Technotrends: How to Use Technology to Go Beyond Your Competition

Burrus, technology futurist, and Gittines ( What Men Won't Tell You But Women Need to Know ) begin this intriguing book by rejecting the widespread notion that the U.S. has completely lost its competitive edge in the global marketplace. They argue that the time has come for America to once again play by its own rules, new rules that will take us beyond the competition. Employing a dramatic mode of inquiry, they describe the ``techno-education'' of seven fictional characters who play cards under Burrus's guidance. This framework enables the characters to identify and analyze a plethora of technical trends from ``electronic data interchange'' to ``fuzzy logic''--software that can deal with conflicts and contradictory commands. The authors also offer stimulating perspectives on core technologies, management and marketing theories, education, training and changing American industries. The card-playing strategem, however, limits the authors' effectiveness in developing their major themes. 50,000 first printing; $75,000 ad/promo. (Oct.)