The latest new books and eBooks added to the Library

26 October 2009

Added to the library recently were books and eBooks on employment law, management research, change management, data mining, and several other topics.

For the full list of new print books, go to the New Books section of the Library Catalogue.

   

Selected titles added to the Edinburgh campus library at Riccarton include copies of Employment law, 2nd ed, by David Cabrelli, and copies of Management research, 3rd ed, by Mark Easterby-Smith, Richard Thorpe and Paul R. Jackson.

The following eBooks were recently added to the Library.  For on and off campus, an Athens username and password is required to access these eBooks.

Data mining: practical machine learning tools and techniques, by Ian H. Witten and Eibe Frank. 
Description: As with any burgeoning technology that enjoys commercial attention, the use of data mining is surrounded by a great deal of hype. Exaggerated reports tell of secrets that can be uncovered by setting algorithms loose on oceans of data. But there is no magic in machine learning, no hidden power, no alchemy. Instead there is an identifiable body of practical techniques that can extract useful information from raw data. This book describes these techniques and shows how they work. The book is a major revision of the first edition that appeared in 1999. While the basic core remains the same, it has been updated to reflect the changes that have taken place over five years, and now has nearly double the references. The highlights for the new edition include thirty new technique sections; an enhanced Weka machine learning workbench, which now features an interactive interface; comprehensive information on neural networks; a new section on Bayesian networks; plus much more. It includes algorithmic methods at the heart of successful data mining including tried and true techniques as well as leading edge methods. There is performance improvement techniques that work by transforming the input or output. It includes a downloadable Weka, a collection of machine learning algorithms for data mining tasks, including tools for data pre-processing, classification, regression, clustering, association rules, and visualizationin in a new, interactive interface.

Making sense of change management: a complete guide to the models, tools and techniques of organizational change, 2nd edition, by Esther Cameron and Mike Green.
Description: Written for students and professionals alike, “Making Sense of Change Management” is the classic text in the field of change management. It is aimed at anyone who wants to understand why change happens, how it happens and what needs to be done to make change a welcome rather than a dreaded concept. It offers considered insights into the many frameworks, models and ways of approaching change and helps the reader to apply the right approach to each unique situation. This fully updated, new edition includes new chapters on recent and emerging research in the area of change management and guidance on how to manage complex change.

Information on how to place a reservation for a print book is available.

Information on suggesting books/eBooks for the library is also available, or you can let the Subject Librarians know if you have any suggestions for new titles.

Roddy MacLeod
Senior Subject Librarian
@libram

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New eBooks in the Library on Project management, strategic management in construction, and more…

19 October 2009

The following eBooks were recently added to the Library.  For on and off campus, an Athens username and password is required to access these eBooks.

Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling, 10th edition, by Harold Kerzner.  From the website: “This is the latest edition of the bestselling ‘bible’ of project management. This Tenth Edition maintains the streamlined approach of the prior editions while moving the content closer to the forthcoming fourth edition of “PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge” (PMOBOK). Changes to this edition include adding new sections on ’scope changes,’ ‘exiting a project’, ‘collective belief,’ ‘managing virtual teams,’ and many more. Increased sidebars align with the PMOBOK and the PMP Exam, and a new table informs students how to best use this book to study for the Exam.”

Strategic management in construction, by David Langford and Steven Male.  From the website: “This book reviews the general theory of strategy, relates it to the particular circumstances of the construction industry, and shows how it can be applied in practice. It brings together ideas from economics, marketing, management, business and politics to develop strategic management for both contractors’ firms and the associated professions. Substantial changes have occurred in the industry since the book was first published in 1991. This Second Edition reflects the major developments that have followed the Latham and Egan reports, and includes new chapters on international strategy and marketing, showing how they can contribute to the strategic planning of construction organizations. The book will provide a valuable tool for the strategic development of construction firms. “Ten years separate the editions during which period a significant number of British, (and other), construction firms which had survived generations of proprietors merged, changed beyond recognition or ceased trading. One can not but wonder if publication of a work on strategic planning some twenty year earlier might have saved some of them.” Construction Manager “The book presents the essential elements for managing at this higher level and should be a must for any construction professional who aspires to an executive position in industry as well as any student for construction management, project management and organizational management in construction. It comes highly recommended” Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management”

Sustainable practices in the built environment, 2nd edition, edited by Craig A. Langston and Grace K.C. Ding. From the website: “Sustainability is a key issue and its impact on the construction industry, as one of the major users of the Earth’s resources, is starting to take hold. This book deals with sustainability as it affects the construction industry, looking at the techniques and issues which designers, engineers, planners and construction managers will have to deal with in their day-to-day activities. It covers methods of analysis such as environmental impact assessment and cost-benefit analysis as well as topics on design and energy regulation and conservation. The book is an important introduction to the subject for senior undergraduate and postgraduate students. Given the importance and novelty of the subject, professionals in the construction industry will also find the book valuable. It addresses a wide range of subjects providing an overview and introduction to the subject. It is the first book to address this important subject for those working in the construction industry.”

Contracting for project management, edited by J. Rodney Turner.  From the website: “In all but the smallest of projects the project sponsor inevitably has to buy-in the services of other suppliers. Goods and services must be bought, and this requires people to make contracts so that they know the basis on which they are working with each other and to deal with any disagreements that subsequently arise. This means that a knowledge of contracting specifically for project management is necessary if a project is to avoid difficulties and reach a successful conclusion. This volume – which stems from the third edition of the “Gower Handbook of Project Management” – concentrates specifically on the contracting issues that surround projects of any size.”

Roddy MacLeod
senior Subject Librarian

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New eBooks in the library on resource management, cost studies of buildings, strategic change, and more…

16 October 2009

The following eBooks were recently added to the Library.  For on and off campus, an Athens username and password is required to access these eBooks.

Human resource management, 7th edition, by Derek Torrington, Laura Hall and Stephen Taylor.  From the website: “This market-leading text provides thorough coverage of all the main areas of human resource management practice. The book is written from a practical perspective in a clear and engaging style. It includes full coverage of operational issues and introduces the major academic debates of relevance to the field. It is written as an introduction for students of HRM at all levels.”

Cost studies of buildings, 4th edition, by Allan Ashworth.  From the website: “This practical guide to cost studies of buildings has been updated and revised throughout for the 4th edition. An additional chapter has been added examining new directions, techniques and research that is being undertaken, together with an analysis of industry and practice needs. This book is a core text for undergraduate courses in quantity surveying, building surveying and Building and EDEXCEL courses. It is also an excellent reference text for professionals in the building industry.”

Exploring strategic change, 2nd edition, by Julia Balogun and Veronica Hope Hailey.  From the website: “The second edition of Exploring Strategic focuses on the implementation of organisational change and the management of organisational transitions. It seeks to move beyond the formulation of strategy by taking the planning stage through to implementation. The first half of the book introduces a framework, the change kaleidoscope, which can be used to develop the most appropriate implementation approach for a particular organisational context. The second half of the text focuses on managing the transition. Representing a departure from the notion that change management can be a formulaic and linear process, Exploring Strategic Change approaches the topic with originality by focusing on the fundamental importance of context-specific analysis. The text takes the reader through the change process from the examination of context and the diagnosis of needs through the stages of transition and transference to a tangible reality. Practical examples and illustrations apply the concepts to actual organisational change issues.The reader is encouraged to develop their “change judgement”: the ability to understand what is critical about a certain change context and, therefore, what is and is not possible as part of an implementation approach. Ideally suited for upper level undergraduate and postgraduate students on HRM and Strategy-based modules covering the management of change. Published in the Exploring Corporate Strategy series, the book can be used either as a stand-alone text or as a complement to other titles in the series.”

Structure and fabric: Part 2, 7th edition, by Jack Stroud Foster, Raymond Harington and Roger Greeno. From the website: “Structure and Fabric Part 2 consolidates and develops the construction principles introduced in Part 1. With generous use of illustrations this book provides a thorough treatment of the techniques used in the construction of various types of building. This new edition has been thoroughly reviewed and updated with reference to recent changes in building regulations, national and European standards and related research papers. The comprehensive presentation provides guidance on established and current practice, including the administrative procedures necessary for the construction of buildings. Key features *updated text explains the nature of buildings and building, including contract planning and site organisation, foundations, walls and piers, multi-storey structures, floor structures, chimney shafts, flues and ducts, stairs, ramps and ladders, roof structures, fire safety and temporary works. *new illustrations have been added and existing details have been updated where appropriate. *new procedures and legislative references are provided alongside traditional practices that are retained as a reference source for maintenance and alterations to existing buildings. *end of chapter notes and reference sources for supplementary reading and further research have been updated where appropriate. This new edition of, Structure and Fabric Part Two is appropriate for students of architecture, construction management, facilities management, construction technology, surveying, structural engineering and other building related programmes of study. It is also a useful industry practice guide and reference resource. The lateJack Stroud Foster was a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and was formerly Principal Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Westminster, where he was responsible for the co-ordination and development of Construction Studies. Raymond Harrington was formerly Director of Architectural Studies at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, University of Glasgow Roger Greeno is a consultant, examiner and established author of many construction papers and publications.”

Value management of construction projects, by John Kelly, Steven Male and Drummond Graham.  From the website: “This book presents an integrated value philosophy, methodology and tool kit for improving project delivery for construction clients. The book draws together insights from over 200 value studies conducted by the authors across a range of projects varying in size from GBP1m to over GBP1bn and procurement routes including partnering, PFI, prime contracting and Procure 21. This practical experience is integrated with extensive research and analysis of standards and best practice worldwide. The standards include specifically the British Standard on value management, BS EN 12973:2000, and SAVE International’s Standard for the Value Methodology.The book examines in detail the value process, function analysis and team dynamics, proposes a method for determining the client’s value system, and presents solutions to undertake value studies at different stages of the project. Value management has become a well established tool in the construction industry; it has been endorsed in “Rethinking Construction”, the Egan Report, published in 1998, in “Modernising Construction”, published by the National Audit Office in 2001, and in “Accelerating Change”, the Egan update, published in late 2002. Now is an appropriate time to take stock and summarise the developments in value management and record robust models for its practice in construction. The book will be of interest to clients in the private and public sectors, consultants, VM practitioners, researchers, and senior undergraduates and postgraduates across all the construction disciplines.”

Roddy MacLeod
Senior Subject Librarian

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Library Workshop slides available

1 October 2009

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Library Staff have so far presented two sessions as part of the Lunchtime Workshop Programme.  If you want to view the PowerPoint slides from either of these sessions, these are now available.  If you missed the session and/or have any further questions regarding the information presented, please get in touch with the presenter.  The slides and contact details are available from the Library Workshops page.

If you have attended one of the lunchtime workshops and didn’t complete our short feedback form, we’d very much appreciate your comments – please use our feedback form and return by email or hand in to Library Sttaff.

Sarah Kelly
Subject Librarian


Problems accessing NetLibrary eBooks from off-campus

17 September 2009

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Please note that there is currently a problem affecting NetLibrary eBook access from off-campus.  The problem has been reported to the suppliers and we are waiting for an update.

access

Roddy MacLeod
Senior Subject Librarian


Academic staff – have you sent us your Reading Lists?

1 August 2009

books

6 weeks from now, our students will be back and ready to read. A common complaint is that the Library does not have the books you’ve recommended, or does not have enough copies.

Send us your Reading Lists now and we still have time to buy any new books needed before semester starts.

Send your Reading Lists to Eve Dick; contact Eve with any questions about ordering books or other material for the Library.

Interested in improving student access to key texts?

E-books can be accessed 24/7, on and off-campus. We already have over 200 e-books; we can find out availability and cost of e-versions of your recommended texts and help you decide whether we should buy them for our growing collection.

You can upload digital copies of essential chapters/articles into your Vision modules – check out our Scanning Service or contact us for more details.

Gill McDonald
Deputy Librarian


Artificial Intelligence – free online content in July and August

29 June 2009

Springer Computer Science Reading Room Logo

The Springer Computer Science Reading Room offers free access to books and journals in all areas of Computer Science:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Graphics, Vision, and Imaging
  • Database Management
  • Foundations of Computing
  • Information Security and Cryptology
  • Software Engineering and Programming
  • Human-Computer Interaction

New content is added to the Reading Room ever other month, focussing on one of these subject areas – this July and August the  focus is on Artificial Intelligence.

Inside the Computer Science Reading Room you will find free content from Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) series and a wide array of Springer journals.  Using the functionality offered by SpringerLink, the content is accessible via PDF or HTML files, which you can download and print.

Registration is free.


IMechE – free student membership and free online books!

26 March 2009

Mechanical Engineering students get FREE IMechE membership.  All IMechE members have access to electronic library resources, including over 300 e-books in Knovel (not the entire database) and 350 e-books in Books24×7.

There are also electronic resources available only in the IMechE Library, however, you may contact the library team who will run searches on your behalf and email you the results.

Members also get the full borrowing and document supply rights (note, depending on what you wish to request, HWUL Inter Library Loan may be cheaper).


Sarah Kelly
Subject Librarian


Free student use of Faculty of Actuaries Library

26 March 2009

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Students at Heriot Watt University Department of Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics are FREE to use the Faculty Library (the Library has some books and journals which we don’t have at Heriot-Watt).  On visiting the Library, you will be asked to show your student card and this will provide access to the following:

  • borrow up to 6 books for four weeks
    please advise in advance if you want to borrow – search the Library Catalogue first
  • photocopies of periodical articles and extracts from books
    these can be supplied on request, subject to copyright
  • support from library staff
    e.g. to search for information, statistics and hard-to-trace references
  • space for private study

In addition, books and journal articles can be requested and posted out (20p per page for photocopies* and you must pay return postage for books) – request items through the website or by e-mailing the librarian.

There are also various online resources – available for free, directly through the Library Catalogue or the publications archive.

Sarah Kelly
Subject Librarian

* depending on what you wish to photocopy, Inter Library Loan may be cheaper


IChemE membership – free online books!

26 March 2009

icheme2Chemical Engineering Students get IChemE affiliate membership for £20 (2009 rate – this is a one off fee for membership until the December following your graduation).

Those with affiliate membership have access to the Knovel database, which provides access to nearly 2,000 leading reference works and databases from over 40 international publishers and professional societies – allowing you to quickly locate relevant and reliable information. Project students may find this particularly useful.

Members also have access to the Information Portal.

For those without membership, all staff and students get free access to KEssentials, 14 free eBooks made available by Knovel.

Sarah Kelly
Subject Librarian