Decisions under Uncertainty
Probabilistic Analysis for Engineering Decisions

Risk assessment theory and practice for graduate engineering students, practising engineers, designers and project managers, first published in 2005.

Ian Jordaan (Author)

9780521369978, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 July 2011

690 pages
24.4 x 17 x 3.5 cm, 1.08 kg

Review of the hardback: '… Ian Jordaan … has made an important contribution to humanity by writing this comprehensive and thoroughly readable textbook on the subject … After reading the book one is much better prepared to recognize and effectively address the decision-making process in ambiguous situations where there is considerable uncertainty and the risks are high.' David A. Breslin

To better understand the core concepts of probability and to see how they affect real-world decisions about design and system performance, engineers and scientists might want to ask themselves the following questions: what exactly is meant by probability? What is the precise definition of the 100-year load and how is it calculated? What is an 'extremal' probability distribution? What is the Bayesian approach? How is utility defined? How do games fit into probability theory? What is entropy? How do I apply these ideas in risk analysis? Starting from the most basic assumptions, this 2005 book develops a coherent theory of probability and broadens it into applications in decision theory, design, and risk analysis. This book is written for engineers and scientists interested in probability and risk. It can be used by undergraduates, graduate students, or practicing engineers.

1. Uncertainty and decision-making
2. The concept of probability
3. Distributions and expectation
4. The concept of utility
5. Games and optimization
6. Entropy
7. Mathematical aspects
8. Exchangeability and inference
9. Extremes
10. Risk, safety and reliability
11. Data and simulation
12. Conclusion
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Civil engineering, surveying & building [TN], Electronics & communications engineering [TJ], Mechanical engineering [TGB], Engineering: general [TBC], Probability & statistics [PBT], Business & management [KJ]