A Model to Forecast Future Paradigms

Book excerpt: In this volume, A Model to Forecast Future Paradigms, Volume 1: Introduction to Knowledge Is Power in Four Dimensions, the authors' two-fold objective is to lay out a methodology and approach that allows the reader to learn how to utilize existing technology in the form of computer software and hardware for forecasting and decision-making and to discuss factors that affect upcoming events that, in turn, shape future paradigms. The book provides an understanding of these factors that will help decision-makers be better prepared to face future challenges and will assist them coping with unexpected circumstances. This volume is divided into two parts. Part one discusses a "technological infrastructure" so that new readers can gain a greater understanding based on the knowledge of tomorrow's computing functionality. The second part goes on to discuss the key indicators in the areas of population, culture, economics, climate change, and the impacts of technology in commerce and socially--which all need to be considered when forecasting a future paradigm.