William J. Rothwell (State College, PA) is a professor at The Pennsylvania State University and an internationally respected authority on human resources issues. He is president of Rothwell & Associates, Inc., a private consulting firm, and author of Beyond Training and Development, The Workplace Learner, and dozens of other books.

From the publisher

When key employees and executives move on - whether expectedly or unexpectedly - organizations had better have a good succession plan in place. The most comprehensive and authoritative book on the subject, Effective Succession Planning has helped countless companies develop strong succession programs and avoid major disruptions.

Thoroughly revised to reflect the latest trends and best practices, the book presents strategies for identifying competencies, clarifying values, assessing current and future needs, and creating a complete, systematic succession planning program. The third edition also features all-new material reflecting the author's surveys on:

- whole system transformation
- software support packages
- tapping retirees to manage succession crises
- the growing activism of boards in succession planning
- and more

The book includes a new diagnostic tool to assess specific succession needs, illuminating case studies, and a CD-ROM with worksheets, assessment tools, and training guides.