The Art of Problem Solving
Accompanied by Ackoff's Fables

Russell L. Ackoff (Author)

9780471858089, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 30 April 1987

240 pages
23.8 x 16 x 1.6 cm, 0.354 kg

"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.

Part One: The Art

Creativity and Constraints 3

Objectives 19

Controllable Variables 50

Uncontrolled Variables 79

Relations 100

Part Two: Applications

The National Scientific Communication and Technology Transfer System: An Idealized Design 121

Transportation without a Future: A Reference Projection 128

A Multidimensional Organizational Structure 141

Participation within Organizations 157

The Effect of Advertising on Sales: A Study of Relations 162

Why People Drink: Toward Understanding Objectives 174

On Keeping Problems Solved 189

Suggested Readings 205

References 207

Index 209

Subject Areas: Business & management [KJ]