Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving

Book Description

Mastering the art of problem solving takes more than proficiency with basic calculations; it requires understanding how people use information, recognizing the importance of ideology, learning the art of storytelling, and acknowledging the important distinction between facts and values. Intended for professors, managers, entrepreneurs, and students, this guide addresses these and other essential skills. With clear prose, quotations, and exercises for solving problems in the real world, this book serves as an ideal training manual for those who are new to or intimidated by quantitative analysis and an excellent refresher for those who have more experience but want to improve the quality of their data, the clarity of their graphics, and the cogency of their arguments.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful excursion in thinking about how to think.......2007-04-20

It is different from, and for many purposes, better than a science textbook. More than enough science books have been written, but TNIK is better because it teaches readers how to think about the data on which science is built. Its fresh approach to understanding the natural world as well as human-made systems is a noteworthy improvement over the plug-in, grind-out perspective that academic classes typically offer and that turns off students.

A great primer and reference to fall back on.......2005-11-04

While no doubt I've heard many of nuggets contained in the book over the course of my high school and college days, I found Koomey's book a pleasurable read and useful synthesis of approaches and tips for completing quality research and analyses. Internalizing Koomey's advice is going to help most readers be more discriminating consumers of published research and better authors of their own research. It's a reference source I've already gone back to myself in just a few weeks and a great training resource for new consultants my company hires.

Interesting & valuable, though philosophical > statistical .......2005-02-01

I expected the author to talk much about statistical analysis and related "technical stuff". I had been very wrong. In fact, the book can be regarded as a warning to common people about the "irrelevancy" and "inaccuracy" of data or information we encounter or process so that we can perform better analysis of on our own. As from pg 197, "of primary importance from this book are the following lessons:-"

- Don't be intimidated by anyone (esp those know-it-alls)
- Be a critical thinker
- Don't confuse what's countable with what really counts
- Get organized
- Question authority
- Dig into the numbers
- Focus on the essential
- Document, document, document
- Use the internet
- Remember that others don't care as much about your work as you do
- Synthesis follows analysis

In short, a good read. Dont miss it.

p.s. I like the following quotes from the book very much. (The author did use over 31 quotes with at least one for each chapter)

Just because I use a study to refute another study does not mean my study is right. It just means I believe it. Caveat Emptor. - Cynthia Crossen

Whether or not someone else knows it all isn't really relevant; the only thing that's relevant is what you know and what you do. - Robert Ringer

not for the technically minded.......2003-01-18

This is an entertaining and well written book on some of the do's and don'ts of data analysis. To quote from Dr. Beers review below, "The main emphasis is on the art of data interpretation." Indeed there are useful tools here for performing sanity checks and for asking critical questions about all sorts of data collections. ... The examples are, at best, sketchy and few in number. The anectodes are amusing but not terribly informative. I would have much preferred more concrete examples and further discussion on some technical matters. ....

Great treatise on critical thinking and organization.......2002-12-18

"Turning Numbers Into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving" should be required reading for anyone engaged in producing, reading, or analysing information. Based on the title one might assume that I mean numerical information, but that is not the case at all. The basic principles, such as how to sift through information and the importance of documentation of sources, are important parts of any information product. In fact, except for the sections on graphs, tables, normalizing data and a few others, the rest of the book (fully at least three quarters of it) is dedicated to determining what constitutes good information, good techniques, good analysis, good documentation, etc. This is a book on problem solving techniques and analysis of the information products of others.

Book Description

Discover the trade secrets that will make welding metal artwork easier! Welding for Arts and Crafts features 85 pages of easy-to-understand diagrams and simple, step-by-step instructions for creating some of the most attractive welded creations - from animals and yard art, to functional household items, to seasonal projects such as gift boxes, snowmen, heart-shaped tables, and more! No prior welding experience is assumed, making this book ideal for amateurs and hobbyists who want to learn how to create first-rate welded sculptures and welded furniture.

Customer Reviews:

Not very useful.......2006-04-17

I bought this book thinking it would show/describe common techniques for art related projects (some do's and dont's). Or even a bit on brazing (for welding with exotic meatals like copper and brass). Instead, it is just a step by step for several really uninspired projects. And then mostly tack welding. Not much serious welding.It does cover some very basic information on the different welding processes, but you can get that online for free. I would suggest saving up for weekend welding classes at your local community college. At least you will learn proper welding techniques from pros. You can then determine what equipment is best for you for your needs.

Welding for Arts and Crafts.......2005-08-02

I was very dissatisfied with this book. I was expecting a book that explained the idea of and how to do Arts and Crafts by welding. It gave very little information about which welder might be best and then a bunch of old outdated projects. I found this book mostly usless.

It does not hold up to the title.......2005-04-22

This book is not even close to be what the title suggests. There are just a few pages devoted to a very basic review of the various methods of welding. The rest of the book is about building projects based on welding techniques that are not explained in the book.

Not for beginners.......2004-02-13

I disagree with the editorial review's claim that no experience is required. While it is good at explaining the pros and cons of various types of welding equipment, it is mostly a craft project book. Setting up an oxy-acetylene torch with was a little intimidating for me,and this book was not helpful for that.

Not what you will expect........2003-07-11

I've reviewed this several times before, but it just never got posted. I used to feel that it was because amazon was keeping negative reviews to a minimum, but I see that others are agreeing with me now. I wish they would have posted my review years ago when I bought this. Perhaps a few people would have saved their money.

Anyways, the projects mentioned in the description are not all in the book. The heart shaped table and snowmen, for example, are not anywhere to be found. I told them about this but they never changed the description to reflect it. Not sure why. Sales reasons perhaps?

Also, if you are not a very skilled welder you won't get too far as there is no real instruction on welding. Many projects involve soldering or brazing. I've been welding for over 12 years and have never needed to do either of those to join metal.

I bought this book in 2003 and have yet to do anything with it but take it to work to show my friends how bad it was. The only project that comes to mind is lawn ornaments of dragonflies. The wings are made from hammering on disgarded MIG tips. Egad. Consider this fair warning.

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The Art Student Survival Guide
Jeffrey Otto
Manufacturer: Cengage Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1401843654

Book Description

As every professional knows, the first step to becoming a successful artist is becoming a successful art student. Written by an experienced artist and educator, The Art Student Survival Guide offers a true insider's perspective on what it takes to survive and succeed in art school. Creatively blending a mixture of one-on-one guidance, practical advice, and inspirational examples, this innovative book provides the essential tools and tips that will make the journey through art school an inspiring and ultimately very rewarding trip. Highlights include the best ways to study, how to manage relationships with peers, faculty, and advisors, tips for creative problem-solving, how to set up a studio, getting to know the “tools of the trade,” and many more useful and motivating advice. The Art Student Survival Guide establishes the work habits and attitudes that lead to a lifetime of success in a highly demanding profession.

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The book was in good condition delivery was bad!!!
Excellent review of video surveillance design and app's
Really thorough & helpfull!

CCTV for Security Professionals
Alan Matchett
Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0750673036

Book Description

CCTV for Security Professionals provides the information necessary to design the ideal CCTV system. The chapters are stand-alone sources of information on their subjects and are presented in logical sequence to guide the reader from basic principles to more complex for a complete system understanding.

In his straight-forward and informative text, Alan Matchett approaches the camera systems from the user's point of view, providing the security manager with the knowledge to discuss the system, its desired features, and the areas of design concern within the context of an organization's business model. This can prove to be invaluable when evaluating an existing system, the use and components of a given system, or in evaluating a system design proposed by a vendor.

Installers and service personnel will benefit from the functions and possibilities that are available with the various components and by gaining an understanding of their customers' needs. Newer technicians will learn how to set up the system properly, and can familiarize themselves with the technologies that go into a CCTV system.

Security equipment sales personnel will also gain a better knowledge of the customer's needs as well as learn to determine exactly what questions they should be asking the customer and what the customer's responses mean. In this manner, the book will offer invaluable tips to ensure customers get exactly what they expect in a system.

* Provides a detailed explanation of CCTV components and the technology behind analog and digital CCTV systems.
* Establishes a "common language" for security professionals, CCTV system designers and sales personnel to use as a basis for system design.
* Provides a clear explanation of the design process and design principles.

Customer Reviews:

The book was in good condition delivery was bad!!!.......2006-08-24

I order the book with expedite service, the book never arrived. But at least Amazon, responded and took care of the situation. I received the book a day before I needed and was able to work my task.

Other than the delivery problems, the book was in good conditions.

This is only one thumb up.

Excellent review of video surveillance design and app's.......2005-06-03

"CCTV for Security Professionals" does a great job of reviewing design and application guidelines for video surveillance. It is comprehensive, but not complex. The book is targeted to an audience familiar with video security requirements who desire practical guidelines, not detailed engineering checklists.

"CCTV for Security Professionals" begins with older VHS tape-based analog technologies and moves through more advanced digital disk-based applications--but the real value of the book comes from a discussion of requirements for camera selection, placement, and lighting. The book is useful as an overview as well as a reference.

Really thorough & helpfull!.......2004-12-01

It is very concise & thorough explaining the different terminologies used by different systems, pros & cons, how to plan according to the different purposes, uses, areas, locations etc.. I would highly recommend this book, for anyone to buy before planning on buying a CCTV equipment.

Landscapes Estimating & Contract Administration

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Landscapes Estimating & Contract Administration
Stephen Angley , Edward Horsey , and David Roberts
Manufacturer: Cengage Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0766825736

Book Description

"Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration" provides descriptions of various stages of a landscape project, from the feasibility study to the expiration of the guarantee period. This comprehensive guide to the landscape business presents an overall view of the process of completing a large landscape project, and helps foster an understanding of how the landscape industry works. Topics include how to create estimates, engaging in the bidding process, how to prepare contracts, how to prepare a budget, and how to utilize financial accounting.

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Practical advice for selecting adaptive control products

Techniques for Adaptive Control

Manufacturer: Butterworth-Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0750674954

Book Description

Techniques for Adaptive Control compiles chapters from a team of expert contributors that allow readers to gain a perspective into a number of different approaches to adaptive control. In order to do this, each contributor provides an overview of a particular product, how it works, and reasons why a user would want it as well as an in depth explanation of their particular method.

This is one of the latest technologies to emerge in the instrumentation and control field. These latest control methodologies offer a means to revolutionize plant and process efficiency, response time and profitability by allowing a process to be regulated by a form of rule-based AI, without human intervention.

Rather than the common academic-based approach that books on this subject generally take, the contributions here outline practical applications of adaptive control technology allowing for a real look inside the industry and the new technologies available.

* Written by a team of contributors from the industry's best-known product manufacturers and software developers
* Provides real insight into new technologies available in the industry
* Outlines practical applications of adaptive control technology

Customer Reviews:

Practical advice for selecting adaptive control products.......2002-11-10

I've been debating which of several adaptive control software products to apply to my distillation tower temperature loops. This book provided an overview of the technology behind every product I'd been considering and then some. Some of the material presented was a little too mathematical to really mean anything to me, but I got a general idea of how and why each product works. I found the introduction by the editor particularly helpful in comparing the various approaches to adaptive control. I now have a much better feel for which of the available commercial software products is likely to give me the results I want with the information I have available.

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Business Math Using Calculators
Nelda Shelton , and Sharon Burton
Manufacturer: South-Western Educational Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0538721774

Book Description

With this text and the use of a calculator, students will develop math skills they'll need on the job and in their daily lives. This text demonstrates how to use calculators in workplace computation situations. New to this edition are pretests included in each student's workbook as well as a template disk for spreadsheet applications. Business Math Using Calculators will be used as a constant reference long after the course has been completed.

501 Critical Reading Questions (Skill Builders in Focus for SAT Practice)

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501 Critical Reading Questions (Skill Builders in Focus for SAT Practice)
LearningExpress Editors
Manufacturer: LearningExpress, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576855104

Book Description

The critical reading section on standardized tests, especially the SAT 1 exam, is often cited as a trouble section for even the best test-takers. Examinees get test-targeted reading comprehension practice questions to score better with LearningExpress' series, Skill Builder in Focus. This specialized drill book provides the focused practice necessary for test-taking success. Plus, all answers are explained, using terms that clarify context, main ideas, themes, and critical thinking skills for effective studying and positive reinforcement. Almost every standardized test in verbal skills, including civil service exams, contains reading comprehension questions. Each practice consists of several passages followed by questions and answer explanations.

1001 Math Problems, 2nd Edition (Skill Builders in Practice)

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1001 Math Review
1001 Math Problems (Skill Builders Practice)

1001 Math Problems, 2nd Edition (Skill Builders in Practice)
LearningExpress Editors
Manufacturer: LearningExpress, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576855120

Book Description

Ideal for readers who need extra practice and skill reinforcement for exams. Reviews and hones skills for college and graduate school admissions exams. Also perfect for adult test-takers who need to review all the most-tested basic math concepts to score well on vocational and certification exams.

Customer Reviews:

1001 Math Review.......2000-04-30

Great for examples of practical math problems. Useful for the math solutions you forgot from high school and college!

1001 Math Problems (Skill Builders Practice).......2000-04-29

I purchased this book to help prepare my son for his written test with the local fire department. The problems start off easy but progress rapidly in difficulty for each category. It has a multiple choice format that is easy to read and understand. The answers are provided with a brief explanation on how to solve the problem or why it is correct. The book comes in a nice size with space to work out the problems. Now my son is telling me he needs one for the spelling test!

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Keys to Business Success
Martha S. Doran , Carol Carter , Joyce Bishop , and Sarah Kravits
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130133043

Book Description

This book provides readers with the necessary skills to succeed in business, and an introduction to that field. It also acknowledges the essentialness of these skills to succeed in any field, and uses real-world examples to illustrate principles. Effective business communication, basic math skills, various business concentrations, and career options, are just some of the valuable topics covered in this valuable guide to skill development . It also profiles different people in a variety of fields who serve as examples of how to achieve certain successes. For students considering a major and career in business, and anyone already in the field who wants an opportunity to examine and improve their skills.

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