Download or read book Predictive HR Analytics Text Mining and Organizational Network Analysis with Excel written by Dpg and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-06-30 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A lot of organizational data is often untapped unstructured data in the form of text & numbers. You don't need to spend months learning R programming & you don't need to buy expensive SPSS statistical software. This is the only book that teaches you how to use Microsoft Excel for Predictive HR Analytics, Text Mining & Organizational Network Analysis (ONA) with step-by-step print-screen instructions: 1) Predictive HR Analytics: Use Excel's Statistical Analysis tools (Decision trees, Correlation, Multiple & Logistic Regression) to run Predictive HR Analytics. E.g. an employee is predicted to have a 60% probability of getting into accidents, if he is age 25, worked 1 year in the company & took 6 days sick leave. An employee is predicted to get rated "7" for Customer Service, if the training program that he attended has a training evaluation score of "8". An employee is predicted to resign if she is age 23, worked for 2 years, and takes 60 minutes to commute to work. 2) Organizational Network Analysis (ONA): Run ONA using Excel's network analysis tool. Learn how to convert an employee's organizational network into a score & then predict if they will be a high-potential (HiPo). E.g. an employee is predicted to be a HiPo with performance rating of "9", if his "Social Network Size" is "16", "Social Network Diversity Index" is "3" & "Competency Score" is "8". 3) Text Mining, Sentiment Analysis & Word Clouds: Mine text from social network posts, employee engagement surveys & Glassdoor comments, then run Sentiment Analysis using Excel & visualize the insights with "Word Clouds". Learn how to predict a company's average employee attrition rate based on its sentiment. E.g. a company's average employee attrition rate is predicted to be 8%, if unemployment rate is 3%, GDP growth is 2%, Glassdoor public sentiment rating is "5", and engagement score is "7".

Download or read book Predictive HR Analytics written by Mong Shen Ng and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2018-11-27 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You don't need to spend months learning the Python, R or SQL programming language, and you don't need to buy expensive statistical software like SPSS or SAS. This is the only book that teaches you Predictive Analytics using Microsoft Excel (which you already have & know how to use)! This book not only share with you the analytics findings of other companies, but also teaches you how to derive it by yourself! It covers the ARHAT Predictive HR Analytics framework, teaches you data-storytelling & data-visualization techniques, and teaches you how to use Microsoft Excel's statistical tools (Decision trees, Correlation, Multiple Regression, Logistic Regression, Chi-Square) with step-by-step print-screen instructions. It is also the only book that covers the full HR Analytics scope (Benefits, Compensation, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Engagement, Leadership, Learning & Development, Payroll, Personality Traits, Performance Management, Recruitment, Sales Incentives) with numerous real-world Predictive HR Analytics examples, & shows how Predictive HR Analytics answers questions such as: (1) Predict who are the people at risk of leaving using Decision tree, Correlation, Excel Logistic Regression, etc. (e.g. employee aged 30, who stays more than xx km from the company, who is rated "average for performance", has a 90% probability of resigning in her 3rd year.). (2) Identify where the best people come from and how successful a candidate will be if hired using simple correlation (E.g. Customer Service staff and Sales staff with x & y personality traits are likely to be good performers if hired). (3) Predict impact of Employee Engagement on customer satisfaction, revenue and Shareholder Returns, etc. using Excel Multiple Regression. (e.g. 1% increase in employee engagement leads to $100k increase in company revenue, 2% increase in customer satisfaction, 1% increase in Shareholders return, 1 day reduction in average sick leave, etc.). (4) Predict financial impact of training using Excel Multiple Regression (e.g. training satisfaction rating of xx leads to $y increase in company revenue). (5) Predict Diversity & Inclusion's impact on revenue and EBIT (e.g. convert your company's ethnic diversity mix to an index number, then use Excel Multiple Regression to predict if your company's diversity Index is x --> your company's Sales will be $y and EBIT will be z%). (6) Predict employee absenteeism and accident, using Chi-Square.

Download or read book People Sentiment and Social Network Analytics with Excel written by Mong Shen Ng and published by . This book was released on 2019-06-23 with total page 501 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A lot of organizational data is often untapped unstructured data in the form of text & numbers. This is the only book that teaches you how to use Excel & Word for People Analytics, Text Analytics, Sentiment Analysis & Social Network Analysis with step-by-step print-screen instructions: 1) Text Analytics (Text Mining): Mine employee's resume, engagement surveys & Glassdoor comments to uncover insights, then visualize the comments using "Pro word cloud", a free Microsoft Word add-In. 2) Sentiment Analysis: Mine text from social network posts & Glassdoor comments, then run Sentiment Analysis using "Azure Machine", a free Excel add-In. Learn how to predict a company's average employee attrition rate. E.g. a company's average employee attrition rate is predicted to be 8.1%, if unemployment rate is 3.3%, GDP growth is 2.3% & its Glassdoor public sentiment rating is 5. 3) Social Network Analysis (SNA) & Organizational Network Analysis (ONA): Run SNA & ONA using "NodeXL", a free open-source Excel network analysis tool. Learn how to convert an employee's social network into a score, & then predict their performance rating. E.g. an employee is predicted to get a performance rating of "7", if their "Social Network Size" is 16, "Social Network Diversity Index" is 3.1 & "Skillsets Score" is 8. 4) Predictive People Analytics: Use Excel's Statistical Analysis tools (Decision trees, Correlation, Multiple & Logistic Regression) to run Predictive People Analytics covering: Employee Engagement, Employee Attrition & Absenteeism, Performance, Compensation & Benefits, Training & Development, Health, Safety & Environment, Diversity & Inclusion. For example, an employee is predicted to have a 60% probability of getting into accidents, if he is age 30, worked 2 years in the company, and took 6 days sick leave. An employee is predicted to get rated "7" for Customer Service, if the training program that they attended has a training evaluation score of "8".

Download or read book Hr Analytics Essentials You Always Wanted To Know written by Vibrant Publishers and published by Vibrant Publishers. This book was released on 2021-04-06 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After reading this book, you will be able to: ● Define what HR Analytics can do for an organization ● Determine the best HR analytics role for you ● Assess the readiness of your organization for undergoing a study using HR analytics ● Apply HR Analytics in various HR disciplines, including recruiting and staffing, labor negotiations, incentives, and training ● Use Excel to efficiently manage data for your HR analytics Have you ever wondered if there is a science behind the people decisions businesses make? If you have ever been curious about the methods employed by human resources professionals, then HR Analytics Essentials You Always Wanted to Know is the resource guide you need! Part overview of the field, part handbook for getting started in HR Analytics yourself, HR Analytics Essentials You Always Wanted to Know walks readers through the many benefits of using analytics to make better people decisions. HR Analytics requires more than just strong gut instincts and a talent for talking with people. As this guide shows, HR Analytics is both an art and a science that can help your organization make informed decisions that benefit all stakeholders, including employees. Through a blend of theory and practice, you will learn how to think like an HR Analytics professional and apply your expertise in real-world scenarios. With case studies and online tutorials, including a step-by-step guide for using Excel to efficiently work with your data, HR Analytics Essentials You Always Wanted to Know will be the handbook you need to help steer your organization to success. About the Author Dr. Michael Walsh is an industrial and organizational psychologist with over 15 years of human resources and people analytics experience. Michael currently leads Global Talent Management and Organizational Effectiveness for Eaton Corporation’s Vehicle Group. He also teaches a Human Resources Analytics course for master’s level students at the University of Illinois and Wayne State University. Previously, Michael’s passion for People Analytics landed him at Bloomberg and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles where he started and led the Global People Strategy and Analytics and People Analytics and Insights functions, respectively. Michael began his professional career as a client facing consultant for Mercer’s Human Capital practice focused on HR Strategy, Organizational Design/Development and Human Capital Analytics. Michael worked for Mercer in Chicago, Dubai and New York. His master’s degree is in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois and his PhD is in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. About Vibrant Publishers Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth. Vibrant Publishers has a standardized test preparation series covering the GMAT, GRE and SAT, providing ample study and practice material in a simple and well organized format, helping students get closer to their dream universities.

Download or read book Predictive HR Analytics written by Dr Martin R. Edwards and published by Kogan Page Publishers. This book was released on 2024-06-03 with total page 529 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the essential guide for HR practitioners who want to gain the statistical and analytical knowledge to fully harness the potential of HR metrics and organizational people-related data. The ability to use and analyse data has become an invaluable skill for HR professionals to not only identify trends and patterns, but also make well-informed business decisions. The third edition of Predictive HR Analytics provides a clear, accessible framework for understanding people data, working with people analytics and advanced statistical techniques. Readers will be taken step-by-step through worked examples, showing them how to carry out analyses and interpret HR data in areas such as employee engagement, performance and turnover. Learn how to make effective business decision with this updated edition that includes the latest materials on biased algorithms and data protection, supported by online resources consisting of R and Excel data sets.

Download or read book Predictive HR Analytics written by Dr Martin R. Edwards and published by Kogan Page Publishers. This book was released on 2019-03-03 with total page 537 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: HR metrics and organizational people-related data are an invaluable source of information from which to identify trends and patterns in order to make effective business decisions. But HR practitioners often lack the statistical and analytical know-how to fully harness the potential of this data. Predictive HR Analytics provides a clear, accessible framework for understanding and working with people analytics and advanced statistical techniques. Using the statistical package SPSS (with R syntax included), it takes readers step by step through worked examples, showing them how to carry out and interpret analyses of HR data in areas such as employee engagement, performance and turnover. Readers are shown how to use the results to enable them to develop effective evidence-based HR strategies. This second edition has been updated to include the latest material on machine learning, biased algorithms, data protection and GDPR considerations, a new example using survival analyses, and up-to-the-minute screenshots and examples with SPSS version 25. It is supported by a new appendix showing main R coding, and online resources consisting of SPSS and Excel data sets and R syntax with worked case study examples.

Download or read book Predictive Analytics in Human Resource Management written by Shivinder Nijjer and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2020-12-03 with total page 199 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume is a step-by-step guide to implementing predictive data analytics in human resource management (HRM). It demonstrates how to apply and predict various HR outcomes which have an organisational impact, to aid in strategising and better decision-making. The book: Presents key concepts and expands on the need and role of HR analytics in business management. Utilises popular analytical tools like artificial neural networks (ANNs) and K-nearest neighbour (KNN) to provide practical demonstrations through R scripts for predicting turnover and applicant screening. Discusses real-world corporate examples and employee data collected first-hand by the authors. Includes individual chapter exercises and case studies for students and teachers. Comprehensive and accessible, this guide will be useful for students, teachers, and researchers of data analytics, Big Data, human resource management, statistics, and economics. It will also be of interest to readers interested in learning more about statistics or programming.

Download or read book Practical Text Mining and Statistical Analysis for Non structured Text Data Applications written by Gary Miner and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2012-01-11 with total page 1096 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The world contains an unimaginably vast amount of digital information which is getting ever vaster ever more rapidly. This makes it possible to do many things that previously could not be done: spot business trends, prevent diseases, combat crime and so on. Managed well, the textual data can be used to unlock new sources of economic value, provide fresh insights into science and hold governments to account. As the Internet expands and our natural capacity to process the unstructured text that it contains diminishes, the value of text mining for information retrieval and search will increase dramatically. This comprehensive professional reference brings together all the information, tools and methods a professional will need to efficiently use text mining applications and statistical analysis. The Handbook of Practical Text Mining and Statistical Analysis for Non-structured Text Data Applications presents a comprehensive how- to reference that shows the user how to conduct text mining and statistically analyze results. In addition to providing an in-depth examination of core text mining and link detection tools, methods and operations, the book examines advanced preprocessing techniques, knowledge representation considerations, and visualization approaches. Finally, the book explores current real-world, mission-critical applications of text mining and link detection using real world example tutorials in such varied fields as corporate, finance, business intelligence, genomics research, and counterterrorism activities"--

Download or read book Predictive Analytics for Human Resources written by Jac Fitz-enz and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-07-09 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Create and run a human resource analytics project with confidence For any human resource professional that wants to harness the power of analytics, this essential resource answers the questions: "Where do I start?" and "What tools are available?" Predictive Analytics for Human Resources is designed to answer these and other vital questions. The book explains the basics of every business—the vision, the brand, and the culture, and shows how predictive analytics supports them. The authors put the focus on the fundamentals of predictability and include a framework of logical questions to help set up an analytic program or project, then follow up by offering a clear explanation of statistical applications. Predictive Analytics for Human Resources is a how-to guide filled with practical and targeted advice. The book starts with the basic idea of engaging in predictive analytics and walks through case simulations showing statistical examples. In addition, this important resource addresses the topics of internal coaching, mentoring, and sponsoring and includes information on how to recruit a sponsor. In the book, you'll find: A comprehensive guide to developing and implementing a human resource analytics project Illustrative examples that show how to go to market, develop a leadership model, and link it to financial targets through causal modeling Explanations of the ten steps required in building an analytics function How to add value through analysis of systems such as staffing, training, and retention For anyone who wants to launch an analytics project or program for HR, this complete guide provides the information and instruction to get started the right way.

Download or read book HR Analytics written by Tracey Smith and published by Numerical Insights LLC. This book was released on 2013-10-22 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can HR show value? With 20+ years of analytical expertise, the author guides you into the land of HR analytics to answer this question. The reader of this book is a business leader, an HR leader, analyst, student or just plain curious about what analytics in the Human Resource function is all about. It is intended for the business-minded individual interested in learning about the strategic advantages which can be obtained from performing analytics on the wealth of data stored in HR systems. The book begins with a brief history of the evolution of HR information and explains some of the differences between the stages of information progression. It also provides an opinion on who needs to know these differences and who doesn’t. The book moves on to provide advice on how to best select metrics for HR and how to approach an analysis is an organized way. A full chapter is dedicated to practical examples in order to assist the reader in generating ideas of how to provide value to the organization. Examples are provided using simple and more advanced techniques. The intent, however, is to show where value can be found in HR data and not to provide instruction on mathematical techniques. For the HR leader, the book will go on to examine the advantages and disadvantages of trying to build these capabilities in-house and will provide a realistic view of the challenges associated with implementing analytics in Human Resources. For the HR analyst, a section is included to discuss the realistic challenges you will face in collecting and analyzing HR data. Those entering this field or thinking about it, can then go in with their eyes wide open. A brief introduction to Strategic Workforce Planning is provided because it overlaps with HR analytics in one of its major steps. Finally, the book provides advice and opinions on data analysis and visualization tools available to the HR professional. What Will This Book Do for Me? Before the reader embarks on his / her journey through the pages of this book, it is important to know the types of questions that will be answered. Only then can the reader determine the true value of this material for his / her business. The list below is not all inclusive, but will provide the reader with an idea on how the information contained herein can be used. 1. How can I show some HR analytics quick wins to my leadership team? 2. What are the evolutionary stages of analytics and in what stage are most businesses? 3. How can I organize my analysis efforts? 4. What can regression analysis do for me? 5. How can I link HR to the business? 6. How can I get strategic value out of an HR survey? 7. Should I have an in-house analytics group? If so, which skill sets should I look for? 8. What challenges can I realistically expect to face if I head into HR analytics? Under the new pressure for Human Resources to provide higher value to the company, answering these and similar questions for the organization will increase the strategic level of Human Resources.

Download or read book Introduction to People Analytics written by Nadeem Khan and published by Kogan Page Publishers. This book was released on 2023-07-03 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can HR practitioners with little or no experience of analytics feel confident in their ability to find, analyse and use workforce data to make better business decisions? This book has the answers. An understanding of people analytics is a crucial skill for all HR professionals. This new edition provides expert guidance on the key aspects of analytics, enabling all HR professionals to feel confident in their ability to handle employee and organizational data. It features new material on applying data to respond to external disruption such as COVID-19 as well as how to develop a people analytics journey. There is also advice on recruiting people analytics specialists and embedding new data-driven operating models within HR. This book is essential reading for all HR professionals to develop understanding of how and where HR analytics can make a tangible difference to organizations. With updated case studies and thought leadership examples from companies including NHS, AstraZeneca and Swarovski, this book demonstrates how people analytics can be leveraged to improve culture and employee engagement, increase performance and reduce costs.

Download or read book Predictive HR Analytics written by Martin R. Edwards and published by Kogan Page. This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Where other functions of an organization deal in profits, sales growth, forecasts and strategic planning, the HR function is responsible for employee well-being, engagement and motivation. Such concerns do not immediately conjure up images of analytical know-how, despite the fact that in reality the management of such things often requires a lot of measurement and technical skill. Predictive HR Analytics provides a clear, accessible framework with which to understand and work with HR analytics at an advanced level, taking HR professionals through examples of particular predictive models so they can develop effective HR strategies based on evidence.Predictive HR Analytics will show step-by-step, using simple terms, how to carry out analysis (using the statistical package SPSS) and interpret the results, helping to communicate the potential of HR analytics and get the most out of the HR function, whether carrying out the analysis or briefing external consultants. The book will help deliver a credible and reliable service to businesses by providing metrics on which executives will be able to make sound business decisions. Online supporting resources include data sets for using alongside the book.

Download or read book Applied Predictive Analytics written by Dean Abbott and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-04-14 with total page 471 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Learn the art and science of predictive analytics — techniques that get results Predictive analytics is what translates big data into meaningful, usable business information. Written by a leading expert in the field, this guide examines the science of the underlying algorithms as well as the principles and best practices that govern the art of predictive analytics. It clearly explains the theory behind predictive analytics, teaches the methods, principles, and techniques for conducting predictive analytics projects, and offers tips and tricks that are essential for successful predictive modeling. Hands-on examples and case studies are included. The ability to successfully apply predictive analytics enables businesses to effectively interpret big data; essential for competition today This guide teaches not only the principles of predictive analytics, but also how to apply them to achieve real, pragmatic solutions Explains methods, principles, and techniques for conducting predictive analytics projects from start to finish Illustrates each technique with hands-on examples and includes as series of in-depth case studies that apply predictive analytics to common business scenarios A companion website provides all the data sets used to generate the examples as well as a free trial version of software Applied Predictive Analytics arms data and business analysts and business managers with the tools they need to interpret and capitalize on big data.

Download or read book Organizational Network Analysis written by Anna Ujwary-Gil and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2019-12-03 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The integrated meta-model for organizational resource audit is a consistent and comprehensive instrument for auditing intangible resources and their relations and associations from the network perspective. This book undertakes a critically important problem of management sciences, poorly recognized in literature although determining the current and future competitiveness of enterprises, sectors and economies. The author notes the need to introduce a theoretical input, which is manifested by the meta-model. An expression of this treatment is the inclusion of the network as a structure of activities, further knowledge as an activity, and intangible assets as intellectual capital characterized by a structure of connections. The case study presented is an illustration of the use of network analysis tools and other instruments to identify not only the most important resources, tasks or actors, as well as their effectiveness, but also to connect the identified networks with each other. The author opens the field for applying her methodology, revealing the structural and dynamic features of the intangible resources of the organization. The novelty of the proposed meta-model shows the way to in-depth applications of network analysis techniques in an intra-organizational environment. Organizational Network Analysis makes a significant contribution to the development of management sciences, in terms of strategic management and more strictly resource approach to the company through structural definition of knowledge; application of the concept of improvement-oriented audit abandoning a narrow understanding of this technique in terms of compliance; reliable presentation of audits available in the literature; rigorous reasoning leading to the development of a meta-model; close linking of knowledge and resources with the strategy at the design stage of the developed audit model, including the analysis of link dynamics and networks together with an extensive metrics proposal; an interesting illustration of the application with the use of metrics, tables and charts. It will be of value to researchers, academics, managers, and students in the fields of strategic management, organizational studies, social network analysis in management, knowledge management, and auditing knowledge resources in organizations.

Download or read book The Basic Principles of People Analytics written by Erik Van Vulpen and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-05-08 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: People analytics (also known as HR analytics) is revolutionizing Human Resource Management. Get ready for the future of HR and discover how you can leverage the power of data to drive better outcomes for your business and employees. We set out to write an inspiring book for (HR) professionals, managers, and directors who want to get a feel for the scope of HR analytics and learn how it can help both the employees and the business. In this book, we combined our experiences with lots of inspiring examples. It's concise, easy to read and teaches you all the basic principles of people analytics. After reading this book, you will: - have a solid understanding of what HR analytics is - know the difference between HR analytics and HR reporting - have a clear picture of the scope and the added value of HR analytics - understand the capabilities needed to build an HR analytics team - have plenty of ideas for applying HR analytics to your organization - know which pitfalls to avoid to prevent failure Who should read this book? If you're new to HR analytics and want to learn all the basics without having to plow through pages full of jargon, this book is for you. It's concise and easy to read, especially for people without a background in statistics or IT. Also if you're not working in human resource management yet and want to explore this exciting new field, this book provides you the foundation you are looking If you already have a career in HR analytics and are looking for in-depth knowledge and information, this book is NOT for you. It's definitely interesting and inspiring for those who have already started but don't expect in-depth (statistical) information.

Download or read book The Culture Quotient written by Greg Besner and published by Ideapress Publishing. This book was released on 2020-11-10 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on never-before-shared insights from more than 1,000 organizations and millions of employees, this insightful book reveals the ten essential culture qualities that can help any organization prepare for, and thrive in a constantly changing future. The Culture Quotient provides a simple, easy-to-read approach to culture that guides readers every step of the way. It focuses on helping companies achieve better financial results, as well as increasing employee engagement, and improving talent acquisition and retention. The Culture Quotient is written with three main goals. The first is to inspire readers. The second is to provide tangible data, tips, and actions. And the third is to share culture stories from many industry leaders that show the power and results of culture initiatives in action. The Culture Quotient features forty-five culture stories and excerpts written exclusively for this book. Some featured companies include American Express, GoDaddy, Bazaarvoice, and many others. The Culture Quotient combines these three goals to provide practical takeaways and tips to help readers implement similar culture programs at their company. The author Greg Besner, is the founder of CultureIQ, a company that helps organizations around the world create high-performance cultures. He is also a highly rated adjunct professor at New York University Stern School of Business, and he was one of the original investors in Zappos.com. Besner was recently ranked in USA Today as the eighth best CEO in the United States among a pool of fifty thousand companies. He also was named the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® in New Jersey. The Culture Quotient highlights qualities that help any organization achieve a high-performance culture. Business leaders have been seeking a practical yet data-driven solution for managing culture for a very long time. Now leaders have it with The Culture Quotient.

Download or read book People Analytics For Dummies written by Mike West and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2019-03-19 with total page 471 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Maximize performance with better data Developing a successful workforce requires more than a gut check. Data can help guide your decisions on everything from where to seat a team to optimizing production processes to engaging with your employees in ways that ring true to them. People analytics is the study of your number one business asset—your people—and this book shows you how to collect data, analyze that data, and then apply your findings to create a happier and more engaged workforce. Start a people analytics project Work with qualitative data Collect data via communications Find the right tools and approach for analyzing data If your organization is ready to better understand why high performers leave, why one department has more personnel issues than another, and why employees violate, People Analytics For Dummies makes it easier.