Pros
The overall company Elsevier is good and has some outstanding divisions and leaders in the marketplace. Unfortunately, the Science & Technology publishing division is a set-back for the company as a whole. Here are the great things about the parent company: - Excellent benefits - Flexibility in work locations - International appeal and recognition - Brand name - Innovative products
Cons
The cons are very specific to the Science & Technology publishing group. Having exposure to many parts of the overall company, it is painfully obvious that this division does not represent it's strengths in any way. This really the fault of the management as there is some amazing talent within, but they always end up leaving because of the way the business is run. - Management (S&T) needs a complete overhaul. They make decision that seem to almost ruin the company. - Publishing practices are extremely outdated, they do things like skip copy editing to keep up with competitors, have no electronic book practices or plans, and completely outsource all production. - Progress is stifled. While many employees are talented and have great ambition and ideas, whenever these are brought to a meeting, they are immediately squelched by old school thoughts. - Publishing Committee Meetings are extremely negative and always about how nothing can be sold and we are always behind the competition. - No promotional opportunities from within. Talented employees are often overlooked and people who are incompetent and fail often seem to get promoted. This is usually due to senior manager promoting their friends with complete disregard to employees that perform. When this happens, the good people leave and then it's even worse.