Problem solving in organizations : a methodological handbook for business and management students / Joan Ernst van Aken, Hans Berends, Hans van der Bij

Includes bibliographical references and index

Machine generated contents note: List of figures; List of tables; List of boxes; Preface to the first edition; Preface to the second edition; Part I. Fundamentals: 1. Scope and nature of this handbook; 2. Student projects; 3. Problem-solving projects; 4. Generic design theory; 5. Using problem-solving projects to develop generic theory; Part II. The Problem-solving Project: 6. Intake and orientation; 7. Theory-informed diagnosis of business problems; 8. Solution design; 9. Change plan design and the actual change process; 10. Evaluation, learning and termination; Part III. On Methods: 11. Qualitative research methods; 12. Searching and using scholarly literature; 13. Quality criteria for research; Part IV. Case Material: 14. Cases; References

"This concise introduction to the methodology of problem solving in organizations is an indispensable guide to the design and execution of practical business improvement projects in real organizational settings. The methodology is design-oriented and theory-informed. It encourages students to use the theory gained in their disciplinary courses by showing them how to do so in a fuzzy, ambiguous and politically charged, real-life organizational context. The book provides an in-depth discussion of the various aspects and steps of the process of business and organizational problem-solving. Rather than presenting the methodology as a recipe to be followed, the authors demonstrate how to adapt the approach to specific situations and to be flexible in scheduling the work at the various steps in the process. It will be indispensable to MBA and other students who venture outside the university walls to do real-life fieldwork"--