Current Readings and Goals

Right now I am reading Business and Society, 14th edition, by Anne T. Lawrence and James Weber for my coursework with Liberty University (BMAL 560, Corporate Responsibility). For personal reading I am lost Ruth Downie's Medicus, A Novel of the Roman Empire, and am impressed and addicted to her story telling and descriptions of Roman Britain. My goal is to post at least twice a month and read two books per month not including academic works. I have more than enough books on my iPad and hard copy to keep me busy for some time and I am looking forward to the challenge.

Another layoff from Blogging

It seems life always keeps getting in the way of hobbies! In any case I've finally completed so many house projects that I may have time to write more on the books I read. I have read three books recently; The King's Deception by Steve Berry, Final Sacrament by James Forrester, and an academic book for school, Paul Argenti's Corporate Communication. I will go into the two works of fiction separately however I will say that Mr. Argenti's book was one of the better resources I've while working towards a degree in Management and Leadership from Liberty University. The case studies were real, tangible, and clear. Despite the obvious need for effective business communication and all the self-evident communication practices Mr. Argenti is able to educate on finer points of corporate communication. He provides insight and education on corporate communications departments, integration of corporate communications planning with the mission and business plan of a given organization, and how to build and plan for various corporate communication events. Additionally, he brings to focus how to synthesize the message required for an action via the corporate channels and display the difference between general communication, business communications to consumers externally, and internal corporate campaigns. The book is not too long or wordy and delivers interesting cases and anecdotal messages to support the messages being delivered.

Cross Border Commerce

I just finished a course on international business. The required reading,.... Cross Border Commerce by Brian Satterlee. I don't think I have ever read a textbook cover to cover. I read each chapter diligently. Lets be honest, I read it because I had to read the book. Although I did learn some from the content I found the book to be non-reinforcing. Is that a word? It is now. The primary concepts and facts the author wanted the reader to take way were not reinforced or given depth in the chapter. At the end of each chapter there were helpful review exercises however with no answer key the reader could never quite be sure they answered everything correctly. Overall, the book is a success in that it the chapters and sections are parsed well with the right coursework, thereby making complete reading a possibility. I recommend more in chapter reinforcement points, perhaps definitions in the margins of each page and insert stories that help define concepts.