Endorsements: What other people say
Praise for Managing Humanitarian Innovation
"It is rare that one find a book on humanitarian aid that is relevant to both academic and practitioner audiences. 'Managing Humanitarian Innovation' does an excellent job giving insights and practical solutions to both audiences. Even more important it is inspirational and helps further the important discourse on innovation--one of the most important policy and operational areas facing humanitarian aid today." (Kirsten Gelsdorf, Director of Global Humanitarian Policy and Professor, University of Virginia. Former Chief of Policy Analysis and Innovation, UNOCHA)
“This book sets a new standard for combining theory and practice with a view of what's to come. It weaves together direct experience on-the-ground, unique ways of thinking and pathways to achieving extraordinary results. Eric and the various contributors have achieved this knowledge far from cozy institutes, but by being directly involved in the mud and sweat of humanitarian crises. It will surely be an inspiration for the pioneering approaches so badly needed in our sector.” (Giorgio Trombatore, Country Director, South Sudan, Relief International)
“The humanitarian profession is going through a dramatic transformation, with new technologies, players, and approaches being introduced on a seemingly daily basis. Managing Humanitarian Innovation boldly takes stock of these changes and offers readers new conceptual frameworks and practical tools that are designed to make the most use of these emerging opportunities in the service of people most in need during disasters. Based on real case studies and forward looking, this is a 'must read' for aid workers, donors, government officials, and innovators drawn to the humanitarian calling.” (Dr. Nicholas Haan, VP of Impact and Faculty Chair of Global Grand Challenges, Singularity University)
“Eric and Abigail have done a really excellent job in drawing together leading experts across a broad range of innovations that are already being implemented in the 'for profit' world and demonstrating how these could be successfully employed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian preparation and response activities.” (Dr. Peter Tatham, Professor of Humanitarian Logistics, Griffith University)
“More than ever before in the history of modern humanitarian action has there been such a compelling case for bringing together the abiding values and objectives of humanitarianism with profoundly transformative innovation and innovative practices. Managing Humanitarian Innovation not only captures that conceptual need, but also provides a clear and practical road map for meeting that need." (Dr. Randolph Kent, Visiting Professor, African Leadership Centre, King's College London)
Praise for the 2nd edition of Managing Humanitarian Relief
"Dr. James has built upon his prior work to address one of the most critically important topics in the aid world; that of managing field programs and leading teams. His emphasis on practical field skills has made his book an important addition to our humanitarian leadership training, and essential reading for all of those who oversee humanitarian programming. His book represents an important step toward professionalizing humanitarian aid." (Michael VanRooyen, Director, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative & Humanitarian Academy at Harvard University)
"I strongly recommend Managing Humanitarian Relief by Eric James. Besides being very knowledgeable it also has the great but rare virtue of clarity. It actually can be of value to a wide variety of practitioners." (Martin McCann, Chief Executive, RedR UK)
"Managing Humanitarian Relief is a critically important resource for practitioners -- a remarkable roadmap for responsible engagement in the field. This book is also extraordinarily valuable for students who aspire to careers in scholarship or practice around humanitarian issues." (Eric Schwartz, former Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and Dean, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota; Currently CEO of Refugees International)
"Disasters and emergencies are by their nature chaotic. Eric James's practical advice, based on many years of experience, will be a bedrock for those who must turn the chaos of future relief operations into coordinated support for people affected by disaster. The updated Managing Humanitarian Relief fills a real gap in the market." (Robert Hodgson, Hon Coordinator, RedR International)
"In this second edition Eric James has clearly articulated the new trends in humanitarian relief making it not only a wide ranging informative overview of the entire humanitarian sector but a very current book for now and the immediate future." (Andy Bastable, Head of Water and Sanitation, Oxfam Global Humanitarian Team)
Praise for the 1st edition of Managing Humanitarian Relief
"Eric James has created a handbook that makes you wonder how humanitarian agencies ever got along without it! As academic, I admire its clarity and comprehensiveness; as a practitioner and consultant, I will add this to my toolkit as an indispensable resource." (Dirk Salomons, Director, Humanitarian Affairs Program, School of International and Public Service Columbia University)
"A 'must-read' for students of the humanitarian relief system and a 'must-have on the shelf' for planners and managers of emergency programmes. It combines comprehensive coverage of issues with incisive comments and well-balanced judgments...and it is clearly-written" (David Hulme, Professor of Development Studies, University of Manchester)
"As evidenced from the recent FEMA disaster, a poorly managed humanitarian effort can make problems worse. Managing Humanitarian Relief: An Operational Guide for NGO's serves as a reference for humanitarian organization on how to properly manage their company so that they serve as more of a boon for crisis than a bane. Intended for leaders and managers of these organizations, Managing Humanitarian Relief brings much wisdom that should be heavily be considered for any respectable company dedicated to their principles. Managing Humanitarian Relief serves as a warning as well as a manual; it is a must for those who want to avoid tragic bumbles." (Midwest Book Review)
“This is a useful reference tool for anyone starting out in their career in humanitarian work.” (Graham MacKay, Deputy Humanitarian Director)
“This book is a must-read for all serious practitioners who work at the sharp end in the delivery of humanitarian and developmental outcomes to disaster affected populations. Eric covers the spectrum from the theoretical underpinnings to the practicalities of managing an NGO in the field. It is a ‘how to’ book that will greatly assist in the professionalization of our programmes and will remain very close at hand during the conduct of our future operations.” (Marc Preston, CEO)
"In combining a Textbook and Field Manual Dr James has demystified relief work for today’s generation of relief workers. This unique and perfect balance of analyses and practical guides and check-lists makes any field worker or manager’s job immeasurably more productive and rewarding. For years to come, every course on humanitarian relief will use this book and every relief worker will carry one in his to-go kit. CEOs and HR departments would be wise to order in bulk for all staff and new recruits. If every staff of every NGO had a copy of this book the humanitarian field would very simply advance by light years." (Farshad Rastegar, former President and CEO, Relief International)
"An essential addition to the aid worker’s tool kit. This comprehensive guide should be a part of every humanitarian NGO’s orientation for new staff. A handy reference for all of the major tasks required for the successful establishment of an emergency mission which will likely help NGO staff to avoid the pitfalls and unintended consequences of decisions that are often, necessarily, taken on the fly.’ (Peter Medway, former Director of Operations, International Medical Corps UK)