Solving Managerial Problems Systematically

Hans Heerkens is assistant professor at the University of Twente, and associate professor of Methodology at the Business School Netherlands in Buren.Arnold van Winden teaches Communication Management at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and is the owner of Van Winden Communicatie.

• 1 A Framework for The Best Solution 1.1 Characteristics of the Managerial Problem-Solving Method 1.2 Systematic or Creative Approach? 1.3 Phases of the Managerial Problem-Solving Method 1.4 MPSM Works Anywhere, Anytime 1.5 Tailored to Your Problem 1.6 The Language of Variables 1.7 Framework 1.8 Researching and Designing in One Summary Core Concepts 2 Untroubled Problems 2.1 Types of Problems 2.2 Problem as an Analytical Concept 2.3 Action Problems 2.4 Knowledge Problems 2.5 Linking Action and Knowledge Problems Summary Core Concepts 3 A Trouble-Shooter’s Log 3.1 The MPSM in Practice 4 In Search of the Core Problem 4.1 Reaching the Core Problem, Step by Step 4.2 Lining Up the Problems 4.3 Cause and Effect 4.4 Choosing the Core Problem 4.5 Making Problems Quantifiable Summary Core Concepts 5 D3: Do, Discover, Decide 5.1 Three Principles of a Plan of Attack 5.2 D3 Explained 5.3 Benefits of a Systematic Approach 5.4 Walking A Thin Line Summary Core Concepts 6 In Search of the Unknown 6.1 Looking Closely at the Problem 6.2 Locating the Problem 6.3 Researching Causes 6.4 Considering Earlier Solutions Summary Core Concepts 7 An Overview of Options 7.1 Seven Steps to a Possible Solution 7.2 Defining the Decision 7.3 Defining the Decision-Making Process 7.4 Establishing Criteria 7.5 Scaling Criteria 7.6 Weighting Criteria 7.7 Providing Alternative Options or Using Existing Possibilities 7.8 Evaluating the Attractiveness of Available Options Summary Core Concepts8 The Client’s Move 8.1 Three Reasons for Deviating from an Advisory Report 8.2 Politically Charged Decisions 8.3 Considering Other Interests 8.4 Handling Risks Summary Core Concepts 9 A Systematic Approach 9.1 Two Principles of Implementing a Solution9.2 A Brief Description 9.3 Realising an Idea Summary Core Concepts 10 Keep Improving 10.1 Three Principles of a Structured Evaluation 10.2 Evaluation as a Balancing Item 10.3 MPSM: Guiding Along the Path of Evaluation 10.4 Evaluating Systematically Summary Core Concepts 11 In Search of Knowledge 11.1 Gathering Knowledge Using the Research Cycle 11.2 Formulating the Research Goal 11.3 Formulating the Problem Statement 11.4 Formulating the Research Questions 11.5 Formulating the Research Design 11.6 Performing the Operationalisation 11.7 Performing the Measurements 11.8 Processing the Data 11.9 Drawing Conclusions (Reviewing the Problem Statement) Summary Core Concepts Sources Illustration AcknowledgementsIndex About the Authors