Solving Managerial Problems Systematically (Routledge-Noordhoff International Editions)

In their new book __Solving Managerial Problems Systematically__, Hans Heerkens and Arnold van Winden teach students how to identify and efficiently deal with problems. The book uses the Managerial Problem-Solving Method, which deals with problems step by step. Solving Managerial Problems Systematically describes the seven phases of the Managerial Problem-Solving Method, a roadmap on how to identify, conduct thorough research into, and lastly solve a core problem. This textbook treats the concept of a ‘problem’ as an analytical one; a concept that can be found in any department in any organisation. Creative techniques are used to help find a solution for the problems encountered, which makes the method an ideal tool that is applicable in nearly any situation. Solving Managerial Problems Systematically is intended for Bachelor studies (professional education and university) where students engage in problems and problem-solving in individual courses, projects, or graduation. It is a valuable aid for consultants and advisors to help identify and analyse managerial problems, and to advise companies on possible solutions. In their new book Solving Managerial Problems Systematically, Hans Heerkens and Arnold van Winden teach students how to identify and efficiently deal with problems. The book uses the Managerial Problem-Solving Method, which deals with problems step by step. Solving Managerial Problems Systematically describes the seven phases of the Managerial Problem-Solving Method, a roadmap on how to identify, conduct thorough research into, and lastly solve a core problem. This textbook treats the concept of a ‘problem’ as an analytical one; a concept that can be found in any department in any organisation. Creative techniques are used to help find a solution for the problems encountered, which makes the method an ideal tool that is applicable in nearly any situation. Solving Managerial Problems Systematically is intended for Bachelor studies (professional education and university) where students engage in problems and problem-solving in individual courses, projects, or graduation. It is a valuable aid for consultants and advisors to help identify and analyse managerial problems, and to advise companies on possible solutions. The Managerial Problem-Solving Method can also help managers who need to make informed decisions. Solving Managerial Problems Systematically is also available as an e-book. Cover 1 Title Page 2 Copyright Page 3 Foreword 4 Table of Contents 6 1 A Framework for The Best Solution 10 1.1 Characteristics of the Managerial Problem-Solving Method 12 1.2 Systematic or Creative Approach? 12 1.3 Phases of the Managerial Problem-Solving Method 13 1.4 MPSM Works Anywhere, Anytime 14 1.5 Tailored to Your Problem 14 1.6 The Language of Variables 14 1.7 Framework 15 1.8 Researching and Designing in One 16 Summary 17 Core Concepts 18 2 Untroubled Problems 20 2.1 Types of Problems 22 2.2 Problem as an Analytical Concept 22 2.3 Action Problems 22 2.4 Knowledge Problems 24 2.5 Linking Action and Knowledge Problems 24 Summary 27 Core Concepts 28 3 A Trouble-Shooter’s Log 30 3.1 The MPSM in Practice 37 4 In Search of the Core Problem 40 4.1 Reaching the Core Problem, Step by Step 42 4.2 Lining Up the Problems 42 4.3 Cause and Effect 43 4.4 Choosing the Core Problem 44 4.5 Making Problems Quantifiable 47 Summary 51 Core Concepts 52 5 D3: Do, Discover, Decide 54 5.1 Three Principles of a Plan of Attack 56 5.2 D3 Explained 56 5.3 Benefits of a Systematic Approach 57 5.4 Walking A Thin Line 58 Summary 59 Core Concepts 60 6 In Search of the Unknown 62 6.1 Looking Closely at the Problem 64 6.2 Locating the Problem 64 6.3 Researching Causes 64 6.4 Considering Earlier Solutions 68 Summary 70 Core Concepts 71 7 An Overview of Options 74 7.1 Seven Steps to a Possible Solution 76 7.2 Defining the Decision 76 7.3 Defining the Decision-Making Process 76 7.4 Establishing Criteria 78 7.5 Scaling Criteria 79 7.6 Weighting Criteria 80 7.7 Providing Alternative Options or Using Existing Possibilities 85 7.8 Evaluating the Attractiveness of Available Options 87 Summary 89 Core Concepts 90 8 The Client’s Move 92 8.1 Three Reasons for Deviating from an Advisory Report 94 8.2 Politically Charged Decisions 94 8.3 Considering Other Interests 95 8.4 Handling Risks 96 Summary 98 Core Concepts 99 9 A Systematic Approach 102 9.1 Two Principles of Implementing a Solution 104 9.2 A Brief Description 104 9.3 Realising an Idea 104 Summary 106 Core Concepts 107 10 Keep Improving 110 10.1 Three Principles of a Structured Evaluation 112 10.2 Evaluation as a Balancing Item 112 10.3 MPSM: Guiding Along the Path of Evaluation 113 10.4 Evaluating Systematically 113 Summary 115 Core Concepts 116 11 In Search of Knowledge 118 11.1 Gathering Knowledge Using the Research Cycle 120 11.2 Formulating the Research Goal 120 11.3 Formulating the Problem Statement 121 11.4 Formulating the Research Questions 123 11.5 Formulating the Research Design 124 11.6 Performing the Operationalisation 126 11.7 Performing the Measurements 127 11.8 Processing the Data 128 11.9 Drawing Conclusions (Reviewing the Problem Statement) 129 Summary 130 Core Concepts 132 Sources 133 Illustration Acknowledgements 134 Index 135 About the Authors 136 Characteristics;,Quantifiable;,Systematic,Approach;,Existing,Possibilities;,Handling,Risks Characteristics,Quantifiable,Systematic Approach,Existing Possibilities,Handling Risks