The world's four greatest statisticians never took a course in statistics, Mr Ackoff would point out, and three of America's greatest architects (Henry Hobson Richardson, Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright) never took a formal course in architecture.

ECONOMIST: In praise of the ideas of Russ Ackoff

AdviceIQ proprietary research found that 3% of all persons in the brokerage, advisory and insurance fields have received a serious formal complaint during the course of their careers.

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He had some formal education, including a course in literature at New York University, but like many in his circle, he was mostly self-taught.

ECONOMIST: William Phillips

Of course, Hewlett never issued a formal plan for HP, nor did he offer a strategic alternative to the Compaq deal.

FORBES: High-Speed Selling

"While we are not at all optimistic that this offer provides a basis for resolution of the dispute, we will of course be considering it and consulting with our cabin crew representatives before making a formal response, " he said.

BBC: BA strike: Fresh offer made to cabin crew

Recognition of course can take many forms: It can be monetary, it can be a formal performance-related program, or it can be simple words of praise or encouragement from a manager.

FORBES: In Praise Of Praise

His solicitor Imran Khan said the formal complaint related to him being stopped by police on 16 November but it was "the culmination of a course of conduct over many years which amounted to harassment and discrimination based upon his skin colour".

BBC: Stephen and Stuart Lawrence