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WIU Political Science Professor Casey LaFrance’s new book has recently earned Amazon No. 1 New Release rankings in multiple categories.
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WIU Professor's New Book Reaches No. 1 New Release Status on Amazon in Three Categories

June 15, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University Political Science Professor and Graduate Program Director Casey LaFrance has reached a significant publishing milestone with the release of his new book, "Listening for Value: Cultivating Business Acumen Through Appreciative Inquiry and Value Stream Optimization." The book recently earned Amazon's No. 1 New Release designation in three categories—Project Management, Technical Project Management and Engineering & Project Management and also achieved the No. 1 New Release ranking for its Kindle edition.

Published by the Institute for Organizational Leadership, Global (IOL Global), the book draws on many of the concepts and lessons developed through applied projects and partnerships associated with Western Illinois University. Among those influences is the Western Illinois-Western Africa (WiWa) Women's Professional Training Program, which LaFrance highlighted during his World Environment Day keynote address for the Project Management Institute.

LaFrance, who serves as a professor and graduate program director at WIU, is a recognized expert in project management, organizational change and business process improvement. His credentials include a Ph.D., Master of Public Administration, Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification and Certified Change Management Institute (CMI) Accredited Change Professional-Specialist designation.

The book offers a practical framework for helping professionals connect people, processes and organizational value. Drawing upon principles of appreciative inquiry and value stream optimization, Listening for Value provides tools and strategies for strengthening business acumen, enhancing communication and creating sustainable value across organizations.

Described as a resource for project managers, engineers and organizational leaders, the book explores how effective listening, relationship-building and value-focused decision-making can improve outcomes for teams and organizations alike.

"Listening for Value reflects the importance of understanding how people, processes and purpose intersect to create meaningful organizational impact," LaFrance said. "The goal is to help leaders develop stronger business acumen while fostering collaboration and communication that drives lasting value."

LaFrance's World Environment Day keynote address, "Sustainability After Closeout: Regenerative Leadership & More," is available through the Project Management Institute presentation page.

The book is available for purchase through Amazon.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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