Making Better Decisions Using Systems Thinking

How to stop firefighting, deal with root causes and deliver permanent solutions

Business & Finance, Management & Leadership, Operations Research, Industries & Professions, Information Management
Cover of the book Making Better Decisions Using Systems Thinking by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan ISBN: 9783319638805
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: October 26, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
ISBN: 9783319638805
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: October 26, 2017
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book provides a framework to help managers go beyond simply fighting fires every day, offering the tools to address the underlying causes of recurring problems and deliver long-term solutions.

The most obvious part of any problem is the pain it causes. The desire to end the pain and find a solution – any solution – that will make it go away now is usually so great that it blinds managers to the underlying systemic cause of the problem. The result is that we ‘solve’ the problem today and then it comes back again tomorrow or next week, again and again.

We are only addressing the symptoms but never understanding the cause – like picking the flower heads off weeds but not digging them out at the roots.

Schaveling and Bryan offer the insights and tools managers and leaders need to achieve a longer term and more effective approach by stepping back and analysing the system as a whole. And at the heart of any system are human beings – notoriously short-term and pain-averse creatures who will behave in whatever way minimises pain today even at the expense of pain tomorrow.

They show how to detect the behavior patterns that have become engrained in the organisation and which underlie complex situations so that root causes of problems can be identified. Once the system responsible for the problem is understood smarter decisions can be made to devise interventions that solve the core problem instead of wasting energy fighting the symptoms.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book provides a framework to help managers go beyond simply fighting fires every day, offering the tools to address the underlying causes of recurring problems and deliver long-term solutions.

The most obvious part of any problem is the pain it causes. The desire to end the pain and find a solution – any solution – that will make it go away now is usually so great that it blinds managers to the underlying systemic cause of the problem. The result is that we ‘solve’ the problem today and then it comes back again tomorrow or next week, again and again.

We are only addressing the symptoms but never understanding the cause – like picking the flower heads off weeds but not digging them out at the roots.

Schaveling and Bryan offer the insights and tools managers and leaders need to achieve a longer term and more effective approach by stepping back and analysing the system as a whole. And at the heart of any system are human beings – notoriously short-term and pain-averse creatures who will behave in whatever way minimises pain today even at the expense of pain tomorrow.

They show how to detect the behavior patterns that have become engrained in the organisation and which underlie complex situations so that root causes of problems can be identified. Once the system responsible for the problem is understood smarter decisions can be made to devise interventions that solve the core problem instead of wasting energy fighting the symptoms.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Near Net Shape Manufacturing Processes by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Research Challenges in Modeling and Simulation for Engineering Complex Systems by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Advances in Affective and Pleasurable Design by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Nanomechanical and Nanoelectromechanical Phenomena in 2D Atomic Crystals by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Image Analysis for Ophthalmological Diagnosis by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Poverty and Well-Being in East Africa by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book The Diversity of Emerging Capitalisms in Developing Countries by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Acute Muscle Injuries by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Hand and Wrist Rehabilitation by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book The Energy-Climate Continuum by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Life Cycle Assessment of Forest Products by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Integrating Behaviorism and Attachment Theory in Parent Coaching by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Energy Law and Economics by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book Mathematical Foundations of Computational Electromagnetism by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
Cover of the book The Financial Impact of Political Connections by Jaap Schaveling, Bill Bryan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy