For people in the early Middle Ages, the earth, air, water and ether teemed with other beings. Some of these were sentient creatures that swam, flew, slithered or stalked through the same environments inhabited by their human contemporaries. Others were objects that a modern beholder would be unlikely to think of as living things, but could yet be considered to possess a vitality that rendered them potent. Still others were things half glimpsed on a dark night or seen only in the mind's eye; strange beasts that haunted dreams and visions or inhabited exotic lands beyond the compass of everyday knowledge. This book discusses the various ways in which the early English and Scandinavians thought about and represented these other inhabitants of their world, and considers the multi-faceted nature of the relationship between people and beasts. Drawing on the evidence of material culture, art, language, literature, place-names and landscapes, the studies presented here reveal a world where the boundaries between humans, animals, monsters and objects were blurred and often permeable, and where to represent the bestial could be to hold a mirror to the self. Michael D.J. Bintley is Senior Lecturer in Medieval Literature at Canterbury Christ Church University; Thomas J.T. Williams is a doctoral researcher at UCL's Institute of Archaeology. Contributors: Noël Adams, John Baker, Michael D. J. Bintley, Sue Brunning, László Sándor Chardonnens, Della Hooke, Eric Lacey, Richard North, Marijane Osborn, Victoria Symons, Thomas J. Williams

Reflecting the latest developments in Microsoft Office Excel 2013, Anderson/Sweeney/Williams/Camm/Cochran/Fry/Ohlmann's AN INTRODUCTION TO MANAGEMENT SCIENCE: QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO DECISION MAKING, 14E equips readers with a sound conceptual understanding of the role that management science plays in the decision-making process. The trusted market leader for more than two decades, the book uses a proven problem-scenario approach to introduce each quantitative technique within an applications setting. All data sets, applications, and screen visuals reflect the details of Excel 2013 to effectively prepare you to work with the latest spreadsheet tools. In addition, readers can get a copy of LINGO software and Excel add-ins with the book's online content.

You don't have to be a mathematician to maximize the power of quantitative methods. Written for the current?or future?business professional, QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR BUSINESS, 13E makes it easy for you to understand how you can most effectively use quantitative methods to make smart, successful decisions. The book's hallmark problem-scenario approach guides you step by step through the application of mathematical concepts and techniques. Memorable real-life examples demonstrate how and when to use the methods found in the book, while instant online access provides you with Excel worksheets, LINGO, and the Excel add-in Analytic Solver Platform. The chapter on simulation includes a more elaborate treatment of uncertainty by using Microsoft Excel to develop spreadsheet simulation models. The new edition also includes a more holistic approach to variability in project management. Completely up to date, QUANTITATIVE METHODS FOR BUSINESS, 13E reflects the latest trends, issues, and practices from the field.

A research-based approach to achieving long-term profitability in business

What does it take to guarantee success and profitability over time? Authors Christopher G. Worley, a senior research scientist, Thomas D. Williams, an executive advisor, and Edward E. Lawler III, one of the country's leading management experts, set out to find the answer. In The Agility Factor: Building Adaptable Organizations for Superior Performance the authors reveal the factors that drive long-term profitability based on the practices of successful companies that have consistently outperformed their peers. Of the 234 large companies across 18 industries that were studied, there were few companies that delivered sustained performance across the board. The authors found that across industries, the most successful companies were not the 'usual suspects' found in the media, but companies who possessed a quiet agility that allowed them to quickly perceive and respond to changes so that they could continue to grow. Agility gives organizations the ability to adapt to fluctuations in the environment, test possible responses, and implement changes quickly. This book offers specific, research-based case studies to help organizational leaders use agility to achieve sustained profitability and performance while also becoming more adaptable to a changing marketplace.

For executives, leaders, consultants, board members and all those responsible for the long-term health of organizations, this insightful guide outlines:

• The components of agility for business organizations
• How to successfully build agility within an organization
• How agility has its foundation in good management practices
• How to use agility to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace