Recommending Books for Purchase (Bulletin 6 - January 2018) - Choice Review: Computer Science

Jerry Kaplan provides a thought-provoking account of how advances in computing, robotics, and artificial intelligence are influencing and changing our world. In particular, he demonstrates how the advancement and confluence of synthetic intellects (e.g., cognitive computing systems and big data) and forged laborers (e.g., embodiment of systems of sensors and actuators, such as robots) are going to replace jobs that have traditionally been done by humans at an accelerated speed across a broad range of industries and sectors. His well-researched examples about current trends within the field of artificial intelligence challenge readers to explore a variety of ethical considerations that policy makers, researchers, and entrepreneurs face. He further invites readers to explore a series of practical solutions to tackle the widening wealth gap, growth in unemployment, and challenges the educational infrastructure faces. The book may serve as a great starting point for anyone interested in advances in technology and artificial intelligence, the future of work, and corresponding ethical and policy implications.

There is no doubt technology has changed the way people live, work, and play, and authors Hess and Ludwig provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, well-documented case substantiating the impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the internet of things on the current and future workplace. Consequently, the requisite leadership skills for the Smart Machine Age (sic) go beyond simple participatory management and employee engagement techniques and require critical and innovative thinking, creativity, and collaboration, all of which are based on the psychological construct of humility. The first part includes chapters that define key concepts and definitions. The second part addresses four key leadership behaviors, characterized as NewSmart Behaviors, and includes a diagnostic self-assessment tool and a personal improvement process. The third part discusses the organizational implications of the humility-based leadership style, an organizational assessment tool, and exemplary practices drawn from Google and Pixar. Throughout the book, the authors pose questions for personal reflection and close with extensive notes and a recommended-reading list. This book will be an excellent supplemental text for undergraduate leadership, human resources, and educational administration courses and can serve as a supplemental resource for leadership-related professional development programs.

Van Rijmenam (founder, Big Data Startups) provides information about harnessing the strategic power of big data, the tremendous volume of data created as people digitize and store nearly every transaction, choice, and movement that humans make. The author shows how organizations have developed and used powerful tools to analyze data, especially less structured or semi-structured data that does not fit neatly into normal database storage parameters and cannot be managed or processed with traditional tools of business analysis and intelligence. Van Rijmenam does a good job of explaining various types of data available from internal and external sources and discussing security and privacy issues, big data trends including mobile and social data, and available technologies and types of analysis. The book ultimately changes focus, emphasizing costs and benefits of how big data can be used in an organization and a breakdown of how it is being used in several industries. A rich collection of example cases clarifies the discussion by industry. Finally, the author suggests what to expect in the future with respect to business uses of data. A glossary and notes are provided.

The blockchain offers high-level encryption with built-in verification. It first became popular with the use of Bitcoin (but an early version was invented for another cryptocurrency). Bitcoin made the blockchain both applicable and popular. Many decades from now, people may praise Bitcoin much more for the advancement of blockchain than for its intended purpose as an alternative currency. Interesting observations are how blockchains could be used to avoid voter fraud, improve copyright protections, better protect/verify medical records, and speed up financial transactions. The book is at times overly optimistic and a bit of a cheap sales pitch, but the essence is right. There are a number of silly errors, such as when the authors write (on page 255) that had Greeks anticipated their country’s economic crash, they might have exchanged their drachmas for Bitcoins—had they been available. First, Greece uses the euro, having given up the drachma in 2001. Second, the Greek debt crisis started in 2009. Despite some errors and salesmanship, the book is one of few to offer insights for people interested in the future of blockchains.