Complex Contracting draws on core social science concepts to provide wide-ranging practical advice on how best to manage complex acquisitions. Using a strong analytical framework, the authors assess contract management practices, suggesting strategies for improvement and ways to avoid the pitfalls of managing contracts for large and sophisticated projects. An in-depth analysis of the US Coast Guard's Deepwater program is included to illustrate ways to respond to real-world contracting challenges. This high-profile and controversial case consisted of a projected 25-year, $24 billion contract through which the US Coast Guard would buy a system of new boats, aircraft, communications, and control architecture to replace its aging fleet. The authors explore the reasons why this program, launched with such promise, turned out so poorly, and apply the lessons learned to similarly complex contracting scenarios. This engaging and accessible book has broad applicability and will appeal to policymakers, practitioners, scholars and students.

SUPER SQUATS...the runaway #1 bestseller at IRONMAN books every single month since it was added to the list! "SUPER SQUATS" is, quite simply, the best book ever written in the field of muscle building."--John McCallum (author of the KEYS TO PROGRESS series). "SUPER SQUATS"...is magnificent!...I wholeheartedly recommend you to get this book."--from review by Stuart McRobert in THE HARDGAINER (September 1988). "...a marvelous piece of work"--Chester O. Teegarden, former Associate Editor, IRON MAN. "SUPER SQUATS" is a well-written, extremely interesting & informative...impeccably documented."--from review by Bill Starr in IRONSPORT (June 1989). "If you are looking for unbelievably fast gains in muscle size & strength, this is your book. It's also your book if you are interested in some colorful Iron Game history, or need sound advice on anything from how to equip a home gym to how to psyche up for heavy lifts...Besides being brutally effective & drug-free, this approach to muscle building presents a clear alternative to programs built around complicated machines & exotic food supplements...rest assured that you're not being duped with some half-baked scam."--from review in MUSCLEMAG INTERNATIONAL (June 1990).

The blowout of the Macondo well on April 20, 2010, led to enormous consequences for the individuals involved in the drilling operations, and for their families. Eleven workers on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig lost their lives and 16 others were seriously injured. There were also enormous consequences for the companies involved in the drilling operations, to the Gulf of Mexico environment, and to the economy of the region and beyond. The flow continued for nearly 3 months before the well could be completely killed, during which time, nearly 5 million barrels of oil spilled into the gulf. Macondo Well-Deepwater Horizon Blowout examines the causes of the blowout and provides a series of recommendations, for both the oil and gas industry and government regulators, intended to reduce the likelihood and impact of any future losses of well control during offshore drilling. According to this report, companies involved in offshore drilling should take a "system safety" approach to anticipating and managing possible dangers at every level of operation-from ensuring the integrity of wells to designing blowout preventers that function under all foreseeable conditions-in order to reduce the risk of another accident as catastrophic as the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. In addition, an enhanced regulatory approach should combine strong industry safety goals with mandatory oversight at critical points during drilling operations. Macondo Well-Deepwater Horizon Blowout discusses ultimate responsibility and accountability for well integrity and safety of offshore equipment, formal system safety education and training of personnel engaged in offshore drilling, and guidelines that should be established so that well designs incorporate protection against the various credible risks associated with the drilling and abandonment process. This book will be of interest to professionals in the oil and gas industry, government decision makers, environmental advocacy groups, and others who seek an understanding of the processes involved in order to ensure safety in undertakings of this nature.

Three Finnish siblings head for the logging fields of nineteenth-century America in the New York Times–bestselling author’s “commanding historical epic” (Washington Post). Born into a farm family, the three Koski siblings—Ilmari, Matti, and Aino—are raised to maintain their grit and resiliency in the face of hardship. This lesson in sisu takes on special meaning when their father is arrested by imperial Russian authorities, never to be seen again. Lured by the prospects of the Homestead Act, Ilmari and Matti set sail for America, while young Aino, feeling betrayed and adrift after her Marxist cell is exposed, follows soon after. The brothers establish themselves among a logging community in southern Washington, not far from the Columbia River. In this New World, they each find themselves—Ilmari as the family’s spiritual rock; Matti as a fearless logger and entrepreneur; and Aino as a fiercely independent woman and union activist who is willing to make any sacrifice for the cause that sustains her. Layered with fascinating historical detail, this novel bears witness to the stump-ridden fields that the loggers—and the first waves of modernity—leave behind. At its heart, Deep River explores the place of the individual, and of the immigrant, in an America still in the process of defining its own identity.

Deepwater Drilling: Well Planning, Design, Engineering, Operations, and Technology Application presents necessary coverage on drilling engineering and well construction through the entire lifecycle process of deepwater wells. Authored by an expert with real-world experience, this book delivers illustrations and practical examples throughout to keep engineers up-to-speed and relevant in today's offshore technology. Starting with pre-planning stages, this reference dives into the rig's elaborate rig and equipment systems, including ROVs, rig inspection and auditing procedures. Moving on, critical drilling guidelines are covered, such as production casing, data acquisition and well control. Final sections cover managed pressure drilling, top and surface hole 'riserless' drilling, and decommissioning. Containing practical guidance and test questions, this book presents a long-awaited resource for today's offshore engineers and managers. - Helps readers gain practical experience from an author with over 35 years of offshore field know-how - Presents offshore drilling operational best practices and tactics on well integrity for the entire lifecycle of deepwater wells - Covers operations and personnel, from emergency response management, to drilling program outlines