1st Edition

Made-to-Measure Problem-Solving

By Victor Newman Copyright 1995
    160 Pages
    by Routledge

    160 Pages
    by Routledge

    Do you solve problems in the style of a coyote, competitor or eagle? Recognising the way you approach and deal with problems at work will enable you to identify the most suitable technique to use on a daily basis. Victor Newman’s practical book strikes at the heart of fundamental challenges faced by all managers. It looks beyond the conventional techniques of problem-solving to the underlying process, identifies eight stages and explains how to recognise which technique is appropriate to which stage. On this basis managers can generate solutions at both the personal and the organisational level. A unique feature of the book is a Problem Solving Styles Profile that enables each reader to apply the material in the text to improve their own problem-solving capability.

    Contents: Part I How to Use This Book: Your problem-solving styles profile; The problem-solving process wheel; Problem-solving styles. Part II An Introduction to Problem-Solving: Thinking about problem-solving; A question of creativity. Part III The Problem-Solving Process: Stage 1 Identify the problem; Stage 2 Gather data; Stage 3 Analyse data; Stage 4 Generate solutions; Stage 5 Select the solution; Stage 6 Plan the implementation; Stage 7 Test/rehearse; Stage 8 Action. Part IV Some Conclusions: Conclusions; Recommended reading; Index.

    Biography

    Victor Newman is Senior Lecturer and Head of Organizational Development Consulting at the CIM Institute, Cranfield University. He developed the Creating Effective Solutions workshop programme for Coopers and Lybrand and has written widely on change management, teamworking and business transformation.

    'If you only ever buy one book on problem solving then this should be it ... very readable ... lively and practical.' Training Officer 'Written in a lively and practical style and drawing on examples from a wide range of real-life problems, the book will be of interest to managers, team leaders and other professionals.' British Journal of Administration Management 'Every reader should be able to improve their problem solving capability after reading the book.' Aslib Book List 'This is a book for professionals who appreciate a practical approach by discussions on a wide range of real-life problems, and is beautifully presented.' Administrator ' ... readable and commendably free of jargon ... stimulating ideas in the reader - . in which common sense is by-and large identified as such ... a very valuable addition to a staff-development library.' Library Management ' ... excellent ... covers most of the methods in common use ... and illustrates them in practical bites. I thoroughly recommend this book to all involved in project management.' Project