E-grāmata: Modeling Human System Interaction - Philosophical and Methodological Considerations, with Examples: Philosophical and Methodological Considerations, with Examples [Wiley Online]

This book provides an overview of the rational and pragmatic reasons for modeling in the human-technology system, including the various pitfalls and difficulties, and also discusses models and tradeoffs for large-scale societal systems. Following the introduction, the first four chapters of the book are devoted to examining the considerations in rational modeling in any field of science or engineering. A distinction is made between denotation (as required in science) and connotation (as common in the arts) in representing something in a useful way. Chapter 5 is a transition chapter that describes various forms of representation that a model can take, with examples. Chapters 6-9 provide examples of specific models that fit each of the four stages of human-system interaction mentioned above. In these four chapters, the gist of each model is first described with words only, and then with brief relevant mathematics for those interested. In both cases the intent is to provide at least the most important elements of the model, with references cited for further reading about that particular model. Chapter 10 discusses several categories of major societal issues, particularly with respect to analyzing trade-off relationships.