Some Suggested Readings
Our Suggested Reading list identifies technology related books and articles that our staff has selected. We hope that they prove to be as interesting and thought-provoking for you as they have been for us.
When Technology Fails: Significant Technological Disasters, Accidents, and Failures of the Twentieth Century by Neil Schlager
This fascinating new book chronicles such significant twentieth-century technological failures as the Hindenburgh, Love Canal, the Challenger, and thalidomide. Assisted by contributing editor Leonard Bruno, senior science specialist at the Library of Congress, and several distinguished advisers, Schlager has compiled entries on 103 technological disasters in a wide variety of fields. Entries were written by contributors who are experts in science, architecture, and engineering or journalists who specialize in technological subjects.
Trust Us, We're Experts: How Industry Manipulates Science and Gambles With Your Future by Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber
.
"Rampton and Stauber explode the cult of expertise and show how easily the media and their readers can be misled by public-relations claims masquerading as science. This book makes the best case I know for complete disclosure of the financial conflicts of interest of scientists and the corporate influence on university research." -- Sheldon Krimsky, professor of urban and environmental policy, Tufts University, and author of Hormonal Chaos
Taking Technical Risks: How Innovators, Managers, and Investors Manage Risk in High-Tech Innovations by Lewis M. Branscomb and Philip E. Auerswald
"Taking Technical Risks provides a unique description of the many scientific and technical risks new companies face, the challenges that exist, and how they can be managed. The book is excellent reading for anyone interested in the process of bringing technology from the lab to the marketplace." -- Robert S. Langer, Germeshausen Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Recipient of the Lemelson-MIT Prize for invention and innovation and holder of 350 patents.
Lethal Arrogance: Human Fallibility and Dangerous Technologies by Lloyd J. Dumas
"Supported by a formidable list of recorded mishaps and using his powerful analytical skills, Lloyd Dumas details for us not only the growing risks our technological advances have spawned, but also how to minimize them. Lethal Arrogance is a sobering yet hopeful book for all to read." -- Kosta Tsipis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Technology Management Handbook by Richard C. Dorf
Written from the technical manager's perspective and written for technologists who are managers, The Technology Management Handbook outlines information on management science and practice applying to all aspects of the production and operation of technical components and systems.
Bayesian Data Analysis by Andrew Gelmen, et.al.
Incorporating new and updated information, this second edition of THE bestselling text in Bayesian data analysis continues to emphasize practice over theory, describing how to conceptualize, perform, and critiques statistical analysis from a Bayesian perspective. Includes material on how Bayesian methods are connected to other approaches, current models for Bayesian data analysis such as equation models and generalized linear mixed models. The book is an introductory text and a reference for working scientists.
The Art of M&A Due Diligence: Navigating Critical Steps and Uncovering Data by A. R. Lajoux, et.al.
This book is a question and answer resource that focuses on the most critical steps in conducting due diligence (focusing on the M&A process but with general applicability). Drawing on the experience of 100 experts, Lajoux shows non-lawyers how to navigate due diligence and how to uncover data that can break a deal. Featuring global perspectives and special insights for small businesses, manufacturers, and service companies, this book should be useful to everyone involved in due diligence and M&As.
Super Crunchers: Why Thinking-by-Numbers Is the New Way to Be Smart by Ian Ayres
The recent creation of huge data sets allows knowledgeable individuals to make previously impossible predictions. This book is designed to “educate” readers about the basics of statistics and hypothesis testing, and addresses the question as to whether statistical methods are more accurate than the more intuitive conclusions drawn by experts.
Greetings, Carbon-Based Bipeds by Arthur C. Clark
This book is a collection of Clark's non-fiction works showing how science has expanded exponentially during the 20th century. While warning of the social challenges these changes entail, it also reveals Clark's "unceasing dedication to and belief in the power of human curiosity."