Nine innovative methods to think outside the box and solve complex
system problems
Managing Complex Systems provides specific tools and guidance
needed to be a more creative and innovative thinker. Following the
author’s methodology, the reader will be better able to devise and
implement nontraditional solutions to seemingly intractable complex
problems. By challenging the reader to think in new and creative
ways, the book offers a road map to success, whether measured in
terms of competitive advantage, greater market share, improved
productivity, or higher profits, all based upon better solutions to
difficult problems.
The first four chapters set the foundation for creative thinking by
exploring the nature of large-scale systems and complexity,
thinking inside and outside the box, and examples of how an
inventive mind solves problems in both management and scientific
domains. Subsequent chapters address nine focused methods that the
author has formulated to help the reader think outside the
box:
* Broaden and generalize
* Crossover
* Question conventional wisdom
* Back of the envelope
* Expanding the dimensions
* Obversity
* Remove constraints
* Thinking with pictures
* Systems approach
Real-life examples are provided for each method that demonstrate
how the approach enhances problem solving and decision making in
system development and management. Following the discussion of the
nine methods, the author examines group decision making as well as
additional creative thinking procedures devised by other
researchers, including references that assist in exploring these
methods in greater detail. The author ends with a wrap-up chapter
that includes a test to help readers practice their tendencies
toward creative thinking skills and action with respect to solving
real-world problems.
The nine methods discussed in this book have broad applicability
and can be used successfully by managers with a wide range of
responsibilities in business and technology. For anyone who is
tired of the same old approach with the same old results, this book
is essential reading.
Table of Content
Preface.
1. Systems and Thinking.
2. Building and Managing Systems.
3. Problems to Ponder.
4. The Inventive Mind.
5. Perspective 1: Broaden and Generalize.
6. Perspective 2: Crossover.
7. Perspective 3: Question Conventional Wisdom.
8. Perspective 4: Back of the Envelope.
9. Perspective 5: Expanding the Dimensions.
10. Perspective 6: Obversity.
11. Perspective 7: Remove Constraints.
12. Perspective 8: Thinking with Pictures.
13. Perspective 9: The Systems Approach.
14. Thinking in Groups.
15. Widening the Circle.
16. Final Thoughts and a Test.
Index.
About the author
HOWARD EISNER, DSc, has managed and carried out research and development programs in systems and software engineering for more than forty-five years, in both industrial and academic environments. He served as executive vice president of ORI, Inc. and vice president of Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC). Currently, he is Professor at The George Washington University. Dr. Eisner has given tutorials for INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering), has over 100 papers to his credit and has had many of his articles published in the Washington Business Journal.
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