Learning from Failures: Decision Analysis of Major Disasters
Learning from Failures: Decision Analysis of Major Disasters examines how structured decision-analysis methods can illuminate the causes and lessons of major disasters. Its case studies include the Titanic sinking, the BP Texas City incident, Chernobyl, the Columbia space shuttle accident, Bhopal, and the Concorde accident.
At a glance
- Uses disaster case studies to explain root-cause analysis and preventative measures.
- Applies modeling approaches drawn from reliability analysis, multiple-criteria decision making, and artificial intelligence.
- The listing describes chapter learning outcomes, detailed derivations, and solved examples.
- Intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as industry professionals.
Reference price: $98.95
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Connects analytical methods with recognizable disaster case studies, making the subject concrete.
- The stated learning outcomes and worked examples may help readers follow technical material chapter by chapter.
- Discusses how consistent modeling can make analyses based on expert judgment more repeatable.
Cons
- The subject combines decision analysis, reliability, and disaster case studies, so it may be more specialized than a general introduction to disasters.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Butterworth-Heinemann |
|---|---|
| Publication date | July 21, 2014 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 336 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0124167276 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0124167278 |
| Weight listed | 1.75 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.4 x 0.9 x 9.3 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Students studying risk, safety, reliability, or decision analysis.
- Industry professionals seeking structured approaches to examining failures and reducing the chance of repeated mistakes.
- Readers who want case-based discussions of major industrial, engineering, and transport disasters.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a general narrative history of disasters rather than analytical methods and models.
- Readers looking for an introductory text without technical derivations or modeling examples.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
64% 64% - 4 stars
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36% 36% - 2 stars
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The supplied rating information shows a small, mixed-to-positive set of customer ratings, with five- and three-star ratings represented. With so few ratings and no written feedback supplied, it does not establish what readers liked or disliked. Buyers should judge fit by the book's stated emphasis on disaster case studies, analytical models, and solved examples.
Frequently asked questions
Which disasters are covered?
The listing names the Titanic sinking, BP Texas City, Chernobyl, the NASA Space Shuttle Columbia accident, Bhopal, and the Concorde accident.
Does the book include worked examples?
Yes. The listing describes detailed derivations and many solved examples for modeling and decision analysis.
Who is the book intended for?
It is presented as a resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and as useful for industry professionals.
What is the listed print length?
The product details list 336 pages.
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