Extension innovation method is an approach to originality generation. It utilizes basic theories of Extenics, a new discipline for modeling contradiction problems with formalized methods and transformation, to establish a modeling and quantification combined method that can be learned effortlessly and operated conveniently. This book introduces and analyzes commonly used extension innovation methods are introduced and analyzed thoroughly. It makes it easy for readers at different levels and of different knowledge backgrounds to study. Highly accessible cases faciliate understanding and application of the models.

Society forges ahead in the process of solving various contradictory problems and it is ceaselessly innovating. It is the desire of mankind to use computers and computing networks to help deal with contradictory problems and to conduct innovative activities. Using formal models to discuss object extension and the possibility of change, as well as the rules and methods for innovation, Extenics is applied to solving contradictory problems and has become the basic theory, method and instrument to achieve this goal. In the 30 years since the foundation of Extenics, researchers have built relatively complete theoretical systems —‘extension theory’, studied formal and modeling innovation methods —‘extension innovation methods’, and launched the applications in various fields such as information, design, automation and management etc. —‘extension engineering’. Extension theory, the extension innovation method and extension engineering jointly constitute the new discipline—Extenics. At the same time, the practical activities of engineering technology and management promote the integration of various innovation methods such as TRIZ and brainstorming etc. This book collects together, from scholars in various fields, the research achievements in Extenics and innovation methods, in order to facilitate and promote the development of Extenics and the various innovation theories and methods, as well as to improve its innovative capacity in academic and business circles.

Extension innovation method is an approach to originality generation. It utilizes basic theories of Extenics, a new discipline for modeling contradiction problems with formalized methods and transformation, to establish a modeling and quantification combined method that can be learned effortlessly and operated conveniently. This book introduces and analyzes commonly used extension innovation methods are introduced and analyzed thoroughly. It makes it easy for readers at different levels and of different knowledge backgrounds to study. Highly accessible cases faciliate understanding and application of the models.

The book presents a comprehensive treatment on a novel design theory that fosters innovative thinking and creativity essential for addressing wicked problems. Wicked problems are ill-defined, ambiguous in both aims and solutions, and complex with interconnected and intertwined (coupled) factors. While being ubiquitous and difficult, however, wicked problems share characteristics common to science and design in three regards, namely agent finitude, system complexity, and problem normativity. These fundamental attributes allow a core cognitive process common to design and science to be identified and a strategic problem-solving conception of methodology be formulated as a result. The theory facilitates new opportunities for synergetic cross-disciplinary research and practice by incorporating the essences of Extenics to axiomatic design. Innovative thinking is enabled by exploring Extenics for problem reframing, paradigm shift, and abductive reasoning and by engaging axiomatic design in the co-evolution (iteration) of the need and viable design concept. The theory is unique in that it is a framework for quantifying imprecise and vague design information available during the conceptual design stage as mathematical expression and algorithm early in the design effort and enables the objective evaluation and emergence of an optimal design concept from among multitude of viable ones. The book is conceived for students and real-world practitioners in engineering, natural and social sciences, business, and fine arts who seek to develop powerful design thinking for solving problems in a creative and innovative way.

This important book is the re-titled third edition of the extremely well received and widely used Agricultural Extension (van den Ban & Hawkins, 1988, 1996). Building on the previous editions, Communication for Rural Innovation maintains and adapts the insights and conceptual models of value today, while reflecting many new ideas, angles and modes of thinking concerning how agricultural extension is taught and carried through today. Since the previous edition of the book, the number and type of organisations that apply communicative strategies to foster change and development in agriculture and resource management has become much more varied and this book is aimed at those who use communication to facilitate change in agriculture and resource management. Communication for Rural Innovation is essential reading for process facilitators, communication division personnel, knowledge managers, training officers, consultants, policy makers, extension specialists and managers of agricultural extension or research organisations. The book can also be used as an advanced introduction into issues of communicative intervention at BSc or MSc level.

Focusing on innovation, these proceedings present recent advances in the field of mechanical design in China and offer researchers, scholars and scientists an international platform for presenting their research findings and exchanging ideas. Gathering outstanding papers from the 2019 International Conference on Mechanical Design (2019 ICMD) and the 20th Mechanical Design Annual Conference, the content is divided into six major sections: industrial design, reliability design, green design, intelligent design, bionic design and innovative design. Readers will learn about the latest trends, cutting-edge findings and hot topics in the field of design.

Man-Machine-Environment System Engineering: Proceedings of the 23rd Conference on MMESE are an academic showcase of the best papers selected from more than 500 submissions, introducing readers to the top research topics and the latest developmental trends in the theory and application of MMESE. This proceedings are interdisciplinary studies on the concepts and methods of physiology, psychology, system engineering, computer science, environment science, management, education, and other related disciplines. Researchers and professionals who study an interdisciplinary subject crossing above disciplines or researchers on MMESE subject will be mainly benefited from this proceedings. MMESE primarily focuses on the relationship between Man, Machine and Environment, studying the optimum combination of man-machine-environment systems. In this system, “Man” refers to working people as the subject in the workplace (e.g. operators, decision-makers); “Machine” is the general name for any object controlled by Man (including tools, machinery, computers, systems and technologies), and “Environment” describes the specific working conditions under which Man and Machine interact (e.g. temperature, noise, vibration, hazardous gases etc.). The three goals of optimization of the man-machine-environment systems are to ensure safety, efficiency and economy. The integrated and advanced science research topic Man-Machine-Environment System Engineering (MMESE) was first established in China by Professor Shengzhao Long in 1981, with direct support from one of the greatest modern Chinese scientists, Xuesen Qian. In a letter to Shengzhao Long from October 22nd, 1993, Xuesen Qian wrote: “You have created a very important modern science and technology in China!”