Subject
Personnel management Books
Best books
Lewis K. Urquhart
The Knack of Managing
"The Knack of Managing" by Lewis K. Urquhart and Herbert Watson is a practical guide on management principles likely written in the mid-20th century. The book emphasizes that fundamental management techniques, including analysis, planning, organization, handling help, and supervision, are essential for success across all types of businesses, from large corporations to small vendors. It seeks to demystify management, making it accessible by showing that the core principles remain consistent regardless of the specific business context. The opening portion of the book presents the foundational ideas of management through relatable examples, illustrating that effective management boils down to starting with thorough analysis before taking action. It highlights the importance of understanding the job to be accomplished, showing how a successful approach begins with proper planning and organization akin to assembling a structure step by step. Urquhart and Watson use anecdotes about a production manager in a shoe factory and an errand boy to demonstrate that the principles of management cut across various professions and tasks. Overall, the opening sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of management techniques that can drive efficiency and success in any enterprise.
James Hartness
Industrial Progress and Human Economics
"Industrial Progress and Human Economics" by James Hartness is a scholarly publication written in the early 20th century. This work addresses the relationship between industrial advancement and the effective utilization of human resources, emphasizing the importance of understanding human economics as a way to enhance productivity in various industries, especially in Vermont. The opening of the book introduces the author’s aim to explore how the value of labor can be maximized by improving the organization and operation of industries. Hartness presents a vision for Vermont that relies on the effective employment of human energy and collaboration among workers, managers, and investors. He notes the regional disparity in productivity across the country and stresses the need for better industrial practices and principles. The author sets the stage for a deeper examination of economic conditions and proposes a crucial understanding of the fundamentals of human economics as a way to stimulate industrial development and local prosperity.
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