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Defining Managerial Problems: A Framework for Prescriptive Theorizing

Author

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  • Gerald F. Smith

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

Abstract

Reflective problem solving activity presumes the existence of a problem definition or representation, often the precursor of a formal model. Although problem definition has been addressed by theorists from several disciplines, it has not been adequately conceptualized, limiting the potential value of descriptive and prescriptive research. This article places problem definition in the overall problem solving process and delineates the various ways in which problems are commonly defined. It identifies the central dilemma of problem definition and proposes a prescriptive framework responding to that dilemma.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald F. Smith, 1989. "Defining Managerial Problems: A Framework for Prescriptive Theorizing," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 35(8), pages 963-981, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:35:y:1989:i:8:p:963-981
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.35.8.963
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Lane, David C. & Oliva, Rogelio, 1998. "The greater whole: Towards a synthesis of system dynamics and soft systems methodology," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 107(1), pages 214-235, May.
    2. Norese, Maria Franca, 1995. "MACRAME: A problem formulation and model structuring assistant in multiactorial contexts," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 84(1), pages 25-34, July.
    3. Lane, David C., 1999. "Social theory and system dynamics practice," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 113(3), pages 501-527, March.
    4. Sturm, Timo & Fecho, Mariska & Buxmann, Peter, 2021. "To Use or Not to Use Artificial Intelligence? A Framework for the Ideation and Evaluation of Problems to Be Solved with Artificial Intelligence," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 124702, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    5. Bailetti, Antonio J. & Callahan, John R., 1995. "Managing consistency between product development and public standards evolution," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(6), pages 913-931, November.
    6. Marc NIKITIN, 2013. "Can Aristotle Help Us Specify the Very Nature of Management problem?," LEO Working Papers / DR LEO 2253, Orleans Economics Laboratory / Laboratoire d'Economie d'Orleans (LEO), University of Orleans.
    7. Marc Nikitin, 2014. "Can Aristotle Help Us Specify the Very Nature of Management Problem?," Working Papers halshs-01015082, HAL.
    8. Arnold Reisman & Muhittin Oral, 2005. "Soft Systems Methodology: A Context Within a 50-Year Retrospective of OR/MS," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 35(2), pages 164-178, April.
    9. Michael Pidd, 1999. "Just Modeling Through: A Rough Guide to Modeling," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 29(2), pages 118-132, April.
    10. Sturm, Timo & Fecho, Mariska & Buxmann, Peter, 2021. "To Use or Not to Use Artificial Intelligence? A Framework for the Ideation and Evaluation of Problems to Be Solved with Artificial Intelligence," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 124636, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    11. John L Naman & Dennis P. Slevin, 1993. "Entrepreneurship and the concept of fit: A model and empirical tests," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 14(2), pages 137-153, February.
    12. Matin Mohaghegh & Andreas Größler, 2020. "The Dynamics of Operational Problem-Solving: A Dual-Process Approach," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 27-54, February.
    13. Bryson, Noel & Mobolurin, Ayodele & Ngwenyama, Ojelanki, 1995. "Modelling pairwise comparisons on ratio scales," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 83(3), pages 639-654, June.
    14. Bryson, Noel & Mobolurin, Ayodele, 1997. "An action learning evaluation procedure for multiple criteria decision making problems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 96(2), pages 379-386, January.
    15. Frederic H. Murphy, 2005. "ASP, The Art and Science of Practice: Elements of a Theory of the Practice of Operations Research: A Framework," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 35(2), pages 154-163, April.
    16. Jack R. Meredith, 2001. "Reconsidering the Philosophical Basis of OR/MS," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 49(3), pages 325-333, June.
    17. Björkdahl, Joakim & Linder, Marcus, 2015. "Formulating problems for commercializing new technologies: The case of environmental innovation," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 14-24.

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