Systems, Experts, and Computers: The Systems Approach in Management and Engineering, World War II and After (Dibner Institute Studies in the History of Science and Technology)

ISBN 10: 0262516047 / ISBN 13: 9780262516044

Published by The MIT Press, 2011

About this Item

PRISTINE CONDITION: A 'Like New' copy of 'Systems, Experts, and Computers: The Systems Approach in Management and Engineering, World War II and After (Dibner Institute Studies in the History of Science and Technology)'. No highlighting, markings, or spine creases. Ideal for students, researchers, and professional libraries.

Used - like new. Ships from the USA.

After World War II, a systems approach to solving complex problems and managing complex systems came into vogue among engineers, scientists, and managers, fostered in part by the diffusion of digital computing power. Enthusiasm for the approach peaked during the Johnson administration, when it was applied to everything from military command and control systems to poverty in American cities. Although its failure in the social sphere, coupled with increasing skepticism about the role of technology and "experts" in American society, led to a retrenchment, systems methods are still part of modern managerial practice.This groundbreaking book charts the origins and spread of the systems movement. It describes the major players including RAND, MITRE, Ramo-Wooldrige (later TRW), and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis--and examines applications in a wide variety of military, government, civil, and engineering settings. The book is international in scope, describing the spread of systems thinking in France and Sweden. The story it tells helps to explain engineering thought and managerial practice during the last sixty years.

Seller Inventory # B530_51_5

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Systems, Experts, and Computers: The Systems Approach in Management and Engineering, World War II and After (Dibner Institute Studies in the History of Science and Technology)
• Publisher: The MIT Press
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0262516047
• ISBN 13: 9780262516044
• Binding: Softcover
• Condition: Fine

About this title

Synopsis

This groundbreaking book charts the origins and spread of the systems movement.

About the Author

Thomas P. Hughes is Professor of the History and Sociology of Science at the University of Pennsylvania.