Exploring the Nature of Problems

Omega, 2003

Managerial problem solvers need to be able to evaluate the e ectiveness of their e orts in making sure that they are attending the right problem. They also need to know of some speciÿc steps they can take, when necessary, to improve the e ectiveness of this process of problem deÿnition. This paper discusses modeling a measuring instrument to evaluate problem deÿnitions, based on which it empirically compares two methods for helping to deÿne problems in organizations. And, in light of the results of this comparison, it proposes a synthesis method designed by combining the strengths of these two methods of problem deÿnition.

This article follows up on the author's 2010 article "How and why complexity arises in IS" in the magazine Systémová integrace (Systems Integration), which dealt with IS complexity as an important challenge for informatics, presenting a definition of complexity and describing the mechanisms by which it arises and its effects on an enterprise. The article also included a questionnaire study, through which several hypotheses were tested. In 2016 the author conducted a new study, using the same questions as in 2010 for one part and for the other part adding several other related questions on the reasons by which complexity arises in information systems and which methodologies are used for complexity management.

Problems, either intractable or simple, either multifaceted or not can be presented in a matrix of different colours! Looking at a workplace environment through the lens of a problem empowers an action researcher to have a more comprehensive and wider view of the organizational problems. This makes the action researcher to analyse the business process and thus effectively have a different view of the situation. An action researcher should be able to identify what a problem is and the different approaches to resolve different problems. It is also of high priority to differentiate objective problems from subjective ones. The objective problem can easily be resolved by an action researcher because it has a linear approach. However, the subjective problems are wicked problems which are more complex in their nature. Thus, this discourse will examine the methodological approach to resolving these wicked problems with emphasis laid on action learning management concept.

International Journal of Information Technologies and Systems Approach, 2000

This article addresses complexity in information systems. It defines how complexity can be used to inform information systems research, and how some individuals and organizations are using notions of complexity. Some organizations are dealing with technical and physical infrastructure complexity, as well as the application of complexity in specific areas such as supply chain management and network management. Their approaches can be used to address more general organizational issues. The concepts and ideas in this article are relevant to the integration of complexity into information systems research. However, the ideas and concepts in this article are not a litmus test for complexity. We hope only to provide a starting point for information systems researchers to push the boundaries of our understanding of complexity. The article also contains a number of suggested research questions that could be pursued in this area.

Revista de Gestão e Projetos, 2013

Decisões sobre quais ferramentas de gestão serão utilizadas a fim de alcançar os objetivos do projeto da maneira mais eficiente estão condicionadas às características específicas deste projeto, tais como objetivos, recursos e contexto. Uma das características mais desafiadoras é a complexidade do projeto. O objetivo deste estudo é contribuir para o conhecimento acerca do conceito de complexidade do projeto e das relações entre a complexidade do projeto e o uso de ferramentas de gerenciamento de projetos específicas. Um questionário foi enviado a 313 gerentes de projeto. A análise dos dados indicou que a complexidade dos projetos gerenciados pelos participantes é gerada pelo nível de dificuldade dos objetivos e pode influenciar a frequência de uso de processos e técnicas relacionadas ao planejamento de projetos e à gestão de pessoas. Palavras-chave: Gestão de Projetos; Processos de Projeto; Ferramentas e Técnicas de Gestão; Complexidade do Projeto.

Zeszyty Naukowe Wyższej Szkoły Humanitas Zarządzanie

Complexity theory is an interesting complement to classic scientific theories. Although this topic is at the center of interest of a large group of researchers, there are only a few publications on this subject that can be found in Polish literature. The aim of this article is to fill this gap partially. Basic assumptions of complexity theory have been discussed. Examples of its applications in social and economic sciences as well as numerous applications in other areas have been analyzed. Particular attention was paid to the possibilities of practical application of elements of this theory in the management of complex business systems. The benefits resulting from the development of complexity theory were also shown

Strategic Management Journal, 2009

A new model of managerial problem formulation is introduced and developed to answer the question: 'What kinds of problems do strategic managers engage in solving and why?' The article proposes that a key decision metric for choosing among alternative problem statements is the computational complexity of the solution algorithm of alternative statements. Managerial problem statements are grouped into two classes

2005

This article traces the development of complexity theories and proposes a Complexity Representation Model (CRM) for management processes. The purpose here was to translate key elements of complexities theories (e.g. self organisation, adaption, co-evolution, chaos) into a recognisable form and relate these to management practice (particularly knowledge management and learning).

— Complexity of the social, economic, technological, political, scientific and cultural aspects of the environment in which we grow, develop, live and work is increasing relentlessly. As a result we have been exposed to an unprecedented dynamics and uncertainty. Experimental evidence shows that complex situations cannot be adequately represented with deterministic models without loosing important, the so-called, emergent features. Therefore models of complex situations must be complex. The paper outlines fundamentals of the new science of complexity and how these fundamentals can be applied to solving complex business problems.