Strategic Thinking in Complex Problem Solving

Arnaud Chevallier researches tools to help people solve complex, ill-defined problems. He is particularly interested in common denominators: the knowledge and skills that, irrespective of disciplines, can benefit people confronted with an unfamiliar, challenging problem that requires significant analysis. He is an associate vice provost at Rice University, where he teaches in the engineering school.

• Chapter 1: An Overview of Strategic Thinking in Complex Problem Solving Chapter 2: Frame the Problem Chapter 3: Identify Potential Root Causes Chapter 4: Determine the Actual Cause(s) Chapter 5: Identify Potential Solutions Chapter 6: Select a Solution Chapter 7: Sell the Solution - Communicate Effectively Chapter 8: Implement and Monitor the Solution Chapter 9: Dealing with Complications and Wrap Up

"A few years ago, I began developing a new MBA course and scoured cyberspace looking for seminal works related to the topic. What I found was a void between academic treatises on the scientific method and popular business books promising to reveal the secrets of blue-chip consulting firms. Nothing hit my target until I discovered Professor Chevallier who clearly had a passion for the topic. He hit an insightful 'sweet spot,' combining the conceptual rigor ofan academician with the practical perspective of a former consultant. I have adopted many of Professor Chevallier's ideas and methods, embedding them into my course and into my personal problem-solvingtoolkit." --Ken Homa, Distinguished Teaching Professor, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University"Although there are already excellent books on decision-making, this book addresses problem solving in a very pragmatic approach. Dr. Chevallier carefully reviews the current literature in problem solving and decision-making, and provides evidence-based practical solutions to complex problems. The techniques and tips provided can be used in a broad variety of settings, and will be useful to academics as well as professionals interested in complex problemsolving." --François Modave, Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Director of the mHealth Lab, Department of Health Outcomes & Policy, College of Medicine, University of Florida"By now it is evident that the result of all this is a compendium of techniques, supported by theoretical considerations and empirical evidence, presented in a form of concrete examples and detailed applications, accompanied by many tips and often good advice about how to proceed with solving problems on different complexity levels. The book is based on a course given at Rice University and is undoubtedly an excellent book for students. As noted, it is an orderly, clearly written text; is systematic, highly informative, simple, and relevant; has attached references on the page on which they are mentioned; and has notes following each chapter. These same properties turn the book into a resource that I highly recommend for personal and organizationalapplications." -- PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 62, No. 13