The Essential Management Toolbox

BOOK REVIEW by VIKRAM KARVE


TITLE: The Essential Management Toolbox: Tools, Models and Notes for Managers and Consultants

AUTHOR: Simon Burtonshaw-Gunn

Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd (England) 2008
ISBN 978-0-470-51837-3


Whenever I am tempted to use a new, fancy, intricate or sophisticated tool, I remind myself of The Law of the Hammer: “Give a child a hammer, and the child will use it on everything encountered.”

Tools can be very useful only if the user knows how and when to use the tool properly. A tool in the hands of an untrained, unqualified, unskilled novice can be a disaster, like a small mischievous child with a hammer in the hands to whom everything will seem like a nail to be hammered!

It’s the same with Management Tools; like all other “tools” Management Tools too are vulnerable to falling victim to the Law of the Hammer.

The Essential Management Toolbox: Tools, Models and Notes for Managers and Consultants by Simon Burtonshaw-Gunn is a fascinating book – comprising a concise yet comprehensive repertoire of theoretical and practical tools, models and techniques extremely valuable in the practice of various facets of management science.

The wide range of tools in this “toolbox”, the breathtaking simplicity of explanation, the superb lucidity of presentation and appealing get-up captivate the reader, facilitate ease of understanding and make it a delightful reading experience.

I commend this book – it is an excellent reference companion for all management professionals and a must for reference libraries; and indeed a valuable addition to your own personal collection.

Do use these “management tools” dear reader, and see their utility and efficacy for yourself; but before you plunge into this wonderful toolbox make sure you have the requisite a priori knowledge – take care not to fall victim to The Law of the Hammer!


Book Review of “The Essential Management Toolbox: Tools, Models and Notes for Managers and Consultants” by Simon Burtonshaw-Gunn

[Reviewed by VIKRAM KARVE]

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2008
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