Review of Managing IT/Community Partnerships in the 21st Century (Hardcover)

In their efforts to effect positive local change, universities have long been directly involved in shaping the community agendas of their local milieu.The same is now becoming true as it relates to improving the local technology landscape.Universities are natural partners in community development efforts given the human, intellectual and financial resources they can bring to bear on problems.They are also logical partners in community IT initiatives for these same reasons, and in recognition of the educational and technological resources resident on their campuses."Mangaging IT/Community Partnerships in the 21st Century" is perhaps the first comprehensive examination of the critical considerations for community-university partnerships involving information and communications technology.From course partnerships to educational and business partnerships to the so-called "digital divide," this book is a must for community practitioners and university researchers alike!

Product Description
Universities are increasingly being asked to play agreater role in their communities. With the growth of the technologyindustry and the increasing importance of the Internet in educationand everyday life, academic IT departments are beginning to formpartnerships with both non-profit and for-profit organizations in thelocal community. These partnerships can relate to the wholecurriculum, to specific classes, to students internships, totheoretical research, and to industrial research, and there are manyother possibilities for IT/Community partnerships. ManagingIT/Community Partnerships in the 21st Century explores the variouspossibilities for partnerships between academic IT departments andcommunity-based organizations.

From the Inside Flap
Introduction to 'Managing IT/Community Partnerships in the 21st Century'

Many people have a stereotypical view of the university as an 'ivory tower' of scholars who keep to themselves and are not involved with the day-to-day activities of the communities around them. In reality, most universities have multiple partnerships through which they make an immediate impact in the local communities. Community partnerships cross all boundaries within the university: Faculty, staff, and students, academic departments, administrative departments, student affairs, and athletic departments all can make a difference in their surrounding communities. Many universities even have offices of community service, or offices of community partnerships. The relationship between universities and their communities is a living, breathing relationship.

Academic departments of information technology can play a major role in these community partnerships. While these academic departments may have a variety of titles (Information Systems, Management Information Systems, Computer Information Systems, Information Sciences, Management Science), and may fall under multiple academic units (Colleges of Business, Engineering, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Library Sciences, etc..), these departments all have an important role to play, and important resources to share. As the importance of information technology increases, there are many technology needs in the community that go unfulfilled. Information technology must be not only for those who are economically privileged. Information technology must be used to improve the quality of everyone's life.

The chapters in this book provide a sampling of the many different types of partnerships taking place between communities and academic departments of information technology. The partnerships described take place in different universities, large and small, with different missions, in many different countries. They demonstrate the wide range of partnerships that have taken place, and they can provide a base of literature with which to build future partnerships.

I have organized the chapters along four major themes: course partnerships, educational partnerships, business partnerships, and digital divide partnerships. Although these themes, and the related partnerships, are not mutually exclusive, they provide a conceptual framework in which to present these partnerships. For instance, many of the course partnerships involved partnerships with local primary and secondary schools. Some of the business partnerships involve course curricula. Some of the business partnerships involve the educational system-local primary and secondary schools. Some of the course partnerships involve the digital divide. These different types of partnerships should not be viewed as individual solutions; rather, combinations of all of these partnerships should be sought to best meet the needs of the university and the community.

The first chapter, 'Service-Learning Opportunities in the Information Systems Curriculum,' by Jonathan Lazar and Doris Lidtke, provides a background on service-learning courses within the information systems curriculum. Service-learning courses involve students taking part in community service that is structured in a way to build on the classroom curriculum. In this chapter, the advantages and disadvantages of service-learning are discussed, and the infrastructure needed to successfully operate a service-learning class is presented. The major courses in an information systems curriculum are then presented, with corresponding information on how to present the class as a service-learning class, and where possible, examples of how service-learning has been successfully utilized. From personal experience and the published literature, the lessons learned can assist those attempting to implement service-learning in their classes. Finally, important issues that impact on the information systems curriculum, such as cheating and accreditation, are presented in the context of service-learning.

'Active-Learning in Higher Education: A Model and Roadmap, ' by Venkatesh and Small (Chapter 2), continues the discussion on service-learning and other experiential learning processes. The chapter provides an excellent discussion of the educational theories that inspire experiential learning in universities. The authors discuss their experiences with field projects at Syracuse University, including a number of design and networking-related courses. Venkatesh and Small also provide a discussion of the infrastructure at Syracuse University that has allowed their experiential learning programs to flourish.

In Chapter 3, Ruppel and Ruppel describe in detail a service-learning class that has worked with the same community partner for five semesters. In this Systems Analysis and Design class at the University of Toledo, students have helped a small K-8 private school with their computer networking needs. In the different semesters, the student groups assisted with the planning, design, and wiring of the computer network for the school. The students also assisted with grant writing, cost-benefit analyses, and web site development. This chapter provides an interesting view of a service-learning class, because students and faculty worked with the same non-profit organization over five semesters. Ruppel and Ruppel discuss the benefits of this course to both university students and the local school, and present their lessons learned, to be applied in courses that focus on networking or systems analysis and design.

Roberts and Boyle present the partnerships at the University of Leeds, a large university in the United Kingdom, which is surrounded by economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This chapter, entitled 'University/Community Partnerships: Capstone Projects that Make a Difference,' describes the final-year projects that have benefited the community. All undergraduates are required to take part in capstone projects that last a minimum of 300 hours, and students can choose to do things such as perform research or develop new informational systems. Many of these final-year projects have been structured to assist local schools in meeting their information technology needs. These students have helped local schools with tasks such as infusing information technology into the curriculum, developing summer school programs in technology, organizing student clubs for those interested in technology, and building web sites. These projects have made a positive impact in the local community, and have also generated positive press for the university. Roberts and Boyle discuss the problem of evaluating these student projects for quality, given the variation in topics and location...

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Review of Telecom Convergence, 2/e: How to Bridge the Gap Between Technologies and Services (Paperback)

If you work in the telecommunications industry, you'll want to read this book. Even if you don't, this book could help you understand some the the leading trends, technologies and companies that could help you develop aprofitable investment strategy in this hot constantly changingindustry.

It is an excellent blend of technological descriptions andbusiness insight with a touch of prognostication from industry leaders,thinkers and innovators. The book is divided into three main parts: 1) themain technologies feeding convergence, 2) company convergence, and 3)services convergence. A veteran technologist may want to skip the firstpart, but not knowing much about wireless or DSL I found it veryinformative and a good refresher on T-1. Each part ends with a bibliographycontaining references to books, web resources and articles, but the realpayoff is the information gleaned from the author's extensiveinterviews.

I love the multipurpose feel to this book. It is labeled asthe first of the "Portable Consultant" series and is worthy ofthat tag. This is not just a technical book and it is not just a businessbook, it is both, not an easy thing to do. Like a good consultant it ispacked full of useful information and easy to understand explanations.



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Review of Great Demo: How to Create and Execute Stunning Software Demonstrations (Paperback)

I think we have all sat through software demos, which were extremely boring, poorly planned or appeared to be meant for another audience.The reading of Great Demo! will ensure that you don't make those mistakes. It is a very easy read with straightforward examples of what to do and what not to do during the demo. It covers the entire gamut of the software demo including the identification of the customer's critical business issues, communication within the sales team, identification of the room specs, and the time-line of the demo. Overall, it is an excellent guide for anyone associated with a technical sales team.

Product Description
These are exciting and challenging times in the software industry.It is now more important than ever to connect and succeed in the sale of software products.Great Demo! provides sales and technical sales staff with tools and methods to dramatically increase the probability of success in closing business through substantially improved software demonstrations:

"...it directly applies to my situation and might have already helped us with a $250,000 order!"

"Thanks for writing the book...really good stuff for experienced people to be reminded of, and new folks to take to heart."

The problems faced by sales teams are examined along with the real costs incurred in typical sales processes today.The "Great Demo!" method is presented simply and clearly, and elaborated more fully in each successive chapter, providing a rich toolkit for technical sales staff and the sales team as a whole.Real-life anecdotes, examples and "axioms" offer humorous and effective punctuation to the material.

Great Demo! reads easily on a plane between sales calls and is well organized to provide easy access to specific ideas and materials as a handy reference tool.It dramatically increases the probability of success for each subsequent sales project - and that's the key objective!

About the Author
Peter Cohan has over 20 years of experience in the creation, marketing, and sales of software for scientific marketplaces. The Great Demo! methodology comes directly from extensive first-hand experience developing and delivering software demonstrations, and in coaching others to achieve higher success rates in their use of software demonstrations.

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Review of Essentials of Business Communication (with www.meguffey.com Printed Access Card) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent tool for writing, especially for the non-native English writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a study guide with many examples that have been updated for the current business environment. The numerous samples and the grammar review are veryhelpful for studying the fundamentals. This book is extremely relevant in abusiness world crowded with a cornucopia of poor writing, misspelling, andincorrect grammar usage. My heartfelt thanks to Ms. Guffey for writing suchan excellent guide.

Product Description
This cost-effective textbook/workbook/handbook presents a streamlined approach to business communication that includes comprehensive Web resources and unparalleled author support for instructors and students. ESSENTIALS provides a four-in-one learning package: (1) authoritative text, (2) practical workbook, (3) self-teaching grammar/mechanics handbook, and (4) premium Web site (www.meguffey.com). Especially effective for students with outdated or inadequate language skills, ESSENTIALS offers extraordinary digital and printed exercises to help students build confidence as they review grammar, punctuation, and writing guidelines. Textbook chapters teach basic writing skills and then apply these skills to a variety of e-mails, memos, letters, reports, and resumes. Realistic model documents and structured writing assignments build lasting workplace skills. The Eighth Edition of this award-winning favorite features increased coverage of professionalism, employment communication, and communication technology in the workplace.

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Review of Great Demo!: How To Create And Execute Stunning Software Demonstrations (Paperback)

In Great Demo, Peter Cohan applies his own methodology for how to give a demo in how he writes a business book.Even though the book is nearly 300 pages, it gets directly to the main premise.Show your prospect the best part, the most valuable aspect, of your product right at the front of your demo.Cohan does this with the book as well by giving us the "punch line" on page 5, not page 205.Just after the Introduction, the author gives us the "answer" to effective software demonstrations - "Do The Last Thing First."Show them that part of the killer demo that's meant to knock their socks off; that part traditionally following the grand build up like a symphony musical.Just skip the prelude, build up and all that other stuff and show the customer what they really want to see. Then you have their attention to fill in the details because you've proven (hopefully) up front that you are relevant and worth their time.It is interesting to observe how many proven advertising schemes already have this grab `em-up-front tactic built in.This can be seen in some television and magazine ads, most trade show tables, and yes even SPAM.Great Demo addresses this human need for immediate resolution - why is this worth my time at all? - in the board room during demos.

With 250 more pages of regular content (not counting the Appendices, glossary, etc.) Great Demo has a lot more to say about knowing what the most relevant part of your system might be to show each individual client and how to deal with the inevitable questions, etc.But, the core of Great Demo is simple, memorable and effective.I have had the opportunity to give several demonstrations since reading Great Demo and I have found this up front approach really changes the dynamic with the prospect in a healthy way.I think it helps differentiate our company/products since competitors may not be leading off with their best foot forward so intentionally.There are also practical benefits since executive level prospects/audience members may be present only in the beginning of a demo but not the end.If the opposite is true you can always show the best stuff again (and may be asked to do so), but if that exec leaves the presentation early and you haven't shown your best stuff, they may never see it at all. Of course, the book is well aware of this and many other practical benefits.Cohan has a web site called DemoGurus so he has a good base of info in addition to his own extensive experience to build the Great Demo method upon.

Interestingly, the book develops as if it is following its own method by unfolding more and more answers about the method itself as the chapters progress (as if it were the product being demo'd). In the early going this can be a little slow to develop, but by the middle of the book, there is a wealth of knowledge being presented.The presentation of the entire book also has business appeal.The pages are short and most follow a checklist type format.This makes the content easy to locate and train/test others on.

In addition to the Do the Last Thing First tactic, Great Demo also emphasizes showing only those Specific Capabilities that are necessary to address the customer's problem.This second point is also extremely important, but unlike the Do the Last Thing First advice, it can be found in most contemporary software demo methods.Great Demo, like its rivals, is smart enough to know software products these days are just too deep or broad to show in their entirety, this would only frustrate the prospect.Great Demo is very good about combining up to date management insights with its own unique contributions.In fact, Great demo is partially based upon the best thinking from the field of personal performance such as Covey's 7 Habits, and Solution Selling from Bosworth.Bosworth's Solution Selling is recommended multiple times as an important supplement to Great Demo. These thought leaders inform Cohan's organization of the Great Demo method.A reading list at the end of the book has helpful comments on these books and others the author has found valuable.

As the chapters progress, practical topics such as preparing the sales setup, tech aspects of the demo and dealing with questions are discussed point by point.The preparation chapters (especially technical) receive a lot of pages and account for about a quarter of the book. Chapter 11 is about doing remote demos and is worth the price of the book because it clarifies some practical approaches to this increasingly common medium for demos.As many of us can attest by now, remote demos can be really tedious/ineffective. In a nutshell, you must make the remote demo interactive even though it seems like a poor medium for doing so.Chapter 11 tells you how to manage the remote demo so you can turn it into an advantage for everyone.

I've read/reviewed other books on giving software demos and I think the Great Demo method is the most up-to-date and down-on-the-street effective. If you want to differentiate your demos from the usual fare everyone is tired of, do it by making them Great Demos.


Product Description
Great Demo! provides sales and presales staff with a method to dramatically increase their success in closing business through substantially improved software demonstrations. It draws upon the experiences of thousands of demonstrations, both delivered and received from vendors and customers. The distinctive 'Do the Last Thing First' concept generates a 'Wow!' response from customers.

The Great Demo! method is presented simply and clearly, and is elaborated more fully in each successive chapter, providing a rich toolkit for software sales teams. Real-life anecdotes, examples, and axioms offer humorous and effective punctuation.

Updated with new best practices, tips and techniques, this second edition now includes a complete chapter on remote demonstrations-an area of increased activity and unique challenges. An additional chapter on managing evaluations (for fun and profit) extends the utility of the book to those in sales and management.

Great Demo! is a terrific read on an airplane or between customer visits. It offers a straightforward process for creating and delivering highly compelling software demonstrations, excellent advice, tips, and the occasional epiphany.

About the Author
Peter Cohan leverages twenty-five years of experience in selling and marketing business software and as a customer. The Great Demo! method comes directly from extensive firsthand experiences in developing and delivering software demonstrations, and in coaching others to achieve surprisingly high success rates with their sales and marketing demos.

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