ABSTRACT

The present book allows for an outlook of unpredictable events considered under an integrated approach of economic emergencies, planning dilemmas, and the design of engineering models. The choice of these three scientific disciplines is not random. In contrast with other disciplines, such as for example Physics or Chemistry, where unpredictable events can be analysed with predictive models because the basic elements that constitute the physical or chemical domains follow the rigid laws and axioms ruling their behaviours, Economics and Planning are social sciences, and, as a consequence, may be limited to explain certain complex phenomena. Nonetheless, the insights from the human behaviour and its influence on the world, or the changing relationships occurring among individuals and within societies, are crucial to help explaining and adequately managing unpredictable events.