Problem Solving in Business and Management: Hard, soft and creative approaches

The main aim of this book is to provide an introduction to a range of problem-solving skills required by students and practitioners in business and management. It forms a practical guide with illustrative examples of the identification and resolving of problems. There is coverage and explanation of each of the three major approaches to problem solving and decision making: creative, rational (logical) and systematic (soft systems). The author not only shows how these approaches can be applied individually, but also offers a synthesis for their use together in a range of situations and organizations. The book assumes no previous knowledge, but is designed to provide sufficient rigour and analysis to satisfy degree and postgraduate introductory-level requirements. It may also prove of some use to practising managers, engineers and professionals wishing to develop their problem-solving skills.