Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance

Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance

Author: Mihail C. Roco

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-04-17

Total Pages: 477

ISBN-13: 9401703590

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M. C. Roco and W.S. Bainbridge In the early decades of the 21st century, concentrated efforts can unify science based on the unity of nature, thereby advancing the combination of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and new technologies based in cognitive science. With proper attention to ethical issues and societal needs, converging in human abilities, societal technologies could achieve a tremendous improvement outcomes, the nation's productivity, and the quality of life. This is a broad, cross cutting, emerging and timely opportunity of interest to individuals, society and humanity in the long term. The phrase "convergent technologies" refers to the synergistic combination of four major "NBIC" (nano-bio-info-cogno) provinces of science and technology, each of which is currently progressing at a rapid rate: (a) nanoscience and nanotechnology; (b) biotechnology and biomedicine, including genetic engineering; (c) information technology, including advanced computing and communications; (d) cognitive science, including cognitive neuroscience. Timely and Broad Opportunity. Convergence of diverse technologies is based on material unity at the nanoscale and on technology integration from that scale.


Overtourism

Overtourism

Author: Claudio Milano

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2019-06-07

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1786399822

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This book examines the evolution of the phenomenon and explores the genesis of overtourism and the system dynamics underlining it. The 'overtourism' phenomenon is defined as the excessive growth of visitors leading to overcrowding and the consequential suffering of residents, due to temporary and often seasonal tourism peaks, that lead to permanent changes in lifestyles, amenities and well- being. Enormous tensions in overtourism affected destinations have driven the intensification of policy making and scholarly attention toward seeking antidotes to an issue that is considered paradoxical and problematic. Moving beyond the 'top 10 things you can do about overtourism', this book examines the evolution of the phenomenon and explores the genesis of overtourism as well as the system dynamics underpinning it. With a rigorous scientific approach, the book uses systems-thinking and contemporary paradigms around sustainable development, resilience planning and degrowth; while considering global economic, socio-political, environmental discourses. Researchers, analysts, policy makers and industry stakeholders working within tourism as well as those within the private sector, community groups, civil society groups and NGOs will find this book an essential source of information.


The Strategic Management of Large Engineering Projects

The Strategic Management of Large Engineering Projects

Author: Roger Miller

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2001-03-12

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 9780262263511

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The book is based on an international research project that analyzed sixty LEPs, among them the Boston Harbor cleanup; the first phase of subway construction in Ankara, Turkey; a hydro dam on the Caroni River in Venezuela; and the construction of offshore oil platforms west of Flor, Norway. As the number, complexity, and scope of large engineering projects (LEPs) increase worldwide, the huge stakes may endanger the survival of corporations and threaten the stability of countries that approach these projects unprepared. According to the authors, the "front-end" engineering of institutional arrangements and strategic systems is a far greater determinant of an LEP's success than are the more tangible aspects of project engineering and management. The book is based on an international research project that analyzed sixty LEPs, among them the Boston Harbor cleanup; the first phase of subway construction in Ankara, Turkey; a hydro dam on the Caroni River in Venezuela; and the construction of offshore oil platforms west of Flor, Norway. The authors use the research results to develop an experience-based theoretical framework that will allow managers to understand and respond to the complexity and uncertainty inherent in all LEPs. In addition to managers and scholars of large-scale projects, the book will be of interest to those studying the relationship between institutions and strategy, risk management, and corporate governance in general. Contributors Bjorn Andersen, Richard Brealey, Ian Cooper, Serghei Floricel, Michel Habib, Brian Hobbs, Donald R. Lessard, Pascale Michaud, Roger Miller, Xavier Olleros


International Business and Tourism

International Business and Tourism

Author: Tim Coles

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2008-02-13

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 1134096577

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Tourism is changing. This innovative textbook examines a key international service industry in the context of globalization processes, the state, and increased individual mobility, using case studies to illustrate wider themes and key issues.


Globalisation, Transport and the Environment

Globalisation, Transport and the Environment

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2010-01-12

Total Pages: 278

ISBN-13: 9264072918

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This book looks in detail at how globalisation has affected activity levels in maritime shipping, aviation, and road and rail freight, and assesses the impact that changes in activity levels have had on the environment.


Policy and Planning for Large Infrastructure Projects

Policy and Planning for Large Infrastructure Projects

Author: Bent Flyvbjerg

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13:

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Abstract: "This paper focuses on problems and their causes and cures in policy and planning for large infrastructure projects. First, it identifies as the main problem in major infrastructure development pervasive misinformation about the costs, benefits, and risks involved. A consequence of misinformation is massive cost overruns, benefit shortfalls, and waste. Second, the paper explores the causes of misinformation and finds that political-economic explanations best account for the available evidence: planners and promoters deliberately misrepresent costs, benefits, and risks in order to increase the likelihood that it is their projects, and not the competition's, that gain approval and funding. This results in the "survival of the unfittest," where often it is not the best projects that are built, but the most misrepresented ones. Finally, the paper presents measures for reforming policy and planning for large infrastructure projects, with a focus on better planning methods and changed governance structures, the latter being more important."--World Bank web site.


Aviation Policy Framework

Aviation Policy Framework

Author: Great Britain: Department for Transport

Publisher: The Stationery Office

Published: 2013-03-22

Total Pages: 88

ISBN-13: 9780101858427

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In July 2012, the Government consulted on its strategy for aviation, the draft Aviation Policy Framework. This final Aviation Policy Framework will fully replace the 2003 Air Transport White Paper (Cm.6046, ISBN 9780101604628) on aviation, alongside Government decisions following the recommendations of the Independent Airports Commission, established September 2012. The Aviation Policy Framework is underpinned by two core principles: (i) Collaboration: achieved by working together with industry, regulators, experts, local communities to identify workable solutions; (ii) Transparency: decision making based on clear, independent information and processes. The Framework Policy covers the following areas: (1) Supporting growth and benefits of aviation; (2) Managing aviation's environmental impacts, such as climate change and noise pollution; (3) The role of the Airports Commission; (4) Other aviation objectives, including: protecting passenger' rights; competition and regulation policy; airspace; safety; security and planning.


Crimes Committed by Terrorist Groups

Crimes Committed by Terrorist Groups

Author: Mark S. Hamm

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 1437929591

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This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Examines terrorists¿ involvement in a variety of crimes ranging from motor vehicle violations, immigration fraud, and mfg. illegal firearms to counterfeiting, armed bank robbery, and smuggling weapons of mass destruction. There are 3 parts: (1) Compares the criminality of internat. jihad groups with domestic right-wing groups. (2) Six case studies of crimes includes trial transcripts, official reports, previous scholarship, and interviews with law enforce. officials and former terrorists are used to explore skills that made crimes possible; or events and lack of skill that the prevented crimes. Includes brief bio. of the terrorists along with descriptions of their org., strategies, and plots. (3) Analysis of the themes in closing arguments of the transcripts in Part 2. Illus.


Aviation and Airport Security

Aviation and Airport Security

Author: Kathleen Sweet

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2008-12-23

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13: 1439894736

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The Definitive Handbook on Terrorist Threats to Commercial Airline and Airport SecurityConsidered the definitive handbook on the terrorist threat to commercial airline and airport security, USAF Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen Sweet‘s seminal resource is now updated to include an analysis of modern day risks. She covers the history of aviation security


Large Infrastructure Projects in Germany

Large Infrastructure Projects in Germany

Author: Genia Kostka

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-05-23

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13: 3319292331

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This book presents an analysis of why some large infrastructure projects are delayed or compromised and offers important insights into the better delivery of future projects. It provides an important reaction to the ambitious €315 billion investment plan devised by the European Commission, wherein Europe's infrastructure is a key investment target. Germany is adopted as a focus, as Europe's largest economy, and a nation that has seen significant delays and tensions in the delivery of key infrastructure projects. The contributions to this volume demonstrate various patterns for infrastructure assets and illustrate how factors such as poor project governance, early planning mistakes, inappropriate risk management and unforeseen technological challenges influence delivery. The in-depth case studies on the Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, and offshore wind parks show how project delivery can face massive problems, and illuminating solutions are offered to these problems. Overall, the case of Germany also offers the opportunity to assess various new forms of project delivery, such as public-private partnerships (PPP), and the risks and opportunities of ambitious first-mover 'pioneer' projects. The book will be of great interest for scholars and upper-level students of human geography, business and management, as well as policy makers.