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Towards a Heuristic Theory of Problem Structuring

Author

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  • Gerald F. Smith

    (Department of Information and Decision Sciences, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455)

Abstract

Management science is concerned with understanding and improving action-oriented managerial thought. While it has addressed this concern through decision making research, there is an alternative conceptualization---the problem solving paradigm---that appears to offer a valuable complementary perspective. This paper develops the foundations of a theory of managerial problem solving. It analyzes the concept of "problem structure" and proposes a conceptualization satisfying relevant criteria. The concept is used in the development of an informal theory of problem structuring. Several structuring methodologies are assessed and an approach pertinent to real world, managerial problems is proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald F. Smith, 1988. "Towards a Heuristic Theory of Problem Structuring," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 34(12), pages 1489-1506, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:34:y:1988:i:12:p:1489-1506
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.34.12.1489
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Anderson, M. J. & Potter, G. S., 1998. "On the use of regression and verbal protocol analysis in modeling analysts' behavior in an unstructured task environment: A methodological note," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 23(5-6), pages 435-450.
    2. de Mast, Jeroen, 2011. "The tactical use of constraints and structure in diagnostic problem solving," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 39(6), pages 702-709, December.
    3. Hallikainen, Petri & Kivijärvi, Hannu & Tuominen, Markku, 2009. "Supporting the module sequencing decision in the ERP implementation process--An application of the ANP method," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(2), pages 259-270, June.
    4. Ellspermann, Susan J. & Evans, Gerald W. & Basadur, Min, 2007. "The impact of training on the formulation of ill-structured problems," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 35(2), pages 221-236, April.
    5. Dane, Erik & Rockmann, Kevin W. & Pratt, Michael G., 2012. "When should I trust my gut? Linking domain expertise to intuitive decision-making effectiveness," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 119(2), pages 187-194.
    6. Jordan, Silvia & Messner, Martin, 2012. "Enabling control and the problem of incomplete performance indicators," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 37(8), pages 544-564.
    7. Durugbo, Christopher M., 2020. "Affordance-based problem structuring for workplace innovation," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 284(2), pages 617-631.

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