Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving |  | Authors: Jonathan G. Koomey PhD, John P. Holdren
Publisher: Analytics Press
List Price: $34.95
Buy New: $19.67
as of 11/24/2009 04:08 CST details
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New (16) Used (8) from $18.41
Seller: a1books
Rating:  28 reviews
Sales Rank: 124905
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 2nd
Pages: 247
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 10.2 x 7.2 x 0.9
ISBN: 0970601913
Dewey Decimal Number: 153.43
EAN: 9780970601919
ASIN: 0970601913
Publication Date: April 28, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Full of tools, tricks, and tips 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 acts as 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. In addition to containing numerous updates to the contents—references, URLs, and reading lists—this second edition includes a new foreword, revised chapters, and an epilogue. 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 executives, professors, and students, this guide addresses these and other essential skills.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 28
 Good primer to problem solving November 23, 2009
J. Scott Shipman (Annandale, VA)
Professor Koomey's little book on problem solving is well done. The book is organized as if he were answering a question from a novice, "how" and Koomey takes the reader through an exhaustive and informative process. Importantly, he provides context of "what" to do before embarking. He stresses integrity of analysis, sources, data, and conclusions. Moshe Rubenstein wrote two great books on the mechanics of problem solving, but Koomey's book should be read first. Received today, read in one sitting and am certain I'll keep close by, as he provides lots of valuable tips. I plan to purchase for college age children and a couple of friends. Well-done Dr. Koomey!
 Letters to a young scientist: for numerical modelling! July 25, 2009
Surj Patel (Portland, OR)
this has got to be one of the most awesome books I have read. It goes way beyond what its title suggests and also offers insight into how a young scientist or a young professional should prepare and conduct themselves in their approaches to work. It is very much a guide that will mentor and educate the reader to approach numerical modelling in a way that actually communicates outcomes rather than be an exercise in and to itself. Highly, highly, highly recommended to both young and old.
 Basic book March 20, 2009
Trevor Burnham (Ann Arbor, MI)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
The subtitle of this book is slightly misleading. This isn't so much about problem solving as about information literacy, learning to do your research and think about the credibility of your sources. The book is presented in an enjoyable format, with very short chapters (2-4 pages) on each subject consisting of an anecdote or two, a few quotes, and perhaps a comic. It also cites a wide variety of references for readers who want to learn about the topics in greater depth.
But aside from a few enjoyable stories, this book didn't teach me anything that I hadn't already picked up by the end of college. There is a great deal of commonsensical advice, like "Next time you find yourself resisting a new idea, take a deep breath and try to see the other point of view," plus outright fluff, like "After deciding what to do, you must follow through with action" and "Science and technology are a critical part of modern life." This might be an excellent primer for high schoolers, but based on the blurbs I was expecting something more advanced.
Research better December 28, 2008
Jos Pols
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Nutshell review - The book's title leads one to believe that it is about numerical analysis techniques but it is not. The book is actually filled with tips, advice, suggestions, and so forth on getting properly organized and prepared for undertaking a research project, collecting and researching existing material, creating the analysis, charts and tables in a meaningful way and presenting and publishing ones work.
It is essentially a type of guidebook to both consuming and producing data, information and knowledge efficiently and effectively. As expected, it also contains extensive references to related books and materials for further study into the many various aspects of this process.
 Surprisingly disappointing November 29, 2008
A. Wong
10 out of 18 found this review helpful
I saw a number of positive reviews of this book and thought the book should be good. I was very disappointed after borrowing it from the library. The book rarely offered anything new or challenging. Many of the topics that the author highlighted are just common sense. Thus, a reader will walk away from the book and would not feel as if he/she had learned anything. To be fair, I did not finish the book, I finished 3/4 of it. But completing 3/4 of the book is quite a difficult task; it was quite difficult to stay awake and concentrated on the material. I felt obligated to write this review because I thought that the ratings of this book are very inaccurate and I should help potential readers from wasting their time/money. One star is the lowest rating that can be given here, but given a choice a 0 star rating would be more appropriate.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 28
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