Turning Numbers into Knowledge, 2^nd Ed.

Mastering the Art of Problem Solving

Jonathan G. Koomey

Publisher: Analytics Press, 2008 , 245 pages

ISBN: 978-0970601926

Synopsis:

Toggle Synopsis

The world keeps getting more complex, but becoming a better problem solver can help you make sense of it all. In this readable and entertaining book, an award-winning scientist teaches you how to apply practical problem-solving skills to life and work.

Table of Contents:

Toggle Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Information Explosion
• Part I: Things to Know
  1. Beginner's Mind
  2. Don't Be Intimidated
  3. Information, Intention, and Action
  4. Peer Review and Scientific Discovery
• Part II: Be Prepared
  5. Explore Your Ideology
  6. Get Organized
  7. Establish a Filing System
  8. Build a Toolbox
  9. Put Facts at Your Fingertips
  10. Value Your Time
• Part III: Assess Their Analysis
  11. The Power of Critical Thinking
  12. Numbers Aren't Everything
  13. All Numbers Are Not Created Equal
  14. Question Authority
  15. How Guesses Become Facts
  16. Don't Believe Everything You Read
  17. Go Back to the Questions
  18. Reading Tables and Graphs
  19. Distinguish Facts from Values
  20. The Uncertainty Principle and the Mass Media
• Part IV:Create Your Analysis
  21. Reflect
  22. Get Unstuck
  23. Inquire
  24. Be a Detective
  25. Create Consistent Comparisons
  26. Tell a Good Story
  27. Dig into the Numbers
  28. Make a Model
  29. Reuse Old Envelopes
  30. Use Forecasts with Care
  31. Hear All Sides
• Part V: Show Your Stuff
  32. Know Your Audience
  33. Document, Document, Document
  34. Let the Tables and Graphs Do the Work
  35. Create Compelling Graphs and Figures
  36. Create Good Templates
  37. Use Numbers Effectively in Oral Oresentations
  38. Use the Internet
  39. Share and Share Alike
• Conclusion: Creating the Future
• Epilogue: Some Parting Thoughts