The Art of Problem Solving: Accompanied by Ackoff's Fables - Hardcover

Ackoff, Russell L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471042897 ISBN 13: 9780471042891

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1978

Synopsis

Examines the problem solving process, discusses objectives, variables, and causal relationships, and shows how a variety of actual problems were resolved

About this title

From the Publisher:

Uses a unique perspective to overcome the deficiencies of a purely scientific approach to managerial decision making. Explores the creative art of problem solving, presenting material in a discursive style. Focus is on discussing a serious activity with some humor (with accompanying ``fables''--based on real problems faced by real managers--for illustration). Examines principal obstructions to creative problem solving and provides methods for their correction. Also includes, in the form of case studies, detailed examples of the major points and procedures.

From the Back Cover:

"A witty, literate and, most of all, convincing reflection...[Ackoff] shines an often bright light into corners where problems hide, showing the manager how to understand the consequences of his own behavior; identify real, rather than supposed, elements of problems; perceive another’s aims; determine what is controllable; and deal with other nettlesome factors." —Inc. The Art of Problem Solving Russ Ackoff—author, consultant, and teacher extraordinaire. During his long career, he has shown thousands of managers, architects, engineers, attorneys, advertising people, software developers, and scientists the way to more creative, artful problem solving. This new paper edition of The Art of Problem Solving is perhaps the best example of Ackoff in action. Step by step, this practical guide shows you how to develop an understanding of the art of creative thinking and the design of creative solutions. Using "Ackoff’s Fables"—humorous yet eminently practical parables, based on real problems by real managers—you’ll see why solving a problem seldom solves the problem, but why approaching it from a new, unorthodox angle often does. The result is vintage Ackoff—controversial, funny, and always on target. If you like to dig beyond simple solutions—to imaginative solutions that work—this book is for you.

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
• Publication date: 1978
• ISBN 10: 0471042897
• ISBN 13: 9780471042891
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 214