Frederick P. Brooks Jr.
Frederick P. Brooks Jr. (1931–2022) was a pioneering computer scientist and software engineer best known for managing IBM’s System/360 project and writing The Mythical Man-Month. A professor at the University of North Carolina, Brooks made foundational contributions to software engineering and computer architecture. His writings, especially on the complexity of large-scale projects, introduced influential ideas such as Brooks’s Law. Through both academic research and industry experience, Brooks emphasized the human and collaborative aspects of computing, leaving a lasting mark on the discipline. His work remains essential reading in computer science and project management education.
In Made in America, Walmart founder Sam Walton shares the story of building the world’s largest retail empire from a single store in Arkansas. Written in Walton’s own words, the memoir reveals his relentless work ethic, frugality, and obsession with customer satisfaction. He reflects on the principles that drove Walmart’s success, including employee empowerment, aggressive expansion, and constant innovation. Candid and down-to-earth, the book also touches on mistakes and challenges. Beyond a business biography, Made in America is an inspiring account of entrepreneurial vision, small-town values, and the competitive drive that revolutionized American retail.