Carlo, Les and Roberts, Paul A. B. (2012) Problem-formulation in a South African organization. Executive summary. EngD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

Complex Problem Solving is an area of cognitive science that has received a good amount of
attention, but theories in the field have not progressed accordingly. In general, research of
problem solving has focussed on identifying preferable methods rather than on what happens
when human beings confront problems in an organizational context
Queseda, Kirtsch and Gomez (2005)
Existing literature recognises that most organizational problems are ill-defined. Some problems
can become well-defined whereas others are and remain ill-structured. For problems that can
become well-defined, failure to pay attention to the area of problem definition has the potential to
jeopardise the effectiveness of problem-formulation and thus the entire problem solving activity.
Problem defining, a fundamental part of the problem-formulation process, is seen as the best
defence against a Type III Error (trying to solve the wrong problem). Existing literature addresses
possible processes for problem-formulation and recognises the importance of applying problem
domain knowledge within them. However, inadequate attention is given to the possible
circumstances that, within an organization, the participants do not know enough about the
problem domain and do not recognise the importance of applying adequate problem domain
knowledge or experience to the problem-formulation process. A case study is conducted into
exactly these circumstances as they occurred and were successfully addressed within Eskom
Holdings Ltd (Eskom), the national electricity utility in South Africa. The case study is a
fundamental part of this research project, which explores the gap in the existing body of
knowledge related to the circumstances described above and specifically to problems that can
become well-defined, and provides the basis for the innovation developed herein that addresses
that gap.

Item Type:	Thesis (EngD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Problem solving, Organizational change -- Case studies, Organizational effectiveness -- Case studies, Eskom (Firm)
Official Date:	June 2012
Dates:	Date Event June 2012 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	EngD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Roberts, Paul A. B.; Lennon, Steve
Extent:	vii, 112 leaves.
Language:	eng

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