Turning Numbers Into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem SolvingFull of tools, tricks, and tips for solving problems in the real world and making independent judgments about the numerical assertions of others, 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. |
Contents
Body p 1 Introduction | 1 |
Things to know | 3 |
Beginners mind | 5 |
Dont be intimidated | 7 |
Information intention and action | 9 |
Peer review and scientific discovery | 22 |
Be prepared | 29 |
Explore your ideology | 31 |
Inquire | 99 |
Be a detective | 102 |
Create consistent comparisons | 105 |
Tell a good story | 107 |
Dig into the numbers | 111 |
Make a model | 125 |
Reuse old envelopes | 129 |
Use forecasts with care | 136 |
Get organized | 34 |
Establish a filing system | 38 |
Build a toolbox | 41 |
Put facts at your fingertips | 44 |
Value your time | 52 |
Assess their analysis | 57 |
The power of critical thinking | 59 |
Numbers arent everything | 62 |
All numbers are not created equal | 65 |
Question authority | 68 |
How guesses become facts | 73 |
Dont believe everything you read | 76 |
Go back to the questions | 81 |
Reading tables and graphs | 84 |
Distinguish facts from values | 87 |
The uncertainty principle and the mass media | 90 |
Create your analysis | 93 |
Reflect | 95 |
Get unstuck | 97 |
Hear all sides | 143 |
Show your stuff | 145 |
Know your audience | 147 |
Document document document | 149 |
Let the tables and graphs do the work | 161 |
Create compelling graphs and figures | 166 |
Create good tables | 177 |
Use numbers effectively in oral presentations | 186 |
Use the Internet | 189 |
Share and share alike | 201 |
Creating the future | 209 |
Some parting thoughts | 213 |
Further reading | 223 |
Notes | 241 |
245 | |
Back jacket flap | 249 |
Back cover | 250 |
Other editions - View all
Turning Numbers Into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving Jon Koomey Limited preview - 2008 |
Turning Numbers Into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving Jon Koomey No preview available - 2008 |
Common terms and phrases
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