Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, 2nd Edition

by Michael Pidd (The Management School, Lancaster Univ. )

• ISBN13: 9780470847954
• ISBN10: 0470847956
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-03-01
• Publisher: WILEY

Summary

This update of the successful first edition offers tools and methods for effectively thinking through the consequences of a given action before making major decisions. Managers will not only gain an understanding of effective tools and methodologies for modelling in decision making, but also come to understand how modelling functions alongside intuition,vision, and leadership. This is an invaluable guide to using modelling to explore potential scenarios and make the right business decision.

Author Biography

<B>Mike Pidd</B> is Professor of Management Science at Lancaster University and a Past President of the Operational Research Society. His research interests focus on the development of usable models in management science and computer simulation and he has published widely in many academic journals and books. His authored books include the highly regarded <I>Computer Simulation in Management Science</I> (John Wiley & Sons), now in its fourth edition.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

PART I: MODELLING IN MANAGEMENT SCIENCE.

Models as convenient worlds.

Management science - making sense of strategic vision.

Problems, problems...

Some principles of modelling.

PART II: INTERPRETIVE MODELLING – SOFT MANAGEMENT SCIENCE.

Soft systems methodology.

Cognitive mapping, SODA and Journey Making.

System dynamics.

PART III: MATHEMATICAL AND LOGICAL MODELLING.

Optimization modelling - linear programming.

Visual interactive modelling - discrete event computer simulation.

Heuristic search.

PART IV: MODEL ASSESSMENT AND VALIDATION

Model assessment and validation.

Index.