Change--Ackoff lays out in clear concise prose the five organizational goals of successful corporate systems: plan effectively, learn and adapt rapidly, democratize, introduce internal market economies, and employ a flexible structure that will minimize the need for future restructuring. And through a deft mix of practical and theoretical examples drawn from a wide range of applications in a wide range of firms, this book ultimately guides executives to the system best suited to meet their organizational goals. Re-Creating the Corporation, which is the culmination of a lifetime of innovative and insightful business thought from one of the business world's premier thinkers, is essential reading for those attempting to navigate the rapidly changing economic environment of the next millennium.

Download or read book Redesigning the Future a Systems Approach to Societal Problems written by Russell Lincoln Ackoff and published by Wiley-Interscience. This book was released on 1974 with total page 280 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Creating the Corporate Future written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by Wiley. This book was released on 1981-04-27 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Here's why thousands of readers in business and management turn to Russell Ackoff for innovative and effective ideas: "Russell Ackoff has probably influenced more managers than any other living person.. Two of his books, Scientific Method (1962) and Redesigning the Future (1974), are the cornerstones of much of the theory and methods for systematic analysis of problems in management and planning." --APA Journal "Russell Ackoff is undoubtedly one of the great masters of this art." [of storytelling as a means of conveying information]. --Omega, The International Journal of Management Science The Art of Problem Solving is. "A witty, literate, and most of all convincing reflection.. He shines an often bright light into corners where problems hide, showing the manager how to understand the consequences of his own behavior; identify real, rather than supposed, elements of problems; perceive another's aims; determine what is controllable; and deal with other nettlesome factors." --INC.

Download or read book The Heretic s Guide to Best Practices written by Paul Culmsee and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2013-05-23 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When it comes to solving complex problems, we often perform elaborate rituals in the guise of best practices that promise a world of order, certainty, and control. But reality paints a far different picture, which practitioners are often reluctant to discuss. A witty yet rigorous journey through the seedy underbelly of organisational problem solving, The Heretics Guide to Best Practices pinpoints the reasons why best practices dont work as advertised and what can be done about it. Hugely enjoyable, deeply reflective, and intensely practical. This book is about weaving human artistry and improvisation, with appropriate methods and technologies, in order to pool collective intelligence and wisdom under pressure. Simon Buckingham Shum, Knowledge Media Institute, The Open University, UK This is a terrific piece of work: important, insightful, and very entertaining. Culmsee and Awati have produced a refreshing take on the problems that plague organisations... If youre trying to deal with wicked problems in your organisation, then drop everything and read this book. Tim Van Gelder, Principal Consultant, Austhink Consulting

Download or read book Management F Laws written by Russell Lincoln Ackoff and published by Triarchy Press Limited. This book was released on 2007-01-01 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Management f-LAWS: How Organizations Really Work brings together a collection of Professor Russell Ackoff's subversive insights into the world of business. Russell Ackoff is one of the world's leading business thinkers and one of the founding fathers of Systems Thinking. His Management f-Laws (a term coined by Ackoff) expose the conventions and laws of management - the hierarchies and power struggles, the ineptitudes and time-wasting, the prejudices and careless thinking - as flaws of management: all of which hinder successful strategies for organizational change and development.

Download or read book Co Leaders written by David A. Heenan and published by Wiley. This book was released on 2000-08-11 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Co-leadership...is a tough-minded strategy that will unleash the hidden talent in any enterprise. Above all, co-leadership is inclusive, not exclusive. It celebrates those who do the real work, not just a few charismatic often isolated leaders who are regally compensated for articulating the organization's vision." -David A. Heenan and Warren Bennis Today's heads of big companies are as recognizable to us as the most popular entertainers or sports stars, but the heart and soul of every organization are those leaders below the CEO. Today's celebrity CEO has become either a figure head or an egomaniac, and often too public a personality to get the real work done. That work is done instead by teams of leaders-exceptional deputies who forge great partnerships to maximize both organizational and personal success. Heenan and Bennis believe we must look beyond the Bill Gateses of the world to understand what makes an organization excel. Written for CEOs, managers, and anyone else interested in modern organizations, this is the first comprehensive study of co-leaders and their often quiet power. Exhaustively researched and illustrated with memorable anecdotes and lively stories, Co-Leaders examines a dozen great partners such as Steve Ballmer of Microsoft, Bob Lutz of Chrysler, Bill Guthridge, coach of the University of North Carolina basketball team, and Anne Sullivan Macy, Helen Keller's teacher. The changing nature of corporate leadership has seen the emergence of a new Silicon Valley model of success, where boss and subordinate seem more like peers with the spotlight on great partnerships. Talent, not title, is the source of power at a growing number of hot high-tech companies. In these collegial, non-hierarchical organizations, today's deputy can become tomorrow's CEO simply by taking his or her breakthrough idea and walking out the door. Good ideas belong, initially at least, to the people who have them, not to the company and not to the boss which is why this new egalitarianism isn't just a matter of style-it's a question of survival. Co-leaders know both the executive and subordinate experience, making them better adapted to the needs of the new millennium where men and women who can command and follow will prove to be the greatest assets of any organization. Co-Leaders is intended for everyone who aspires to make his or her organization great. By showing the enterprise through the eyes of inspired deputies, this book reveals how both organizations and individuals can benefit from a more inclusive, less celebrity-oriented definition of leadership. This groundbreaking book argues for a new paradigm: gifted leaders and their talented co-leaders working together to make their organizations stronger, more nimble, more equitable...and ultimately more successful. David A. Heenan is a trustee of the Estate of James Campbell, one of the nation's largest landowners with assets valued at over $2 billion. A former senior executive with Citicorp and Jardine Matheson, Heenan has served on the faculties of the Wharton School and the Columbia Graduate School of Business. A Wharton Ph.D., he is the author of The New Corporate Frontier and The Re-United States of America, and his articles have appeared in the Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Warren Bennis is Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the University of Southern California and a consultant to multinational companies and governments throughout the world. Often referred to as "the guru of modern management," he is one of the preeminent authorities on leadership. Author of over a dozen books, including the best-sellers Leaders and On Becoming a Leader, Bennis's insights have fundamentally shaped the way we think about leaders today.

Download or read book A Guide to Controlling Your Corporation s Future written by Russell L. Ackoff and published by . This book was released on 1984-01-20 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Praise for Russell Ackoff’s previous book: Creating the Corporate Future &146;Russell Ackoff is a compelling and thoughtful writer…His ability to think in historical terms about the development of work and work organizations and to put in perspective the short-term dilemmas today’s manager must face puts him in a class of explainer populated by the likes of Harry Levinson and Lewis Thomas…. Creating the Corporate Future [is] compelling, challenging and perhaps even a little disturbing." —Training Magazine "Ackoff is best described as a pragmatic philosopher. His latest book on corporate planning is full of practical advice and examples. Yet it takes an extraordinarily broad view of the planning process and sets it in the context of a whole changing concept of the world, which is moving from preoccupation with discrete elements to new methodologies for dealing with interdependent systems." —Choice "What he calls ‘formulating the mess’ involves describing the present business situation, including present obstructions to corporate development, and projecting future performance. He discusses how to formulate goals, objectives and ideals, and offers advice for identifying and acquiring the necessary resources." —Harvard Business Review "…Stimulating thought for the senior executive who is considering—or should be considering—the future of his or her organization." —Industry Week

Download or read book Ackoff s F Laws written by Russell L Ackoff and published by Triarchy Press. This book was released on 2012-03-15 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The complete collection of Russ Ackoff's F/laws

Download or read book Freedom from Command and Control written by John Seddon and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-02-13 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Command and Control is failing us. There is a better way to design and manage work - a better way to make work work - but it remains unknown to the vast majority of managers." An adherent of the Toyota Production System, John Seddon explains how traditional top-down decision making within service organizations leads to managers