| Description |
x, 319 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm |
| Contents |
Pt. I. Modelling in Management Science -- 1. Models as convenient worlds -- 2. Management Science - making sense of strategic vision -- 3. Problems, problems ... -- 4. Some principles of modelling -- Pt. II. Interpretive Modelling - Soft Management Science -- 5. Soft systems methodology -- 6. Cognitive mapping, SODA and Journey Making -- 7. System dynamics -- Pt. III. Mathematical and Logical Modelling -- 8. Optimization modelling - linear programming -- 9. Visual interactive modelling - discrete event computer simulation -- 10. Heuristic search -- Pt. IV. Model Assessment and Validation -- 11. Model assessment and validation |
| Summary |
Thinking things through is easier said than done, but there are tools that can help decision-making. Writing from over twenty-five years' experience as a management teacher and consultant, Mike Pidd provides the tools for thinking that will help us to think through the consequences of decisions before we act. Tools for Thinking builds a bridge between the soft and hard OR schools of thought and provides an empirically based framework in which to place them, thus helping overcome the inherent suspicions of both camps. Focusing on modelling as an activity, rather than on models and techniques, the book argues for its relevance alongside intuition, vision and leadership. Above all it stresses that systematic thinking and analysis has a role to play in organisational life. By introducing the model as a tool for thought, Mike Pidd shows how models can be employed to explore possible future scenarios and to make sense of managerial vision. Extensively revised and updated this new edition of Tools for Thinking builds on the success of the original book and shows how both soft and hard approaches can be used in practice |
| Notes |
Previous ed.: 1996 |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Subject |
Problem solving -- Simulation methods.
|
|
Management science -- Simulation methods.
|
| LC no. |
2002033140 |
| ISBN |
0470847956 alkaline paper |
|
