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Technological catastrophes: their causes and prevention11This paper is an excerpt from our forthcoming book, by William M. Evan and Mark Manion, entitled: Minding the Machines: Preventing Technological Disasters, published by Prentice Hall in 2002.

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Title: Technological catastrophes: their causes and prevention11This paper is an excerpt from our forthcoming book, by William M. Evan and Mark Manion, entitled: Minding the Machines: Preventing Technological Disasters, published by Prentice Hall in 2002.
Authors: Manion, M.1 manionm@drexel.edu, Evan, W.M.2
Source: Technology in Society. Aug2002, Vol. 24 Issue 3, p207. 18p.
Subject Terms: Technological complexity, Industrial revolution
Abstract: Spectacular technological successes worldwide have deflected attention from the growing number of technological catastrophes. As technology becomes increasingly complex, technological disasters are likely to increase. Since the Industrial Revolution, we have created a cornucopia of technological systems. Sometimes these systems malfunction, and sometimes these malfunctions result in technological disasters. A technological disaster is one that brings on a major crisis, threatens the viability of a technological system, causes massive losses of life and property, and may endanger the social environment in which it occurs. By contrast, a technological failure is brought on by an unanticipated breakdown of one or more components of a technological system. It may impair the system’s operation and may cause minor property damage, loss of life, or both. A technological failure, if not identified and corrected in time, can lead to a technological disaster. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
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Database: Education Research Complete
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Abstract:Spectacular technological successes worldwide have deflected attention from the growing number of technological catastrophes. As technology becomes increasingly complex, technological disasters are likely to increase. Since the Industrial Revolution, we have created a cornucopia of technological systems. Sometimes these systems malfunction, and sometimes these malfunctions result in technological disasters. A technological disaster is one that brings on a major crisis, threatens the viability of a technological system, causes massive losses of life and property, and may endanger the social environment in which it occurs. By contrast, a technological failure is brought on by an unanticipated breakdown of one or more components of a technological system. It may impair the system’s operation and may cause minor property damage, loss of life, or both. A technological failure, if not identified and corrected in time, can lead to a technological disaster. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
ISSN:0160791X
DOI:10.1016/S0160-791X(02)00005-2