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Title: The Warning Solution : Intelligent Analysis in the Age of Information Overload by Kristan J. Wheaton ISBN: 0-916159-30-2 Publisher: Afcea Intl Pr Pub. Date: April, 2001 Format: Hardcover List Price(USD): $19.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.75 (8 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Info & approach have wide application
Comment: Although written by an intelligence professional, this amazing book contains an approach to analyzing, assessing and distilling data into usable information that is applicable to any industry or job.
The theme of the book is how to discern salient information from barrage of data, and how to effectively present and use that information to best advantage. However, two thirds of the book is devoted to collection and analysis - which is as it should be since any failures at those points in the process are going to lead to the wrong conclusions. Among this book's best features are:
- A full, effective process is outlined in detail in 88 pages. Considering the complexity of the subject and scope of the book, most authors will use that many pages for introductory material.
- Use of realistic case studies and personal anecdotes reinforce what is dull material by its nature. One story that sticks in my mind is how the author and colleague managed to accurately profile a Balkans leader through their combined knowledge of history, culture and other subtle factors.
- Effective use of graphics to illustrate concepts. There are not many graphics in the book, but those that have been included conveyed complex information that would have taken pages to explain.
As some have noted the writing is uneven. Some passages are bogged down in near bureaucratic jargon, while others sparkle. In spite of this, the book reads like a brisk report and is evidence of the author's years of writing and delivering briefs.
I've had this book for over a year, and it is one that I've recommended to colleagues, and one that has deeply influence me as a consultant and IT analyst. In fact, this book is among the top ten books I own. If you work with data and information in any capacity and in any industry this book will give you skills and a process-oriented approach to cope with the data smog and information barrage.
Rating: 3
Summary: Too Much of a Good Thing
Comment: While the subject matter is as important and noteworthy as other reviewers have stated, Mr. Wheaton's prose rambles with much repition and glib remarks passed off as wisdom. The book showcases the depth of the author's experience in the Balkans, but the one case study where he deviates from this theme, the debacle surrounding Intel's initial Pentium CPU chip release, is shallow and appears to be written with no input from people who were directly involved.
The biggest problem behind this book is its size and format. No one but those who all ready agree with the principals and practice intelligence analysis will ever bother to pick up this book. The author would have done better to either:
a. cut out the fluff and write a tight essay/article that could have been presented in magazines read by executives, or
b. gather together multiple authors with various professional backgrounds to build a more complete, in-depth text book with many more examples and practical exercises to be used by business colleges and military academies.
AFCEA International Press also did Mr. Wheaton no favors by producing one of the most poorly proofread books I have ever read.
Rating: 5
Summary: The perfect book for the perfect time
Comment: The perfect book for the perfect time. The Warning Solution is a book divided in two parts that provides intelligence professionals and researchers essential tools to be employed in today's information saturated environment. This book is about teaching people how to find needed information in a timely and effective manner in order to develop, or support, a decision making process.
Divided in two parts the book first identifies, in a very succinct and effective manner, current problems (The Warning Problem) in handling massive amounts of information from several different perspectives. Those perspectives are from the points of view of a collector of data, an analyst and a decision maker.
The second part of the book focuses on the "Warning Solution" by providing one critical thinking strategies; elements of analysis and how to analyze; and finally how to develop, staff and run an effective intelligence section within your organization.
The fact the book teaches you how to analyze data and develop information into intelligence "walks the walk" in an easy to use guide of ONLY 89 pages holds true to the intelligence concept of providing usable intelligence is a timely, concise and pertinent manner.
An excellent side note about this book, is that a very blunt and honest description of fundamental intelligence capabilities and operations is provided to the user of intelligence and intelligence related information. In other words, the unit commanders, organization leaders and key decision makers are candidly explained what makes up a good intelligence organization; who's responsible for the efficient production and quality of intelligence; and, how to develop assess the effectiveness of your unit's intelligence section.
This book focuses on the basics, but also addresses advanced analytical concepts for beginners or experts alike. This is a must read.
I've served, and continue to serve, in the intelligence community for a number of years now. Supported intelligence operations throughout several areas of the world. I skim and read through over four thousand email messages, alone, monthly. I cannot recommend a better book to keep my mind focused on my mission to provide decision makers the information they need to benefit our organization.
GySgt X, USMC, Intelligence Plans Chief/ Asst. Intelligence Operations Chief
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