Chris J. Shannon – författare

Drawing on knowledge from process improvement, organisation theory, human resource management, change management, occupational health and safety, and other fields, the book is a practical, easy-to-read guide to problem solving. Illustrated with a series of short case studies, this book provides an integrated approach to problem solving in the workplace. Collaborative Problem Solving walks through the steps in the problem solving process, introducing dozens of tools, techniques, and concepts to use throughout. Chris J. Shannon describes the behaviours to practice which are most conducive to creating a positive problem solving culture based on curiosity, collaboration, and evidence-based thinking. This book explains why successful problem solving is a collaborative process and provides tools and techniques for responding to other people’s behaviour when designing and implementing solutions. Offering practical advice on problem solving in an easy-to-understand way, this book is aimed at people working in office environments, service industries, and knowledge organisations, enabling them to feel confident in applying the knowledge from the book in their own workplace.

Drawing on knowledge from process improvement, organisation theory, human resource management, change management, occupational health and safety, and other fields, the book is a practical, easy-to-read guide to problem solving. Illustrated with a series of short case studies, this book provides an integrated approach to problem solving in the workplace. Collaborative Problem Solving walks through the steps in the problem solving process, introducing dozens of tools, techniques, and concepts to use throughout. Chris J. Shannon describes the behaviours to practice which are most conducive to creating a positive problem solving culture based on curiosity, collaboration, and evidence-based thinking. This book explains why successful problem solving is a collaborative process and provides tools and techniques for responding to other people’s behaviour when designing and implementing solutions. Offering practical advice on problem solving in an easy-to-understand way, this book is aimed at people working in office environments, service industries, and knowledge organisations, enabling them to feel confident in applying the knowledge from the book in their own workplace.

Drawing on insights from Lean practitioners, faculty, and researchers worldwide, and using the COVID-19 pandemic as a key example, this book explores the challenges and opportunities that arise in higher education during times of crisis. Global crises—whether stemming from pandemics, political upheavals, technological shifts, or financial instability—have prompted higher education institutions to reevaluate how they deliver education. While these challenges undoubtedly create significant pressure, they also serve as a catalyst for change, compelling institutions to adapt quickly, innovate, and discover new ways to support students and maintain operations. Set against the backdrop of the recent pandemic, this book offers an in-depth exploration of the key lessons learned, and covers essential topics such as financial health and sustainability, emergency preparedness, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in both academic and administrative processes within higher education institutions. It also delves into the downstream effects of crisis-related decisions, highlighting how these choices can shape the future. Designed for individuals working in higher education and emergency response roles who want to explore how the lessons learned from recent disruptions can shape the future of education delivery, this book will help administrators prepare for and adapt to emerging challenges in a world where the realities of tomorrow are yet to be imagined.