Solutions

The Business Problem Solver is a practical guide that will help managers, and professionals solve the most common organizational problems they face. This book is the result of a major collaborative effort by members of the same business faculty, to identify and define solutions for the most frequently occurring issues and problems for small, medium and large businesses as well as for non-profit organizations. Readers will be able to quickly locate, understand and use a specific tool or technique to solve a problem, rather than having to uncover a decision making tool buried within a textbook; resident only in the mind of a long serving employee; or located only by way of a long search on the Internet. The book presents proven ways of solving problems that have emerged from practice and scholarship after much objective scrutiny. The tools and techniques commended in this book originate from the authors' knowledge of over 500 business decision making tools that have been developed in the practice of contemporary management, ranging from simple qualitative payoff tables to much more quantitative cost-benefit analyses.The practitioner who has encountered business problems or challenges needs to immediately locate a set of remedies that are accessible, practical, meaningful, and final. Resembling an 'owners guide', in this case to a business or other enterprise, rather than to a vehicle or appliance, the material herein is well organized, referenced to specific operations, provides troubleshooting and other assistance, and serves as an encyclopedic reference for answers to organizational problems. All the functional activities and operations of organizations are included, so that any problem or issue that may occur will be addressed in one or more chapters. All is very logically organized so the reader can step right from issue to practical resolution, without extraneous theory or history to interfere with matching problem and solution. The authors review pertinent academic developments only where relevant and then do so in an understandable way, connecting with the reader in the language of the contemporary manager, not in the language of academic publications.In respect of every issue identified, the authors offer clarification to ensure the proper question is addressed and that underlying causes are not confused with symptoms. The different tools available are described, or a single most useful tool indicated. The tool is then explained in depth and an example provided of how it can be used. The strengths and weaknesses of individual tools are identified and suggestions for further help, including cross references to other tools and related problems, are also given. The Business Problem Solver will serve the needs of those wanting to learn the basics of business problem solving. It will also be useful to those who might know the basics of problem solving but want to expand their understanding of it.