【2018年整理】英国某商学院的emba课程讲座.ppt

Session 2: Problem Structuring Theory of problem structuring Practical application by “building a case” for multiple possible uses such as A proposal you make An answer you give A position you take Theory: Steps in Problem Structuring First: how did you arrive at this position and why is it of interest to me? Four distinct sub-steps here: Business as usual: Things are normal A problem or complication arises An obvious question then arises: E.g. “What to do about it?” In response to this question you develop an answer (or a proposition or recommendation) Steps in Problem Structuring (2) Second: capture attention of reader or develop depth of argument Establish a question, answer it, move to the next level of refinement. Vertical linkages Pigs should be kept as pets Steps in Problem Structuring (3) Third: convince the reader or develop support for argument Inductive or deductive logic. Horizontal linkages Typical problems Overlaps (not mutually exclusive) Gaps (not collectively exhaustive) Not commonly accepted logic of ordering Temporal (A before B before C) Structural (US Division, European Division) Other basic relationship: Part / wholeOppositionSimilarityImportance The problem with ACME Bottle “ACME Bottle” has been losing money. “Diversified”, owner of 49% of ACME, has received an offer to sell ACME for $97 million. You have been hired to advise Diversified’s Management on what to do. Outline the report you will write. On a single sheet of paper: Define accurately and clearly the problem facing Diversified. Break down the problem into its components Specify one hypothesis that would help address each component Describe the data and analysis that will confirm or disconfirm each hypothesis ACME report: Inductive ACME report: Deductive Two ways to develop a line of questioning or a presentation How can this stuff be useful to us? Winning support for an initiative at work Cracking a case at an interview Working as a consultant Writing a