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Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving
 
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Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving [Hardcover]

Jonathan G. Koomey PhD (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)

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Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving 4.8 out of 5 stars (18)
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Review

"As information becomes ever cheaper, Dr. Koomey's book becomes ever more valuable. Masterful!" -- Erik Brynjolfsson, professor, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Both practical and philosophical, Koomey's work gives readers the skills to extract, communicate, and most importantly to understand knowledge embodied in numbers." -- Eric Bergman, Ph.D., Sun Microsystems

"This outstanding book teaches the tricks of analytical trade. There's no better guide to learning how to use numbers to understand the world." -- Art Rosenfeld, commissioner, California Energy Commission

A great tool for improving your own use of numbers AND for seeing through the smoke screens of others. -- Lee Schipper, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, International Energy Agency

Here at last is the definitive guide for beating information overload. This remarkable book will empower both professionals and neophytes. -- Professor John Harte, Energy and Resources Group, University of California, Berkeley

This book is a terrific resource for students, and an essential aid for researchers, from undergraduates on up. Required reading! -- Professor Eban Goodstein, Department of Economics, Lewis and Clark College

This splendidly clear and concise introduction to the craft should be a foundation of every student's apprenticeship. -- Amory B. Lovins, Co-CEO (Research), Rocky Mountain Institute

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.
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Customer Reviews

18 Reviews
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4.8 out of 5 stars (18 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars not for the technically minded, Jan 17 2003
By 
Kevin Hartnett (Huntsville, Alabama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving (Hardcover)
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. ....
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Among the most influential books I've read, May 13 2002
By 
Mike Tarrani "Jazz Drummer" (Deltona, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving (Hardcover)
I was expecting a book about quantitative methods and advanced problem solving techniques. What I got, instead, was a book that didn't even discuss numbers until page 111 of a 221 page book, and it was lite on problem solving techniques. Although it was not what I expected it turned out to be one of those rare books that deeply influences and provides fresh perspectives. The book led me on a journey that broke the process of critical thinking into manageable steps. Among the things I learned were:

* Examine key factors, such as information, attention and action within the context of a cycle of actions that begins with goals, and moves through execution, how events in the external world influence the meeting of those goals, an evaluation and refinement of goals. Then the process starts anew.

* Structured methods for getting organized. The techniques given are simple, yet powerful.How to collect and critically analyze data and information, common fallacies and how to spot them. Two of my favorite parts that reinforce these are then single-page chart titled "What Scientists Say, and What They Mean", and Chapter 20 (Uncertainty Principle and the Mass Media).

* The straightforward process of numerical analysis, using relatively simple math techniques to make sense of numbers and turn them into knowledge, is priceless. What makes this part of the book valuable is that the author integrates the preceding chapters that lead you to a critical thinking mindset with common sense and techniques that are within the grasp of high school students. It looks easy, but is testimony to the author's exceptional ability to communicate and inspire.

Overall this book is one of my personal favorites and one that I recommend to colleagues. Another book that complements this one nicely is Systems Thinking: Managing Chaos and Complexity by Jamshid Gharajedaghi.

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5.0 out of 5 stars For Your Analytic Mind, April 6 2012
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This review is from: Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving (Paperback)
I thought this book would be about quantitative approaches to solving problems. However, the author brilliantly weaved in a lot of common sense and practical advice on how to approach your professional and/or vocational endeavors. The chapter titles alone tells the story;

1. Don't be intimidated by anyone
2. Be a critical thinker
3. Don't confuse what's countable with what really counts
4. Get Organized
5. Question Authority
6. Dig into the numbers
7. Focus on the essential
8. Document, document, document
9. Use the internet
10. Remember that others don't care as much about your work as you do
11. Synthesis follows Analysis

The book is a great tool for analysts and anyone of influence. Jonathan Koomey, truly walks you through the steps for mastering the art of problem solving.
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