The Decision Paradigm

Decisions, decisions, decisions… Throughout history, people have had to step up to the plate, and make tough decisions. Sometimes they have had time to plan, but often they have had to act spontaneously, knowing that the choices they make there and then are quite likely to be sifted over for months and years after should the outcome be ‘wrong’. In today’s litigious, ‘trial by media’ society, it is little wonder that people are less willing to put themselves in the firing line. But what if there was a better way? The Decision Paradigm gives an insight into that world. Using a step-by-step approach, the ‘Problem Oriented Decision System’ (PODS) leads to better problem analysis and provides a clear, evidence-based approach which enables the user to explain how they came to make the choice they did, and not just why? The Decision Paradigm is an essential handbook for anyone in the public or private sector who needs to take their organisation forward with accountable decision making.

The Cost of Caring

Thousands of doctors and nurses suffer with mental health problems. Often in secret, carrying on their life, saving work at a huge cost to themselves. This is the story of how depression sunk its teeth into me and the battles it took me to overcome it. This is the story of how I went from doctor to patient and back again. This is the story of how I beat depression and a way of letting you know that you can too. This is The Cost of Caring.

The Conscious Code

In an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) evolves at a breakneck pace, the boundaries of machine capabilities are constantly being redefined. Propelled by advancements in deep learning and related technologies, AI is inching ever closer to mimicking human intellect. But can it achieve consciousness? And if so, at what cost to humanity?This book delves deep into the multi-faceted debate surrounding artificially conscious AI. It untangles ethical quandaries, philosophical dilemmas, technological challenges, political considerations, and the regulatory landscape. By drawing connections between AI research, neuroscience, and cognitive science, the narrative provides a comprehensive understanding of what consciousness might mean in the context of AI.As over a thousand AI luminaries globally sound the alarm, urging a pause on certain AI developments, the book underscores the urgency of its message. Recent incidents have spotlighted AI systems with capabilities so advanced that even their creators grapple to fully grasp or control them. It’s imperative, now more than ever, to critically assess the implications of AI consciousness, weighing its potential risks against its benefits. This book offers both a timely warning and a call to informed action.

The Complete A-Z of German Verbs

I think I know which verb to use….but can I use it in this context….? I have a verb in my mind that I think should be used, yet is it the one used by German speakers themselves? How can I find out?!

Does this sound like you? As a fellow linguist and Translator, I completely empathise. This was the question I asked myself for many years. The world of languages can be a tricky one indeed. Countless days of learning verb tables and endings and running through verb after verb; this may seem like an impossible feat, yet is one commonly undertaken by dedicated linguists.

My book, The Complete A-Z of German Verbs, seeks to break down this confusing process, providing students with a guide to help understand the multiple uses of German verbs in different scenarios. Upon reading this book, you will gain an insight into morphological patterns that may have eluded you in the past and will guide you on your path to becoming a talented German linguist. Are you ready? 

The Chocolate Elephant Part 1

Putting Information Technology first and the business second is putting the cart before the horse.

In most organisations, there seems to be a disconnect between the business and Information Technology, and in some regards, IT is looked on as the silver bullet that can be used to resolve all problems and issues. This has occurred due to Information Technology becoming so embedded in organisations and being required for the execution of most business processes.

It should be noted that Information Technology is a tool used to enable the execution of a business process. It is an important tool, but nonetheless, it is only a tool.

Organisations need to shift the focus back to the business and ensure that the technology they are using fits in with the requirements of their business processes. This will ensure that businesses become more efficient and effective and that they are only using and being supported for the technology that they require. Only in very exceptional circumstances, should a business process be altered to fit in with Information Technology.

The Blue Mist

The science of human factors is often overlooked, yet it is pivotal in the pursuit of safety. Understanding what makes us tick, our behaviours and how we interact with others, and the ability to visualise potential threats and errors has many advantages. Such as developing better interpersonal and communication skills, which can assist in growing your leadership or team working skills. The ability to see threats and errors can improve safety, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

The Blue Mist is a personal guidebook on human factors; through the author’s experiences and research, the reader can explore and learn the basic human factor concepts. Extensive research in well-known disasters such as the Ladbrook Grove rail disaster, The Costa Concordia Grounding, and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter accident, together with the author’s accounts of incidents and accidents, combine to give an informative and fascinating insight.

The field of human factors developed by the aviation industry is becoming recognised as a critical element in many other sectors. Adopted as a safety element in the shipping, rail, and medical sectors, it has increased safety and reduced accidents. This book assists both novice and experienced human factor advocates and is an excellent tool in exploring the human factor concepts and values.

The Art of Sales

I consider the art of sales to be a chess game well-thought, strategically planned and played carefully. One needs to know the rules of the game and the ethics. It is not only a matter of how well you know the game or play it but also a matter of human psychology, soul, character (which includes the elements of patience), fear, insights, instincts and correct observation without being hasty or careless which will help you prevail. It is a matter of how we behave when we are under pressure, when we are surprised and when we realise that we are not going to win. Can we control our nerves? Can we take it easy? Can we look for a different plan and adapt quickly when things go wrong? This is an art and it is more important than the knowledge. It comes with experience. The more you play, the more you are in control. The Art of Sales is based on exactly the same thinking. Play safely.

The Agile Coach's Cookbook

“With this coach’s cookbook, Jon has managed to create a thing of both great simplicity and immense value. A must read for the coaching community, this is an easily referenceable guide to coaching excellence, full of handy hints, tips, tools and techniques. As a coach, no matter your experience, expertise and specialism, this is a resource you will all want in your back pocket.”

— Gustav Bjorkeroth, CEO at Radtac

“There are so many self-proclaimed-and-promoting agile experts, and best-selling agile authors. It’s challenging to decipher who’s right, who to engage with, or who to follow. Then there’s Jon Ward of Beneficial Consulting. Jon’s pragmatic and catalytic approach nullifies these challenges. Within the world of ‘agile transformation’, transitioning from ‘waterfall to agile’, Jon stands up and out providing practical advice based on successful recent experience. This book provides an essential read for agile coaches who wish to make a difference.”

— Alan Gedye, Head: People Change Management and Enablement, Absa Johannesburg

The Aftermath

After a decade of graduate studies in the US, he returned to a homeland transformed—not for the better. The once pristine landscapes were now marred by environmental degradation and polluted waterways. With water becoming a scarce resource, the rural communities who depended heavily on fuelwood stood at a precarious juncture. Urban centers, once bustling with life, now languished in squalor. More disturbingly, he observed a pollution of the mind: those who should have been stewards of the earth were either indifferent or alarmingly unaware. They failed to see the broader implications of their actions. Determined to make a difference, he began advocating for the earth’s restoration, emphasizing its vital significance. After all, the earth is our shared home, and neglecting it risks the future of us all.

That Something Else

What is medicine apart from being a science? What else goes on between doctors and patients? What have ideas like love, healing, and prayer got to do with twenty-first century medicine?

In this unique book, Doctor Tim Harlow shows us that there is a great deal more to medicine than we think. He helps us see how some of the important connections between doctor and patient work in surprising ways. The author sees these routine things from an unusual angle and avoids medical jargon.

He uses his medical lens to show us new questions and make us think about what it means to be human. This book will help both doctors and patients to think about the deep underpinnings of both our lives and our deaths.

Medicine and science are now under public scrutiny as never before. This thought-provoking book steers us towards a better understanding of the place of medicine in the world.

Success Curry for Student’s Peak Performance

The book Success Curry for Student’s Peak Performance endeavors to enhance student performance in examinations. Unfortunately, many students perform poorly in the school tests due to a lack of effective strategies to navigate their academic difficulties. Despite having access to quality teaching practices and evidence-based study materials, several students still struggle to perform well in their studies. Notwithstanding the honest efforts of teachers, parents, and the students themselves, in certain subjects, a student sometimes experiences a mental block that leads to profound hopelessness.Perhaps psychological pedagogy can overcome challenges of students’ underperformance in the classroom environment. The authors have meticulously dissected various reasons for mental blockage and suggested strategies to overcome barriers to enhance academic performance. This book aims to improve not only literacy and numeracy outcome but also long-term confidence building, self-identity, and self-worth in students. The writing style of this book is conversational, and the content is easy to follow. This book will act as a catalyst to promote effective collaboration among students, teachers, and parents.

Stillness in Preschool and School

This is a hands-on report on how to find calm in the most stressed out and turbulent of worlds today – preschools and schools. Not a calm out there, but the calm inside all of us, closer than our thoughts and as natural as the air we breathe.

25 years of experience with the Dream of the Good in preschools and schools in all parts of Sweden show very good results. The grown-ups did not believe the kids would take to it.

But the message is, it can be done, and kids of all ages like it – if the practices are simple and natural. Their teachers often didn’t think it was possible, but once they learn they also benefit. Research confirms the positive results: less stress, less psychological problems and better self-image.