Analytical Planning: The Organization of Systems deals with systems and planning and suggests a methodological tool for integrating the two. This book presents the basic ideas behind complexity, systems, hierarchies, and prioritization and describes planning as a unique form of decision making with illustrations of some prominent philosophical and methodological approaches. It highlights some shortcomings of traditional approaches to planning and shows how these can be addressed by the systems approach. This monograph consists of seven chapters and opens with a discussion on the nature of complexity and describes an approach that facilitates the use of creativity and experience to structure complex problems. The next chapter explains the rationale for systems thinking and how reductionism works. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is then considered, along with its relationship to some of the properties of systems. The remaining chapters focus on ways of thinking about planning and philosophies of planning; strategic planning; and the applicability of the Analytic Hierarchy Process to benefit-cost analysis and resource allocation. This book is intended for managers, decision makers, and planners, as well as researchers and practitioners in applied mathematics and computer science.
A review of models and methods applicable to Corps of Engineers urban studies projects / Jerry W. Brown -- Implementation of the Corp's inland navigation systems analysis program / DuWayne A. Koch -- Making effective use of analytical methods in planning / Douglass B. Lee, Jr. -- A technique for optimization of multiple-purpose reservoir projects / Paul E. Jensen -- HEC-5C, a simulation model for system formulation and evaluation / Bill S. Eichert -- A selective review of United States interindustry models and applications / E.M. Lofting -- Optimizing components of urban flood control systems / Darryl W. Davis -- A stochastic approach to impact assessment / Harvey C. Walker -- Analysis of alternatives for Sand and Toll Gate Creeks, Colorado using the flood plain management simulator / John E. Velehradsky and David Gjesdahl -- Design function and application of the St. Louis SMSA land use model / Richard Rodakowski -- Alternative systems for computer mapping and automating geographic information / Jack Dangermond -- Developing regional water supplies: a case study of some analytical planning methods / Paul E. Pronovost.
Urban and Regional Planning Series, Volume 13: Transportation Planning, Policy and Analysis is a review of selected policies affecting the administration, urban transportation, and proposals regarding transport improvements. The book discusses the inter-relationship of transport policy and analysis of transportation planning. The text outlines the development of transportation planning considering the constraints placed upon studies made in the transportation system. The author describes the planning process as evolving, with the nature of the problem changing along with the passing of time. The author reviews the administrative framework and the polices affecting urban traffic and public transports. He evaluates the policy-decision mechanisms influenced by ""maximization subject to constraint."" The author then presents some mathematical simulation models of transport, and then emphasizes that actual testing and experimentation of a model are needed to overcome any cardinal weaknesses. The book also cites the SELNEC and Tyneside studies where their major component is on road expenditure, which studies regarded as not very cost-effective. The author then cites legislations and development proposals that transportation plans should be integrated with land use planning and traffic systems. The author also discusses why developments in transport planning analysis is a political decision. City administrators, officials of traffic and engineering departments and bureaus, civil engineers, and urban developers will find this book of interest.
There are a limited number of intelligence analysis books available on the market. Intelligence Analysis Fundamentals is an introductory, accessible text for college level undergraduate and graduate level courses. While the principles outlined in the book largely follow military intelligence terminology and practice, concepts are presented to correlate with intelligence gathering and analysis performed in law enforcement, homeland security, and corporate and business security roles. Most of the existing texts on intelligence gathering and analysis focus on specific types of intelligence such as ‘target centric’ intelligence, and many of these, detail information from a position of prior knowledge. In other words, they are most valuable to the consumer who has a working-level knowledge of the subject. The book is general enough in nature that a lay student—interested in pursuing a career in intelligence, Homeland Security, or other related areas of law enforcement—will benefit from it. No prior knowledge of intelligence analysis, functions, or operations is assumed. Chapters illustrate methods and techniques that, over the years, have consistently demonstrate results, superior to those achieved with other means. Chapters describe such analytical methods that are most widely used in the intelligence community and serve as recognized standards and benchmarks in the practice of intelligence analysis. All techniques have been selected for inclusion for their specific application to homeland security, criminal investigations, and intelligence operations. Uses numerous hands-on activities—that can easily be modified by instructors to be more or less challenging depending on the course level—to reinforce concepts As current and active members of the intelligence community, the authors draw on their decades of experience in intelligence to offer real-world examples to illustrate concepts All methodologies reflect the latest trends in the intelligence communities assessment, analysis, and reporting processes with all presented being open source, non-classified information As such, the non-sensitive information presented is appropriate—and methods applicable—for use for education and training overseas and internationally Military-style collection and analysis methods are the primary ones presented, but all are directly correlated intelligence to current concepts, functions and practices within Homeland Security and the law communities Covers the counterterrorism environment where joint operations and investigative efforts combine military, private sector, and law enforcement action and information sharing The book will be a welcome addition to the body of literature available and a widely used reference for professionals and students alike.
This book presents applications of the Analytic Hierarchy Process developed by Thomas L. Saaty to deal with unstructured decision problems, together with case histories developed by him and in collaboration with others in areas of current societal concern. Its purpose is to provide the reader with examples of how to deal with unstructured problems, particularly ones involving socio economic and political issues with qualitative and intangible factors. These examples show how to use judgment and experience to analyze a com plex decision problem by combining its qualitative and quantitative aspects in a single framework and generating a set of priorities for alternative courses of action. The process has inherent flexibilities in structuring a problem and in taking diverse judgments from people, whether singly, in a group working together, or by questionnaire. Decisionmakers will profit from this approach. It makes accessible to them a framework for understanding the complexity of the system they are in as it impinges on the surrounding environment. To deal with complexity, we must first understand it. Systems thinking is necessary if all the important factors are to be considered. Complex systems problems can challenge and tax our logical capability to fully understand their causes and the consequences of any action we may take to solve them. Neverthe less, in time their effects on us tend to become better known than their causes.
Drive maximum business value from digital analytics, web analytics, site analytics, and business intelligence! In Building a Digital Analytics Organization, pioneering expert Judah Phillips thoroughly explains digital analytics to business practitioners, and presents best practices for using it to reduce costs and increase profitable revenue throughout the business. Phillips covers everything from making the business case through defining and executing strategy, and shows how to successfully integrate analytical processes, technology, and people in all aspects of operations. This unbiased and product-independent guide is replete with examples, many based on the author's own extensive experience. Coverage includes: key concepts; focusing initiatives and strategy on business value, not technology; building an effective analytics organization; choosing the right tools (and understanding their limitations); creating processes and managing data; analyzing paid, owned, and earned digital media; performing competitive and qualitative analyses; optimizing and testing sites; implementing integrated multichannel digital analytics; targeting consumers; automating marketing processes; and preparing for the revolutionary "analytical economy." For all business practitioners interested in analytics and business intelligence in all areas of the organization.
