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Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving Paperback – April 28, 2008

by Jonathan G. Koomey PhD (Author), John P. Holdren (Foreword)
3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 57 ratings
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Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving
Turning Numbers into Knowledge: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving
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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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Previous page
  1. Print length
    247 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Analytics Press
  4. Publication date
    April 28, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    7 x 0.6 x 10 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0970601921
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0970601926
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"There is nothing else like this book out there. Nobody who deals with problems where numbers matter — and everybody in today’s world really needs to — should be without it."  —John P. Holdren, past president, American Association for the Advancement of Science, from the Foreword

"A lively, well-written, attractively packaged book on the art of critical thinking."  —Skeptical Inquirer

"Dr. Koomey's book deserves to be widely read and shared, especially by those who take seriously the fragile yet critical role of an informed citizenry in increasingly complex democratic societies."  —Professor Michael Maniates, Allegheny College

About the Author

Jonathan G. Koomey, PhD, is a project scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and a consulting professor at Stanford University. He is the coauthor of seven books, including Winning the Oil Endgame, and has been featured in Barron's, Financial Times, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. He has also appeared on Nova, Frontline, NPR, BBC radio, CNBC, the California Report, and Tech Nation. He lives in Oakland, California. John P. Holdren is the director of the Woods Hole Research Center, the Teresa and John Heinz Professor of Environmental Policy at the Kennedy School of Government, a professor of environmental science and policy at Harvard University, and a professor emeritus of energy and resources at the University of California–Berkeley. He is also the former president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He lives in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Analytics Press; 2nd edition (April 28, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 247 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0970601921
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0970601926
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.6 x 10 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 57 ratings

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Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
3.8 out of 5
57 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

James B. Rake
5.0 out of 5 stars Problem Solved
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
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Book is in excellent shape. Wrapped and shipped in excellent fashion - easy and seamless transaction.
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J. Scott Shipman
4.0 out of 5 stars Good primer to problem solving
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2009
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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!
2 people found this helpful
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Trevor Burnham
3.0 out of 5 stars Basic book
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2009
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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.
42 people found this helpful
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John M. Ford
5.0 out of 5 stars The Second Book on Research for Every Researcher
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2008
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Every researcher's first reference book is a comprehensive treatment of the methods, designs and analysis strategies needed for their discipline. This book is a complement rather than a substitute for such a basic research reference. It covers the tactics, organizational strategies--even attitudes--that are needed on a practical level to get research done.

I suggest using this book to do a quick "needs analysis" of your research style. Turn to the Preface and read through the annotated table of contents to identify the research tactic you most need to improve. (Mine was "Establish a Filing System.") You can assimilate the corresponding chapter in a few minutes and begin improving your skills.

With 38 different chapters covering topics that range from overcoming "Beginner's Mind" to "Use the Internet" there is something for every researcher. I can envision an undergraduate research methods professor leading beginning researchers through a needs assessment discussion and assigning them to both remediate their top weakness and sharpen their top strength--knowing all the time that many will be enticed into reading most of the other chapters, too. (I can also imagine a surly senior professor hurling it at his new research assistant with "Don't bother me until you have read this!" I suppose that teaching strategy would work, too. But I won't recommend it.)

The chapters are well organized and easy to learn from. Resources include both recommended books for in-depth exploration of each topic and a large number of relevant web sites for fast-click discovery. The book's own web site is a great place to start.

A great resource to sharpen your research abilities and an enjoyable read, this book is worth its place on your bookshelf.
3 people found this helpful
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Sven Vermeulen
2.0 out of 5 stars Just kicking open doors
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2009
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This book deserves some merit as a summary of important ideas. Nevertheless it is not worth the investment of money and time because the ideas of the author are as obvious and repetitive as it gets. It is not by saying to think critically or to document your research that you can justify to publish a book and to call it 'turning numbers into knowledge'.
6 people found this helpful
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IcePatrol
5.0 out of 5 stars TNIK: For scientists & non-scientists alike
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2002
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I began to enjoy the book almost from the very beginning, the writing style is easy to follow, and its explanations are straight to the point.
Non-scientists & scientists alike will find useful:
1) the methods and ideas for analyzing and testing for plausibility the everyday information encountered in the media,
pointers to finding logical flaws in arguments, and common tricks used by presenters in order to be ambiguous or downright deceptive.
2) simple methods of keeping facts at your fingertips
3) the chapters on life improvement and work-efficiency which made this book pay for itself in a matter of days.
4) helpful links to the Internet and to other books.
Scientists and Engineers in particular will find useful
· The back-of-the-envelope numerical methods. Many sci/engs do not use them enough.
· The description of the scientific process, of which they are (often unconsciously) a part.
· Suggestions on efficient, non-sloppy data analysis. The examples on data analysis are somewhat geared to the field of Energy Analysis, but easy to understand and generalize; in the process I learnt something about that field.
· suggestions for clear, concise presentation of text and figures during presentation of results.
This is also a good book to lend to a student intern or new employee to teach them back of the envelope statistical methods, how to get organized, and good habits, both organizational and data-analysis wise.
12 people found this helpful
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Rob Kirk
4.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting read although it contains some dated material
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2014
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I actually enjoyed this book for one reason, it makes you think about how you can become a more credible and useful resource for information. This book is a bit dated in the internet sense but the author gives some great advice on how to use graphs and research to help build your presentations. I'm in business school now and the authors advice on using the resources and citations from the internet are quite interesting. Consumer of information, beware. In summary, a very good book.
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Milko Volanti
1.0 out of 5 stars Useless
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2010
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easy book...and useless! Full of platitudes. A strange mix of Theory and Practice that do not provide you any value added. The content does not meet the expectations.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2016
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Perfect, thank you. No Issues to report
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Horace McPherson
5.0 out of 5 stars For Your Analytic Mind
Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2012
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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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Prairy Earth
5.0 out of 5 stars Make more out of the numbers driving your business
Reviewed in Canada on September 30, 2016
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Every manager working today should try to read a few books on the topic of leveraging numbers that drive a business into actions rather than simply using them as facts. This book is probably the defacto reference book on the topic. The author has taken a relatively dry topic, and made it come alive in his writing. I would highly recommend this book or future editions of it.
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Stephen
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2015
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Love it. Great book.
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