The Metrics of Science and Technology

(Hardback)

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Dr. Geisler's far-reaching, unique book provides an encyclopedic compilation of the key metrics to measure and evaluate the impact of science and technology on academia, industry, and government. Focusing on such items as economic measures, patents, peer review, and other criteria, and supported by an extensive review of the literature, Dr. Geisler gives a thorough analysis of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in metric design, and in the use of the specific metrics he cites. His book has already received prepublication attention, and will prove especially valuable for academics in technology management, engineering, and science policy; industrial R&D executives and policymakers; government science and technology policymakers; and scientists and managers in government research and technology institutions. Geisler maintains that the application of metrics to evaluate science and technology at all levels illustrates the variety of tools we currently possess. Each metric has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, but overall, metrics offer the best possible way to evaluate science and technology. He then finds that in general, science and technology have a positive effect on the human experience. Truly state of the art in the study of the metrics of science and technology, their outcomes and contributions to society and the economy, the book provides unique analyses of the academic world and its most useful metrics: the industrial science/technology research and development complex, and the government network of laboratories. For each, Geisler gives a comprehensive analysis of the main metrics and their best applications. His book is thus also usable in certain advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and seminars that treat technology and engineering management, project management in technology industries, and the evaluation of social and economic programs.

Reviews

"What a monumental effort! This book should be on the shelf of every person involved in the performance, management, administration, acquisition, evaluation, and oversight of S&T. After an excellent discussion of inputs, outputs, and outcomes from S&T, the book presents an exhaustive evaluation of the strenghts and weaknesses of each metic. The book is very eclectic, it draws from a variety of global references and experiences. While much of the analysis relates to United States experiences, both European and Asian experiences are highlighted as well. The book is not only of the highest levels of academic scholarship, but is eminently practical for use as an operational handbook."-Dr. Ronald N. Kostoff Office of Naval Research
"This is a thought-provoking book for a working scientist....[T]this is a book that should be read by all those whose work requires them to think about how to ensure that R&D in science and technology is cost-effective and/or useful."-R&D Management
The Metrics of Science and Technology, addresses the challenge of measuring S&T, with a strong handle on the S&T metric literature and an eye for examining S&T in the context of the overall innovation process.-Journal of Technology Transfer
This is a thought-provoking book for a working scientist....[T]this is a book that should be read by all those whose work requires them to think about how to ensure that R&D in science and technology is cost-effective and/or useful.-R&D Management
"The Metrics of Science and Technology, addresses the challenge of measuring S&T, with a strong handle on the S&T metric literature and an eye for examining S&T in the context of the overall innovation process."-Journal of Technology Transfer

Author Bio

ELIEZER GEISLER is Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stuart Graduate School of Business, Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr. Geisler is author of more than 70 scientific articles in technology management and related topics, and of four books, including two from Quorum: Managing the Aftermath of Radical Corporate Change (1997), and Methodology, Theory, and Knowledge in the Managerial and Organizational Sciences (1999).