An ongoing study of some 3,000 firms is the basis for this measurement system for evaluating the role and value of the human resource department. The system is designed to embed human resources within a firm's overall strategy and to manage the human resources architecture as a strategic asset. Examples from leading companies show how to develop and implement the system and how to link the human resources department's results to measures, such as profitability and shareholder value, that line managers and senior executives can understand. Becker is professor and chair of organizations and human resources at the State University of New York-Buffalo. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)