Guest Editor - Delroy Beverly

Biography

A former Ashridge Business School student, Delroy has significant experience of the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He subsequently established, and leads, a very successful multi-million pound construction business for Incommunities, specialising in the delivery of total construction solutions. A Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, Delroy recently served as a Trustee with one of the world's most recognised charities. Delroy is eager to support any initiatives designed to improve leadership and general management across the ever-changing world of business.

Books selection:

Fierce conversations by Susan Scott

One of the best books I have ever read, and still continue to read, Fierce conversations insightfully captures and clearly interrogates the heart of 'real' conversation. Scott addresses in detail every type of conversation you can have, emphasing how important it is to communicate and the consequences of not doing so. As a business leader, this book became, and has remained, my trusted companion. Spending time with the principles has made a significant difference in my work, personal relationships, and in my understanding of myself.

Managing change in organizations  by Colin Carnall

A thorough and practical overview of how to achieve effective change within organisations. I found the book a very hard read, with several different concepts which in some instances are hard to master. However, the book does offer guidance and techniques for planning, implementing, and reviewing major organisational changes, and with that in mind, I was able to adapt some of the approaches within the business for which I am responsible.

Human resource management theory and practice by John Bratton and Jeffrey Gold

I found this book user-friendly and an easy approach to what remains the biggest challenge in business. In my view, it balances what could be a fairly complex approach to people, and simplified the topic through the latest thinking coupled with good operational ideas. Definately one to keep in the office bookcase.

Exploring corporate strategy by Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes 

This book covers a vast array of strategy-related issues, is well written, very detailed and has lots of helpful charts. My copy is now quite worn and full of highlighted pages. This is definately the best strategy book around and is the business book that I have read from cover to cover. Highly recommended and remains in my bookcase within the office for when things get interesting!

Operations management by Nigel Slack, Stuart Chambers and Robert Johnston

In my view, the authors of Operations management stretch the discipline to encompass almost every arena of business and management. There are surprisingly extensive and detailed sections on many topics including project management and business technology. Much of the management and strategy theory is applicable to general management. It is written in an easy to read style and has lots of real-life examples.

Every middle and senior manager and MBA student should have a well-used copy of this text on their bookself. It is management theory excellence - and operations management - in depth. A brilliant book that I wouldn't be without. Outclasses its rivals by being so totally encompassing in its scope and guidance.