Solving Managerial Problems Systematically

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 Concepts

8 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 Solution

9.2 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 Acknowledgements

Index

About the Authors