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The SAP Consultant Handbook

Written by: Jon Reed, Michael Doane
The SAP Consultant HandbookFormat: Paperback
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Average Customer Rating: Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5Average rating of 4.5/5

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Editorial Reviews:

Since SAP R/3 exploded on the North American scene in 1993, the SAP consulting market has been phenomenal. As the market moves into a mature phase, SAP consultants need new strategies and tactics to further their careers. In this eagerly-awaited handbook, the authors - an SAP practice director and an SAP recruiter - combine forces to offer in-depth advice on everything from how to get a start in SAP consulting to balancing multiple job offers. This book is a must for anyone involved in the field of SAP consulting.

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Spotlight customer reviews:

Customer Rating: Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5Average rating of 4/5
Summary: Somewhat dated but still useful
Comment: The book starts off great with 7 common myths of SAP consulting.

The best way to kick off an SAP career is with the Big 4 (KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst, and PWC). Leading consulting firms such as Accenture, IBM, and of course, SAP are also good places to start.

The author has a chapter devoted secifically for those startig out on SAP. Here are the things SAP employers are looking ordered by their relative importance.

1)R/3 Implementation experience
2)R/2 Implementation experience.
3)Consulting Experience
4)Bachelor's degree
5)Relevent industry or management experience (such as Oracle or JAVA).
6)Communication and interpersonal skills
7)SAP certifications (bummer this ranks so low)
8)Experience as SAP trainer or user
9)Higher education degrees such as MBA.

Here are other tidbits:

1)It appears ABAP programming is the least "hot" field in SAP since it is also the most outsourceable and SAP is moving towards JAVA.
2)References count more in SAP circles than most since there are many "fake" SAP resumes out there. Also, SAP community is a tight knit community where both your technical and personal reputation is exchanged freely and widely.
3)SAP project managers, while in demand, rarely become high earning independent contractors. Some SAP modules are hotter than others, but it is constantly changing. The book states the HR module expertise is in high demand (in 2002).
4)Having Big 4 consulting experience can pay big dividends as independent SAP consultant.
5)The future of SAP career looks promising, although its peak heyday may have passed.

The main issue with this book is that it is already 6 years old. Due to the rapidly changing climate of the SAP industry, it is safe to say much of the information contained in this book is dated. Much of it, however, still remain valid.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: Great Resource for new SAP Consultants
Comment: I found the book to be very helpful with a lot of good information. I was very pleased with the format of the book, and the practical information it provided. I would highly recommend it for those starting out in SAP consulting to get some helpful information and tips.

Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: Great book!
Comment: This is a great book for those looking for an SAP career. Jon goes through all the steps and he even provides a bit of humor! The book is a bit dated, but the information is still relevant and invaluable! Great source for the junior consultants!

Customer Rating: Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5Average rating of 5/5
Summary: Real Wisdon With A Little Humor
Comment: This book is easy to read and has a fun style. It shows the authors' sense of humor in conveying the potentially "dry" information and with the use of colorful anecdotes.

I found the book to have timeless wisdom about what it takes to succeed as an SAP
consultant, and look at it from both the advantages and disadvantages of
independent consulting versus salaried consulting. The book includes case studies of consultants in transition and how they weighed their priorities and made effective career decisions.

Realizing that SAP information can become stale rapidly, the authors built in a "longevity resource" where readers can access a free website to get Jon Reed's latest career advice and market information.

The greatest benefit is that these guys don't seem to be consumed by their egos. I've emailed Jon with a question I had after reading the book, and he was very responsive.

Charles Akin

Customer Rating: Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5Average rating of 3/5
Summary: A bit disappointed...
Comment: After reading the many wonderful reviews here, I decided to get this book. Honestly, the material was disappointing. Sure, Jon Reed explains what it takes to be a good consultant, but fails to mention how.

I guess, if you're THINKING about making the leap to SAP, this book does give you a very good idea on what to expect. But if you're currently practicing SAP, forget about this book. There's nothing here that you don't already know. There was one chapter though, that did provide something new to me. SAP contracting. Jon Reed explains when to go into contracting, the pros and cons, and even analyzes (with examples) the lifes of some contractors.

Jon Reed undoubtly knows a lot about SAP. But unfortunately this book does not do him justice and does not capture the wealth of information he obviously has. I would've liked a book that explores a typical SAP project environment. How to deal with your team mates, with your clients? The best way of getting information from clients. If you're looking for this sort of information, look elsewhere as it is not here in this book. Other than that, as I said...a good introduction to someone trying to get into SAP.

Technical Details

Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 650
EAN: 9780972598804
ISBN: 0972598804
Label: eCruiting Alternatives, Inc
Manufacturer: eCruiting Alternatives, Inc
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 240
Publication Date: 2002-10-01
Publisher: eCruiting Alternatives, Inc
Studio: eCruiting Alternatives, Inc


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