Dell has a very interesting story. Michael Dell tells how the company was started and gives many examples of what they did right along with what they did wrong. It helps give a clear picture of what is involved in managing a large businesses supply chain along with the difficulties of global business.
Direct from Dell is organized into two parts. The first recounts the history and the enormous growth of Dell Computer. The second part focuses on Dell's management approach, from developing customer focus to creating alliances with suppliers. The book manages to avoid most of the promotional and self-congratulatory air that seem to plague so many first-person CEO tomes. Anyone who has followed the PC industry or would like insight into Dell Computer's success should enjoy reading this book. Well written and easy to read. Recommended. --Harry C. Edwards
Lessons from a leader
Its important to distinguish the book from the leader/company that is Dell. The company and the person are outstandingly awesome while the book is "just great"!! The first part of the book deals largely with a quasi-autobiographical-chronological account of the tale from the high school summer job of Michael Dell to the $30Billion company that is Dell. In this journey, we read about some of the core values that seems to enshrine the man and his company and get a glimpse of the critical twists and turns that made his company what it is.
In the second part of the book, we are treated to a bit of preaching - which is a different tone from the first part, but by now typically the reader is all in admiration for Dell & hence cant but resist to read each chapter and try to pick out the relevant bits to implement back in ones' own sphere of work. And that is where this book scores, some of the insights and lessons though straightforward, force the reader into contemplation.
Quite a brilliant read!
Useful only if you want to know Dell's history
Two parts in the book: one for Dell Co. development, another for Dell's management.
I know Dell as it dominates the PC market for serveral years, and it seems that Dell is a few companies that can earn money in this low-return industry. When I studied Operation Management, I was taught Dell has been very successful by its DIRECT model and its stock flied and flied. Direct from Dell provdies the first hand information as it is written by Dell's chairman and CEO, Michael Dell, although I don't know how much is written by him.
It do let me know more about Dell's history and how Michael became rich, and, that's all. This is the first part of the book.
After reading a few pages in the second part, I lost interest. Dell talks about his management principles, but many of them could be found in management books--nothing special and not worth to read. So I stopped.
I am following Michael Dell Path
I started my business a year ago and my aim is to become one of the world top businessmen next to Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Michael Dell and others.
I am facing many problems in my start-up business, after reading Direct from Dell i found out that Dell faced similar problems in his business. The book provided me with guidance, inspiration, and motivation to survive the bumpy ride of a new business.
Thank you Michael Dell...