Helps educate the pet owner to ultimately assist the veterinarian with the proper diagnosis by delving comprehensively into the subject of skin disease, its' causative factors and curative possibilities to assist in the proper final diagnosis, which with skin ailments, is sometimes never possible to pin down.

My only wish is that a new, revised addition would be published that would reflect some of the newer drug therapies that have become available since the books' original publication date in 1997.

Although the title suggests a 'how to' approach to WCM, this 'how NOT to' is a fast read which opens the door (and possibly minds) to the prospect that mass and batch production methods have inherent flaws.

This work is well written and progresses quickly into an interesting scenario anyone working in manufacturing can identify with. Contemporary relationships between departments, workers, and managers are clearly articulated and are accurately described. Management, production control and material management functions are described in great detail, and reflect current operating practices in many organizations, both large and small.

The story is told from the perspective of a Manufacturing Engineer (Sandy) from the fictional Garrett Gear Company, and chronicles efforts to build a set of garage shelves using traditional batch manufacturing techniques. The work team is comprised of volunteers from Garrett Gear and others recruited by 'Joe' (VP of Manufacturing at Garrett). This is also the story of how Sandy is introduced to WCM techniques, aided by his neighbor and counterpart, Ralph Morita of Yamachi Gear (a competitor to Garrett).

This book will have a varying value to readers, depending on their background and position in their organization. There is nothing to be gained by senior or middle management, while first line supervisors may be able to decipher the "how NOT to's" and translate them into "how to's". Both supervisors and shop floor workers can benefit by relating to situations presented and recognizing wastes introduced BY the manufacturing process.

While the book is quick to point out flaws in current mass/batch production techniques, it comes up short in terms of solid solutions that can be implemented by supervisors or workers. The work contains several logical flaws, including comparing the industrial manufacturing environment to a home project, which may be akin to comparing capital costing in terms of a household budget. Others include stabs at unions, traditional production measurements, quality personnel, specific management structures, etc...

The book espouses several 'lean production' techniques, which will be useful to any reader. It contains many simple and easy-to-remember phrases that can be used as idea 'seeds' on the shop floor. The glossary is an EXCELLENT reference which I recommend highly.

In short, I recommend the book for shop floor personnel and first line leaders, but not for the purpose for which it was intended. I recommend the book as part of the cultural change process, which is a precursor to (or perhaps parallels) any WCM/Lean Manufacturing effort. This book will open minds to possibilities that may not have been previously explored in traditionally structured organizations, and may be used best in conjunction with The Day I Learned About Quality in Joe's Garage: High Quality Made Simple, and Manufacturing Beyond Joe's Garage: Value Based Manufacturing (both works by Wm. B. Miller, not yet available).

The book explains how to do things simply, with high quality, utilizing effective methods that prevent mistakes. It shows how to get people involved with their own work. It shows how to keep costs (direct costs and indirect costs, such as inventory) low. And it shows how to do things RAPIDLY. Time is money.

The book also has a fantastic glossary and reading list for people who wish to go further in their education. It is a great book. It can change your life, or at least your work life.

It is not clear to me which genre Bowersock is aiming for, as he seems to have three targets: a wonderful Christmas romance (reminiscent of Same Time Next Year), politics and government (the Mob, Presidential history, FBI) and Florida's seamier lifestyle. He is well versed in the latter two areas, but I prefer my fictional romance to exist in a realm less penetrated by history lessons and modern (pop) references.

The love story part is beautiful and there are many themes of value to consider in this tale, but the author's amoral attitude peeks through the chinks, as he seeks to show off his behind-the-scenes knowledge or theories re the JFK assassination. Bowersock was certainly right on back in 1994 when he predicted the computer age. Fascinating plot with constant time and scene shifts--all tied up with kelp and booze... A good read if you like your Romance served with Politics!

This book is designed as a reference not a study guide.This is one of the best Intranetware books I have read to date.

I really had high hopes for the drama but felt it was more gimmick than gripping.