Computer Concepts and Management Information Systems. A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Computing and Information Management

Mercury Learning and Information, C. P. Gupta, K. K. Goyal

This book provides a self-teaching introduction to computer fundamentals and management information systems (MIS). It covers hardware components, software applications, Microsoft Office, information systems, ERP, CRM, security, business ethics, and cybercrime. The goal is to make these complex subjects accessible and easy to understand.The course begins with basic computer concepts, followed by an introduction to software. It then offers detailed information on Microsoft Office, covering Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access. The journey continues with a deep dive into MIS, exploring its applications, ERP systems, security measures, business ethics, and the challenges of cybercrime.Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the digital world and leveraging technology in business. This book transitions readers from beginners to knowledgeable users, blending theoretical insights with practical skills. Companion files with source code examples and figures enhance the learning experience, making this book an invaluable resource for mastering computers and MIS.

Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems. Techniques and Applications for Problem Solving

Mercury Learning and Information, I. Gupta, G. Nagpal

This book covers current AI applications and techniques for solving problems and accomplishing tasks. It introduces branches of AI such as formal logic, reasoning, knowledge engineering, expert systems, neural networks, and fuzzy logic. It emphasizes expert systems, with sections on state space search, knowledge engineering, neural networks, fuzzy logic, and Prolog.It begins with an introduction to AI and its applications, setting the stage for foundational concepts. Readers are guided through state space search and heuristic search strategies, crucial for problem-solving in AI. The focus shifts to expert systems, covering their development life cycle, knowledge acquisition, and representation, providing a deep dive into emulating human decision-making.Later chapters cover neural networks and the learning process, essential for creating adaptive systems. Sections on fuzzy logic and fuzzy systems introduce methods for handling uncertainty in AI. Final chapters on programming in logic and advanced Prolog offer practical techniques for AI solutions. This approach equips readers with the skills to apply AI in various domains, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and understanding of intelligent systems.

Game Testing. Mastering the Art of Quality Assurance in Game Development

Mercury Learning and Information, Robert Denton Bryant

This updated fourth edition is your comprehensive guide to video game testing. Whether you're a student aspiring to join the industry or a professional honing your skills, this book covers essential aspects of game testing. It explains how testers fit into development and provides practical knowledge of tools, roles, responsibilities, and metrics for game quality.The book guides you through test design and QA methods using real game scenarios and interviews with veteran developers. You'll learn the basics of game testing, writing bug reports, and defect tracking. The chapters cover exploratory testing, gameplay testing, combinatorial testing, and regression testing.Each chapter includes questions and exercises, suitable for classroom or personal study. Companion files with templates and tutorials for creating combinatorial tables and test flow diagrams are included, forming the basis of a robust QA plan. This edition equips you with the skills to succeed in game testing and contribute effectively to any development team.

Python. An Introduction to Python Programming

Mercury Learning and Information, James R. Parker

This book introduces programming concepts using Python 3, designed for beginners and hobbyists with no prior programming experience. It covers loops, strings, functions, files, graphics, multimedia, algorithms, classes, and more. Many examples are based on video game development, making learning engaging and practical. The book uses a just-in-time presentation style, providing material when it's needed, and includes companion files with source code, exercises, projects, and figures.The course starts with an overview of modern computers and basic programming concepts. It progresses through topics like repetition, sequences, functions, file input/output, classes, graphics, data manipulation, and multimedia. The latter chapters focus on basic algorithms, programming for the sciences, writing good programs, parsing, and communicating using graphics and Pygame.By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of programming fundamentals, enhanced by practical applications in video game development. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also equips students with the skills needed for further studies in computer science and programming.

Using AI in Marketing. Harness AI technologies to transform marketing strategies and results

Mercury Learning and Information, Greg Kihlström

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the marketing landscape. This book begins with a foundational overview of AI and its history, establishing the importance of AI in modern marketing practices. Readers will gain insights into the integration of AI with marketing fundamentals, paving the way for strategic advancements.Delving deeper, the book explores current applications of AI, from data analytics to campaign automation, and personalized customer experiences. With chapters dedicated to generative AI, prompt optimization, and team augmentation, the book provides actionable insights and case studies to guide readers through real-world usage.As the journey concludes, readers are equipped with an understanding of AI's transformative impact, ethical considerations, and strategies for adoption. This book ensures that marketers are ready to embrace AI, optimize their workflows, and make informed investment decisions for future growth.

Mathematics for Business Analysis. Comprehensive Mathematical Techniques and Applications for Business

Mercury Learning and Information, Paul Turner, Justine Wood

This book is designed for students, faculty, and professionals, describing the role of mathematics in economics and business. Starting with the basics of numbers and advancing into complex topics like hyperreal numbers and set theory, the book builds a strong foundation of mathematical concepts. Python code is used throughout to illustrate problems numerically, making the material accessible and practical.Readers will learn about linear simultaneous equations for market equilibrium analysis and the mechanics of matrices for solving larger systems. The book covers calculus, with applications in economics, including profit maximization and factor optimization, and introduces infinitesimal methods. Chapters on differential and difference equations reveal their importance in analyzing dynamic systems, all illuminated through practical examples and images from economics and business.The course begins with fundamental mathematical concepts, advancing to complex applications in economics and business. By integrating computational understanding with Python code, the book ensures learners can tackle real-world problems. This structured approach provides the tools needed for economic analysis and business decision-making, making it an invaluable resource for anyone in these fields.

XML Basics. A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Implementing XML

Mercury Learning and Information, S. Banzal

This book focuses on essential XML standards relevant to almost all developers. It investigates XML technologies applicable across a wide range of applications, rather than those limited to specific domains. While XML is a markup language, it is widely used by programmers. The book also covers supporting technologies layered on top of XML, such as XLinks, XSLT, Namespaces, Schemas, XHTML, RDDL, XPointers, XPath, SAX, and DOM.The journey begins with understanding XML and its syntax. It then explores Document Type Definitions (DTDs), Namespaces, and XHTML. Following this, the book delves into CSS Style Sheets, XML Schema Basics, XSL and XSLT, SOAP, DOM Programming Interface, SAX, XPath, XLink, XQuery, XPointer, XForms, XSL-FO, and using XML with Databases. The final chapters cover Web Services, providing a comprehensive understanding of how XML integrates into various applications.Mastering these standards and technologies is crucial for developers working with XML. This book transitions readers from basic XML syntax to advanced applications, blending theoretical concepts with practical examples. It is an essential resource for developers looking to leverage XML in their projects.

Market Research and Analysis. Mastering Market Research: Advanced Methods, Design, and Data Analysis

Mercury Learning and Information, Marcus Goncalves

This book offers an in-depth exploration of market research and analysis, guiding readers through the entire process from defining research objectives to communicating results. Begin by understanding the purpose and ethics of market research, laying a strong groundwork for your studies. Progress to defining precise research objectives and exploring secondary research methods to gather existing information.Next, engage with primary research methods, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Learn how to develop and distribute surveys, choose the right sampling techniques, and utilize tools for data mining and web scraping. Gain insights into focus groups and observation studies, understanding how these qualitative methods can provide depth to your research.Finally, master the art of data analysis and result communication. Explore descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and inferential statistics to make sense of your data. Learn to effectively present your findings to stakeholders, ensuring your research translates into actionable insights. By the end of the course, you will be well-equipped to conduct thorough market research and communicate your results effectively.