A gentle, humorous introduction to this fearsomely complex software that helps new users start creating 2D and 3D technical drawings right away Covers the new features and enhancements in the latest AutoCAD version and provides coverage of AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD's lower–cost sibling Topics covered include creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, plotting, using blocks, adding text to drawings, and drawing on the Internet AutoCAD is the leading CAD software for architects, engineers, and draftspeople who need to create detailed 2D and 3D technical drawings; there are more than 5 million registered AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT users

ication Date: 30 Mar 2007 | Series: For Dummies Learn how to get your precise horoscope, decipher astrological symbols, and benefit from the phases of the moon with A strology for Dummies, Second Edition. You’ll learn how to construct your birth chart, interpret its component parts, and use that information to gain insight into yourself and others. With easy–to–follow, hands–on guidance, you’ll discover how to: Identify the signs of the zodiac Understand the Sun, the Moon, the planets, the rising sign, and the 12 houses Discover the rulers of the signs Map your own horoscope (or a friend’s) Use astrology in daily life Capture the heart of each sign of the zodiac, and more! Astrology for Dummies, Second Edition demystifies astrological charts and uses plain English to show you how you can take advantage of the wisdom of the stars. Whether you’re looking to assess relationships, examine your potential, or make some basic decisions — like, when to go on a first date — Astrology for Dummies, Second Edition helps you discover how understanding your position in the cosmos illuminates the secret corners of the self, provides a key to understanding others, and even offers a glimpse into the future.

In–operation vibration monitoring for complex mechanical structures and rotating machines is of key importance in many industrial areas such as aeronautics (wings and other structures subject to strength), automobile (gearbox mounting with a sports car body), rail transportation, power engineering (rotating machines, core and pipes of nuclear power plants), and civil engineering (large buildings subject to hurricanes or earthquakes, bridges, dams, offshore structures). Tools for the detection and the diagnosis of small changes in vibratory characteristics are particularly useful to set up a preventive maintenance policy based on the actual evolution of the state of the monitored machine or structure, as opposed to systematic a priori planning. Ambient Vibration Monitoring is the backbone of such structural assessment monitoring and control. It provides the possibility to gain useful data under ambient conditions for the assessment of structures and components. Written by a widely respected authority in this area, Ambient Vibration Monitoring describes the current practice of ambient vibration methodologies illustrated by a number of practical examples. Designed to aid the practical engineer with their understanding of the topic, it is the culmination of many years of practical research and includes numerous ‘real world’ examples. It also provides information on applicable solutions. This book will enable not only practitioners (in civil, mechanical and aerospace engineering), but also researchers and students, to learn more about the theory and practical applications of this subject.

This engaging book lays the foundation for readers to succeed on the CPA exam and ultimately in their professional practice. The new edition continues to reflect the conversational style and clarity that has made this a leader in the market. It explores the key concepts and principles while using the PepsiCo financial statement to clearly show how the information is applied in the real world. The book has also been updated with the latest data as to reflect today's business environment.

Moscow, 1937: the soviet metropolis at the zenith of Stalin’s dictatorship. A society utterly wrecked by a hurricane of violence. In this compelling book, the renowned historian Karl Schlögel reconstructs with meticulous care the process through which, month by month, the terrorism of a state-of-emergency regime spiraled into the ‘Great Terror’ during which 1 ½ million human beings lost their lives within a single year. He revisits the sites of show trials and executions and, by also consulting numerous sources from the time, he provides a masterful panorama of these key events in Russian history. He shows how, in the shadow of the reign of terror, the regime around Stalin also aimed to construct a new society. Based on countless documents, Schlögel’s historical masterpiece vividly presents an age in which the boundaries separating the dream and the terror dissolve, and enables us to experience the fear that was felt by people subjected to totalitarian rule. This rich and absorbing account of the Soviet purges will be essential reading for all students of Russia and for any readers interested in one of the most dramatic and disturbing events of modern history.

In this global economy, it is important to understand the power that other countries possess, and how they can affect the global market and your investment portfolio. Emerging markets represent about 75% of the world's land mass and, with population growth that is 5 times faster than in developed countries, are home to over 80% of the global population. Emerging Markets For Dummies provides you with the information you need to understand Asian, Russian, Indian, Brazilian, and other foreign markets and their place in our local and global economies. You'll get guidance on how to branch out into emerging markets to diversify your portfolio and how to incorporate these growth areas into your business and investment plans.

The unparalleled guide to successfully buying and selling on eBay, fully revised and updated eBay is the world's #1 shopping and selling site, where millions find bargains and make money with their own sales. Marsha Collier is the #1 eBay expert and bestselling author, with more than a million copies of her books in print. And eBay For Dummies has been the bestselling book on eBay since the original edition in 1999. Thoroughly updated to cover all the changes in the eBay site, eBay For Dummies, 7th Edition is an easy-to-follow path for new users to get from registration through making purchases to making sales. Ultimate eBay authority Marsha Collier gets you started with information about signing up, navigating the site, and using the My eBay page to track you activity. She then shows you how to find the best bargains, make a winning bid, and complete your purchase securely. While she guides you into becoming a successful eBay seller, she also shows you how you can pick up extra money in a tight economy with eBay sales. Walks you through listing an item, shoot and post a photo, communicate with bidders, safely ship a sold item, and securely collect your money Shows you how to set up a seller account, list items, offer customer service, ship merchandise, and receive payment securely Highlights expanded guidance on selling on eBay, which is the process that sparks the most demand for outside help Explores eBay's special features, showing you how to work within the rules, use the community, and even set up a charity auction Shares tips for managing multiple auctions, creating a store, troubleshooting, maintaining privacy, and reporting abuses eBay For Dummies, 7th Edition prepares you to save money on your purchases and make money on your sales, all from the comfort of your home.

«John Walkenbach's name is synonymous with excellence in computer books that decipher complex technical topics. With this comprehensive guide, «Mr. Spreadsheet» shows you how to maximize your Excel experience using professional spreadsheet application development tips from his own personal bookshelf. Featuring a complete introduction to Visual Basic for Applications and fully updated for the new features of Excel 2010, this essential reference includes an analysis of Excel application development and is packed with procedures, tips, and ideas for expanding Excel’s capabilities with VBA. — Offers an analysis of Excel application development and a complete introduction to Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) — Features invaluable advice from «Mr. Spreadsheet» himself (bestselling author John Walkenbach), who demonstrates all the techniques you need to create large and small Excel applications — Provides tips, tricks, and techniques for expanding Excel's capabilities with VBA that you won’t find anywhere else — Includes a CD with templates and worksheets from the book. This power-user's guide is packed with procedures, tips, and ideas for expanding Excel's capabilities with VBA.»

The only official verbal review for the GMAT from the creators of the test Anyone preparing for the Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT) knows it’s important to study with the experts. With The Official GMAT Verbal Review, 2nd Edition, you’ll get questions, answers, and explanations straight from the source. The only official verbal review for the GMAT Exam, this book targets your study and helps you improve your verbal skills by focusing on your ability to read and comprehend written material, to reason and evaluate arguments, and to correct written material to conform to standard English. Inside, you’ll find: • 300 actual questions from past GMAT tests, including 75 questions new to this edition • Sections on Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction • Questions organized in order of difficulty to save study time.

With over 300 entries from hundreds of global experts, this is one of the premier marketing reference resources available worldwide. The 6-volume WIEM provides scholars and professionals with an international guide to marketing concepts and applications. The far-reaching new developments, challenges and opportunities that have arisen in recent years are fully reflected in the entries. Scholars and professionals will enjoy the flexible, multi-level structure, with entries ranging from topics summaries to short essays reviewing areas of development and debate. Entries are further extended by sophisticated cross-referencing both among volumes and between encyclopedia entries and external sources. The encyclopedia is also available online. For ease of reference, the entries are arranged alphabetically within each of the subject volumes. Designed to encompass the scope of modern marketing, the volumes cover: Volume 1: Marketing Strategy. Volume 2: Marketing Research. Volume 3: Consumer Behavior. Volume 4: Advertising and Integrated Communication. Volume 5: Product Innovation and Management. Volume 6: International Marketing.

«Ace your next history test with this concise, easy-to-read guide U.S. History for Dummies, 3 rd Edition fills the need to improve high school proficiency in history by providing a complete history of the United States, presented in an accessible, reader-friendly format designed to engage students while reinforcing lessons learned in class. The National Assessment of Educational Progress 2011 report showed that only 12% of high school seniors in the U.S. perform at a «proficient» level in history. This, coupled with the fact that U.S. History courses and AP exams have been redesigned to remedy the situation, means that many students and parents are in need of a supplemental study guide. Award-winning political journalist and history writer Steve Wiegand guides you through the events that shaped our nation, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the 21 st century. The explorers, the wars, the leaders, and the eras are all fully explored and explained, demonstrating how the past influences the future. From the Boston Tea Party to the current Tea Party, the updated 3 rd edition includes information about events that have occurred since the previous edition's 2009 release. New coverage includes: Recession recovery, including federal efforts, unemployment, and the widening class divide The rise of the extreme right and the bitter divisions between political parties and geographic regions Seeking the balance between superpower and domestic caretaker The impact of social media, government surveillance, and cyber crime Not all history is old news, and what happened yesterday affects us all today. It is vitally important that all U.S. citizens are well-versed in the building of our nation, and remain aware of current events. For students and parents wondering what they've missed, U.S. History for Dummies, 3 rd Edition unlocks the door to the past-and the future.»

This book presents and develops the basic methods and models that are used by demographers to study the behaviour of human populations. The procedures are clearly and concisely developed from first principles and extensive applications are presented.

AVOID THE MISTAKES THAT OTHERS MAKE -- LEARN WHAT LEADS TO BEST PRACTICE AND KICKSTART SUCCESS This groundbreaking resource provides comprehensive coverage across all aspects of business analytics, presenting proven management guidelines to drive sustainable differentiation. Through a rich set of case studies, author Evan Stubbs reviews solutions and examples to over twenty common problems spanning managing analytics assets and information, leveraging technology, nurturing skills, and defining processes. Delivering Business Analytics also outlines the Data Scientist's Code, fifteen principles that when followed ensure constant movement towards effective practice. Practical advice is offered for addressing various analytics issues; the advantages and disadvantages of each issue's solution; and how these solutions can optimally create organizational value. With an emphasis on real-world examples and pragmatic advice throughout, Delivering Business Analytics provides a reference guide on: The economic principles behind how business analytics leads to competitive differentiation The elements which define best practice The Data Scientist's Code, fifteen management principles that when followed help teams move towards best practice Practical solutions and frequent missteps to twenty-four common problems across people and process, systems and assets, and data and decision-making Drawing on the successes and failures of countless organizations, author Evan Stubbs provides a densely packed practical reference on how to increase the odds of success in designing business analytics systems and managing teams of data scientists. Uncover what constitutes best practice in business analytics and start achieving it with Delivering Business Analytics .

«Against the background of globalization and campaigns to provide basic education for all the world's children, «Culture and Pedagogy» compares primary and elementary schooling in England, France, India, Russia and the United States. It explores the ways in which children's educational experiences are shaped not just by classroom circumstances and the decisions of the teacher, but also by school values and organization, by local pressures, national policies and political control and — suffusing all these — by culture and history. «Culture and Pedagogy» combines comparative and historical enquiry with intensive analysis of school and classroom life to present a novel and illuminating account of pedagogy.The book also transfers into the international arena themes for which the author's earlier work is well known: the interplay of policy, politics and practice; the quest for resilient models of teaching and learning the subtle dynamics of schools and classrooms; and the rich learning potential of talk between teachers and children. «Culture and Pedagogy» is clearly structured around three levels of analysis: systems, school and classrooms. Extensively illustrated with figures, tables, photographs, lesson summaries and teaching extracts, the book is an essential resource for those who are committed to understanding pedagogy, exploring culture, and improving primary education.»

In this original and provocative study of computational creativity in music, David Cope asks whether computer programs can effectively model creativity — and whether computer programs themselves can create. Defining musical creativity, and distinguishing it from creativity in other arts, Cope presents a series of experimental models that illustrate salient features of musical creativity. He makes the case that musical creativity results from a process that he calls inductive association, and he contends that such a computational process can in fact produce music creatively. Drawing on the work of many other scholars and musicians — including Douglas Hofstadter, Margaret Boden, Selmer Bringsjord, and Kathleen Lennon — Cope departs from the views expressed by most with his contentions that computer programs can create and that those who do not believe this have probably defined creativity so narrowly that even humans could not be said to create. After examining the foundations of creativity and musical creativity, Cope describes a number of possible models for computationally imitating human creativity in music. He discusses such issues as recombinance and pattern matching, allusions, learning, inference, analogy, musical hierarchy, and influence, and finds that these experimental models solve only selected aspects of creativity. He then describes a model that integrates these different aspects — an inductive-association computational process that can create music. Cope's writing style is lively and nontechnical; the reader needs neither knowledge of computer programming nor specialized computer hardware or software to follow the text.

«As the French public debates its present diversity and its colonial past, few remember that between 1946 and 1960 the inhabitants of French colonies possessed the rights of French citizens. Moreover, they did not have to conform to the French civil code that regulated marriage and inheritance. One could, in principle, be a citizen and different too. Citizenship between Empire and Nation examines momentous changes in notions of citizenship, sovereignty, nation, state, and empire in a time of acute uncertainty about the future of a world that had earlier been divided into colonial empires. Frederick Cooper explains how African political leaders at the end of World War II strove to abolish the entrenched distinction between colonial «subject» and «citizen.» They then used their new status to claim social, economic, and political equality with other French citizens, in the face of resistance from defenders of a colonial order. Africans balanced their quest for equality with a desire to express an African political personality. They hoped to combine a degree of autonomy with participation in a larger, Franco-African ensemble. French leaders, trying to hold on to a large French polity, debated how much autonomy and how much equality they could concede. Both sides looked to versions of federalism as alternatives to empire and the nation-state. The French government had to confront the high costs of an empire of citizens, while Africans could not agree with French leaders or among themselves on how to balance their contradictory imperatives. Cooper shows how both France and its former colonies backed into more «national» conceptions of the state than either had sought.»

Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models have become one of the workhorses of modern macroeconomics and are extensively used for academic research as well as forecasting and policy analysis at central banks. This book introduces readers to state-of-the-art computational techniques used in the Bayesian analysis of DSGE models. The book covers Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques for linearized DSGE models, novel sequential Monte Carlo methods that can be used for parameter inference, and the estimation of nonlinear DSGE models based on particle filter approximations of the likelihood function. The theoretical foundations of the algorithms are discussed in depth, and detailed empirical applications and numerical illustrations are provided. The book also gives invaluable advice on how to tailor these algorithms to specific applications and assess the accuracy and reliability of the computations. Bayesian Estimation of DSGE Models is essential reading for graduate students, academic researchers, and practitioners at policy institutions.

«Find your company's unique innovation style, and nurture it into a powerful competitive advantage Praised by business leaders worldwide, Agile Innovation is the authoritative guide to survival and success in today's «innovate-or-die» business world. This revolutionary approach combines the best of Agile with the world's leading methods of Innovation to present a crisp, articulate, and proven system for developing the breakthrough capabilities every organization must master to thrive today and tomorrow. You already know that effective innovation doesn't happen by accident—it is achieved by careful design. Agile Innovation addresses the three critical drivers of innovation success: accelerating the innovation process; reducing the risks inherent in innovation; and engaging your entire organization and your broader ecosystem in the innovation effort. The key frameworks described here build on the proven success of Agile to provide a comprehensive and customizable Innovation Master Plan approach to sustained innovation improvement in the five critical performance areas: strategy, portfolio, process, culture and infrastructure. Major topics include: the power of Agile in the innovation process, how to overcome innovation risk, the best tools to evoke engagement and collaboration, branding as an integral element of innovation, and the best leadership skills and practices that create the special environment that enables transformative growth. Readers will learn specifically how to create better ideas, develop them more efficiently, and work together more profitably and effectively to achieve breakthroughs.»

While America’s relationship with Britain has often been deemed unique, especially during the two world wars when Germany was a common enemy, the American business sector actually had a greater affinity with Germany for most of the twentieth century. American Big Business in Britain and Germany examines the triangular relationship between the American, British, and German business communities and how the special relationship that Britain believed it had with the United States was supplanted by one between America and Germany. Volker Berghahn begins with the pre-1914 period and moves through the 1920s, when American investments supported German reconstruction rather than British industry. The Nazi seizure of power in 1933 led to a reversal in German-American relations, forcing American corporations to consider cutting their losses or collaborating with a regime that was inexorably moving toward war. Although Britain hoped that the wartime economic alliance with the United States would continue after World War II, the American business community reconnected with West Germany to rebuild Europe’s economy. And while Britain thought they had established their special relationship with America once again in the 1980s and 90s, in actuality it was the Germans who, with American help, had acquired an informal economic empire on the European continent. American Big Business in Britain and Germany uncovers the surprising and differing relationships of the American business community with two major European trading partners from 1900 through the twentieth century.

The guide to targeting and leveraging business opportunities using big data & analytics By leveraging big data & analytics, businesses create the potential to better understand, manage, and strategically exploiting the complex dynamics of customer behavior. Analytics in a Big Data World reveals how to tap into the powerful tool of data analytics to create a strategic advantage and identify new business opportunities. Designed to be an accessible resource, this essential book does not include exhaustive coverage of all analytical techniques, instead focusing on analytics techniques that really provide added value in business environments. The book draws on author Bart Baesens' expertise on the topics of big data, analytics and its applications in e.g. credit risk, marketing, and fraud to provide a clear roadmap for organizations that want to use data analytics to their advantage, but need a good starting point. Baesens has conducted extensive research on big data, analytics, customer relationship management, web analytics, fraud detection, and credit risk management, and uses this experience to bring clarity to a complex topic. Includes numerous case studies on risk management, fraud detection, customer relationship management, and web analytics Offers the results of research and the author's personal experience in banking, retail, and government Contains an overview of the visionary ideas and current developments on the strategic use of analytics for business Covers the topic of data analytics in easy-to-understand terms without an undo emphasis on mathematics and the minutiae of statistical analysis For organizations looking to enhance their capabilities via data analytics, this resource is the go-to reference for leveraging data to enhance business capabilities.