I've been a strong, but frustrated, proponent of the P-CMM since its inception. This book goes well beyond the original SEI documentation by thoroughly describing the rationale behind the CMM and making a strong business case with respect to the tangible and intangible benefits that accrue from implementing it.

This book contains something for managers, particularly upper management who needs to not only endorse the P-CMM, but also need to commit to it and sponsor it in order to make it happen. The chapters of the book that apply to them are:
1 -The Process Maturity Framework, portions of 5 - Interpreting the People CMM (Organizational Factors, and commitment and Ability to Perform), and 7 - Experience with the People CMM).

For technical line managers the entire book will be relevant because it covers the reasons, structure and key process areas in great detail. In addition, once a P-CMM initiative is given the go ahead, the implementation team and all primary stakeholders will also benefit from large portions of the book because it also covers implementation issues and an approach in detail.

Overall, this book presents a maturity framework that contains goals for any organization that understands the relationship between the morale and management of a technical workforce and the resulting impact on the business bottom line. I'll go so far as to state that if this book is followed and a successful implementation of the P-CMM results, attaining the corresponding level of the SW-CMM will be relatively effortless.

In the seven years since the 1995 release of the P-CMM, version 1 I've not encountered any sincere effort by any US client to implement the process. My personal theory is that the P-CMM was little known outside of the software engineering community, especially the DoD-related community, when it should have received wider dissemination to human resources and higher-level management. This book from a mainstream publisher should change that. With respect to the model itself, the previous reviewer has done a remarkable job of describing the model and how this book supports it. I have a few additional notes to add:
(1) This book is about version 2, which corrects some flaws in the first version which had team building at level 4. In the version, 2, described in this book team building has been placed at level 3.
(2) Another change from version 1 to version 2 is the alignment of the P-CMM to the CMMI, especially with respect to integrated product and process development.
(3) Version 2 adds institutionalization goals to each process area.

If you have previous experience with the older versions of P-CMM, or CMM-SW, or the newer approaches as set forth in later versions and CMMI, you'll note that there are two implementation models: staged and continuous. The staged approach is the only supported implementation for P-CMM version 2.

The book goes into extraordinary detail about the P-CMM and how to implement it. You can easily use this book as a roadmap to achieving levels 2 through 5 of the P-CMM, or as a resource for improving the people part of the people-process-technology triad that defines IT. As such you need not have certification as a goal to gain value from this book. If you do decide to pursue certification at level 2 or higher, however, I strongly recommend that you also get a copy of Kim Caputo's 'CMM Implementation Guide'. That book, while focused on implementing the CMM-SW, contains sage advice and a sound approach to dealing with the real problems that you'll encounter: organizational inertia and resistance, training and implementation issues and obtaining they key ingredient - commitment to perform.

The software development is an activity that involves both social and engineering aspects, addressing the problem with this in mind, in an holistic way will deliver much better results that doing it partially. The People CMM address the human side of software development and completes the engineering side that at the three levels, Organization, Team, and Individual are covered by SW-CMM, TSP and PSP.
The book is divided in three parts, the first one gives the reader a clear understanding not just of the model but the principles that define it. Also very valuable are the briefs of the case studies and specially the first chapter "The Process Maturity Framework" is very helpful to understand the basics of all the CMM's.
The second Part describes the practices that are part the People CMM in a very detailed way, these practices are not any thing new , the real value of the model is defining a framework in which these practices really will deliver sustainable results, thus we may say the whole is larger than the simple sum of the parts, finally the third part, the Appendices, provides a lot of information to support the practioneer.
Definitively this book is for any body involved in a software process improvement programs that wishes to obtain better and lasting results.

A friend recommended this book, when I was a young adult seeking answers in the early 80's. It was my life story, with times and places changed. It described erroneous ways of thinking that had been destructive; it powerfully took me to a deeper understanding of God's grace for my past and His purpose for my future. Now a pastor's wife working with young single adults, I regularly track down copies to give to those who desperately seek, but are clueless how to find, someone to love them.

I found this at a somewhat low point in my life, but I read this book expecting great things and I wasn't dissappointed. I only wish it was more available. This book, which details the real-life main character, a semi-famous model/actress' search for that one perfect love is a parallel to the universal search for acceptance and meaning. The story of her incredibly painful life kept me turning each page, reluctant to quit. This woman finally found that perfect love in God, and I must admit it helped me look at God in a new light. When I read what she said He did in her life, I was certain that He could do it in mine- and incredible things have happened since! I also loved her "let's keep it real" honest approach to Christianity. For these reasons, this book was a watershed for me. I think it's great for anyone who likes dramatic true stories. If you don't buy it, at least give it a go at your local library.

A true story that won't let you put the book down. Feelings ran from shock, awe, wonderment, inspiration! If you're looking for love & approval, but can't figure out why and are looking in all the wrong places, this is an absolute must-read book. It changed the inner core of my life's thinking. Where did this young woman find the will to survive and the courage to live? The ending was a breathtaking surprise! The flow of thoughts and ensuing events made this true story even more solid and believable. Though out of print, I still recommend it to many.

This is one of my few cherished books - it gives an overview of the thinking of one of the great philosophers of modern times, Karl Popper. Miller's organization and introduction of the material contributes significantly.

I first became interested in Popper for his view on science. In a nutshell, that falsificationism is the best (only?) approach to practicing science. Popper's view taken literally might not make a full arsenal for a working scientist, but the spirit of his idea - that mistaken but provocative theory contributes importantly to the progress of science - is liberating, even exhilirating. Sounds a little strange? Well, try it and see for yourself. Popper is probably the only philosopher of science who has had an impact on how scientists actually think about their work. Others, who may try to strike a more balanced tone, end up writing mush.

From Miller's fine collection we learn that Popper has done much more, including making important contributions to social and political theory. This book will also introduce the reader to one of Popper's personal wellsprings, the pre-Socratic philosophers. In all, this book is an intellectual treasure.

This is one of my favorites in my bookcase. Popper has a gripping writing style and these essays provide short glimpses into his most important ideas. Probably not for the general reader, but for anyone having an intellectual interest in science and society, this book covers Popper's ideas on the faults of inductive reasoning, his definition of science vs. pseudoscience, his views on intolerant thinking and behavior, and even his idea of 'piecemeal social engineering,' an idea ahead of its time. Throughout this book, Popper emerges as a warm, brilliant thinker, one of the best of the 20th Century. The editors have done a wonderful job compiling these selections, and the book is of fine quality construction and will last for many years on the buyer's bookshelf.

Highly recommended. This short book summarizes all the most important insights of this very influential thinker.

I have read a number of good (and not so good) books on Y2K. The kind of book that has been most useful for me is those that help me plan a course of action to minimize the impact of personal disruptions expected because of Y2K. What sets "Practical Jack's Checklist for Y2K" apart for me are: (1) As an electronic book (formatted in HTML) it takes full advantage of hyperlink functionality. This not only makes the Table of Contents and Index a joy to use but also leads me to associated topics from within the chapters. (2) The checklist (in Excel format) follows the organization of the electronic book. This has been extremely helpful as a starting point for me to organize and track my preparation efforts.

Miller covers the full range of planning tips, from trash to family fun. His style is light and conversational; but make no mistake, this is a serious book. The real genius is the spreadsheet checklist - you enter the items you use on an everyday basis, and the checklist automatically computes how many you have to buy and store - and at what cost - for Y2K. This makes planning a lot more efficient; there's no guesswork here.

This is an excellent guide for preparing for Y2K, from an individual family perspective. Miller doesn't waste time explaining how the bug happened, or what corporations are doing to correct the problem. He focuses on what you and I need to do to get ready for the very likely reality that many things will go a bit haywire on January 1, 2000. His best piece of advice is to start getting ready NOW. Don't wait until December. By then if you aren't ready, you'll just have to sit tight and hope for the best. Also, things will probably start to get a bit crazy in November and December as other people realize they are late getting started.

Miller's advice is very practical and down to earth, explaining the basic, simple things we can all do to prepare. He doesn't preach about doomsday or Armageddon. He assumes that society won't collapse around us, just that things could get a bit tough. His spreadsheet checklist makes it incredibly easy (using your computer, ironically) to go through and choose what you may need to store and be ready for. He makes many suggestions beyond just storing water, providing useful insight into what it takes to survive a little while without the day to day things we take for granted now.

I highly recommend this electronic book. The price is right, and it could save you a lot of grief the first month of 2000.

I enjoyed this book because it was very readable with many illustrations covering many topics that discuss how to prevent heart disease. I especially liked the section devoted to nontraditional risk factors.

This book is very easy to read and contains a lot of information about heart disease and how to prevent it. There are a great deal of pictures and figures. I found this book to be one of the best on the subject. As a dietitian, I found it helped me understand some of the reasons heart disease is so common in the world.

This book is the among the best written on heart disease prevention. It covers a wide range of topics including cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and other less commonly accepted risk factors. It is very well illustrated and stocked with facts. Kudos to the authors !

This book is one of the best I have ever read. i couldn't put it down. It's so enthralling with a plot that keeps the pages turning. Ms. Miller really turned out a good one!

Kept me up all night reading it. I just couldn't bear to stop reading it until the end. Prince Rafael is every girl's dream man. Honourable, strong and handsome. The tension and suspense of the plot builds up towards the end of the book. You just had to keep reading to know what happens to the hero and his beloved heroine.... An enjoyable read!!

I couldn't put it down! I fell in love with Annie and Prince Rafael! Annie is bold and daring, willing to risk it all for the man she loves! Its exciting and very fast paced! I really enjoyed it!

This book is delightful reading for anyone who has either read Dracula or has simply heard reports on the doings of the infamous count. Professor Miller has some wonderfully witty and insightful commentary about this classic vampire story. She also shows a sense of humor about herself as she describes the trials and tribulations of being a "Dracula expert".

Professor Miller's work fills in the gaps of previous Dracula scholarship. Her book is both enlightening and entertaining, and no reader will yawn over these insightful, lively essays. Very highly recommended.

Scholarly, yet written in a clear and fresh style, the first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. Dr. Miller's book, while always personal, is fully reliable as she discusses the history of Vlad II and Stoker's vampire count, as well as her own experiences and research as a "vampire expert." Humorous, fresh, interesting, accurate, filled with sharp observations about society and _Dracula_, beginning vampire readers will want this book...and "old-timers" MUST have it. Very highly recommended.

This book is very artistically written and obviously well thought out. Miller's insights into the events of Genesis are beautifully captured in almost sensuous poetry, and it really makes you think about all that lies behind other Biblical events. You should definitely read it. It would especially be nice to read with your spouse or fiancee. :)

This book was recommended to me by a close friend who knows my hunger for good literature. At first I was captivated by the fact that the author took an age old story (Adam & Eve) and was able to weave a tale of unconditional love, lust, envy, hate and vulnerability. I couldn't put this one down. With every turn of the page I was more and more captivated by these characters and the turmoil that love sometimes heaps on us. I would recommend this to anyone. It still amazes me that its been 9 years since I first read this book and still find it to be in a class all its own. Very few books can compare.

A poetic retelling of Genesis 1-3. The focus is on the why of creation and relationship with God and the why of the temptation. A very thoughtful book. Some of the topics covered are: Creation, Mankinds relationship with God, aloneness (the need for a helpmate), worship "Worship is your gift to me. And Oh, most glorious is it!", Freedom and Choice, Lust and Love, Temptation. This book is a most read!This is the first book of the "Symphony Triology" As far as I can tell only one other book is written in this trilogy - "An Overture of Light".See also the Singer Trilogy.

I can't beat that other review from Taipei - read the book

Why do I return to 'Riceyman Steps' every six years or so? Who can resist it? Arnold Bennett has created a fascinating world, one that we as readers are privileged to enter. The basic story and characters grab you immediately; you NEED to know what will happen, you want desperately for it all to turn out well. Bennett understands how fragile we all are, and yet how our passions can drive us. His understanding of the human heart is as perfect as 'Riceyman Steps. Don't miss this one!

This is one of my favorite Bennett novels and one of the more idiosyncratic. If you ever wanted to experience the claustrophobic world of a true miser, and learn what it is like to live with one, this is your book. And it's vintage Bennett.

There are many interesting facts in this book that people of any age will enjoy. Kids will take great delight in reading the book and then telling you facts while you drive.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! have produced classic facts for many years and this one is no exception.

This book isn't the best choice for a fiction lover. All the facts are true. I liked it because I like all Ripley stuff. If you've been to a Ripley museum and enjoyed it, you'll probably like this book. These facts are written, drawn, and proved by the Ripley people. I do suggest this book; it can teach you what you didn't learn in school.

People who like nonfiction might like this book if they don't mind facts jumping from moose to shark to turtle.There are 124 pages of true entertainment written, drawn, and proved by the people at Ripley's.It doesn't really that many facts on reptiles though. If you're interested in reptiles, you may want to check out another Ripley book, Reptiles, Lizards, and Prehistoric Beasts. Wild Animals is a good book to spread the word about, whether you tell 1 fact, the whole book, or just tell someone to get the book. If you love fiction though, you may not like this.