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1 – 10 of over 139000
Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Mathias Riechert, Sophie Biesenbender, Werner Dees and Daniel Sirtes

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of definitional standards for research information as a wicked problem. A central solution strategy for such problems

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of definitional standards for research information as a wicked problem. A central solution strategy for such problems, increasing transparency by argumentation visualisation, is being evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative formal content analysis is used in order to examine whether the process of definition standardisation in the project can be characterised as a wicked problem. Action Research is used to assess the effect of argumentation visualisation in the project.

Findings

The results of the content analysis confirm the interpretation of the standardisation process as a wicked problem. The implementation of argumentation visualisation shows to increase the meetings’ focus and effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The relationship between information exchange, transparency and acceptance of the development result should be addressed in future empirical analyses. Visualisation solutions require further development in order to accommodate needs of the stakeholders.

Practical implications

Argumentation visualisation is of high value for finding a consensus for definitional standards and should be considered for managing and exchanging information.

Originality/value

Applying solution strategies from design research on wicked problems to large-scale standardisation efforts opens up new possibilities for not only handling such projects but also providing new avenues of research for both the design and research information communities.

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2022

Hye Jeong Kim, Pilnam Yi and Byung Wook Ko

This study explored students' experiences of creative problem-solving using a design thinking approach in higher education, mainly focusing on the importance of empathetic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explored students' experiences of creative problem-solving using a design thinking approach in higher education, mainly focusing on the importance of empathetic approach in the problem identification and definition phase.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a descriptive qualitative research design and thematic analysis, in which observation and 27 semi-structured reports were used to reveal the impact of design thinking on undergraduate students' experience of creative problem-solving.

Findings

The authors found multiple themes in students' responses concerning problem identification and definition in design thinking, which could be described as a systematic innovation process. Four major themes were identified. They included identifying and defining problems in a real-world context, empathizing with people from the target beneficiary group as a process of problem identification and definition, working with a team to expand the empathizing view, and perceiving the need for deep exploration in the empathetic process and defining a problem.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the perceived role of empathy in students' creative problem-solving process. However, the main limitation of this study was the small sample size, which can limit the generalizability of the results of the study. Nonetheless, this study provides valuable insights into understanding the role of empathy and problem identification as an essential process in creative problem-solving.

Practical implications

It is worthwhile to integrate design thinking as an effective teaching and learning strategy in university education, particularly for fostering empathy and creative problem-solving skills in students. Among the processes of design thinking, empathy is critical in the problem identification and definition phase.

Originality/value

This study adds to existing knowledge by examining the role and ways of perceiving real-world problems in a human-centered mindset in university programs.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1994

Patrick Butler

While problem and decision analysis has attracted considerable interestin general management fields, it is not a topic commonly found in themarketing management literature. Problem

5590

Abstract

While problem and decision analysis has attracted considerable interest in general management fields, it is not a topic commonly found in the marketing management literature. Problem understanding and definition determine management action, and therefore deserve greater attention. Addresses the key issues in marketing management problem analysis by showing why problem definition is important; outlining the nature of marketing problems and the difficulties involved in addressing them; and providing guidelines for management and research practitioners. A diagrammatic review of several problem and decision models provides a broad view of the complex processes involved. One critical factor which comes to the fore in the discussion is the necessity for decision makers and analysts to collaborate, and several techniques for such co‐operation are presented.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 June 2022

Ana Gutiérrez, Jose Aguilar, Ana Ortega and Edwin Montoya

The authors propose the concept of “Autonomic Cycle for innovation processes,” which defines a set of tasks of data analysis, whose objective is to improve the innovation process…

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Abstract

Purpose

The authors propose the concept of “Autonomic Cycle for innovation processes,” which defines a set of tasks of data analysis, whose objective is to improve the innovation process in micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors design autonomic cycles where each data analysis task interacts with each other and has different roles: some of them must observe the innovation process, others must analyze and interpret what happens in it, and finally, others make decisions in order to improve the innovation process.

Findings

In this article, the authors identify three innovation sub-processes which can be applied to autonomic cycles, which allow interoperating the actors of innovation processes (data, people, things and services). These autonomic cycles define an innovation problem, specify innovation requirements, and finally, evaluate the results of the innovation process, respectively. Finally, the authors instance/apply the autonomic cycle of data analysis tasks to determine the innovation problem in the textile industry.

Research limitations/implications

It is necessary to implement all autonomous cycles of data analysis tasks (ACODATs) in a real scenario to verify their functionalities. Also, it is important to determine the most important knowledge models required in the ACODAT for the definition of the innovation problem. Once determined this, it is necessary to define the relevant everything mining techniques required for their implementations, such as service and process mining tasks.

Practical implications

ACODAT for the definition of the innovation problem is essential in a process innovation because it allows the organization to identify opportunities for improvement.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this work are: For an innovation process is specified its ACODATs in order to manage it. A multidimensional data model for the management of an innovation process is defined, which stores the required information of the organization and of the context. The ACODAT for the definition of the innovation problem is detailed and instanced in the textile industry. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques required for the ACODAT for the innovation problem definition are specified, in order to obtain the knowledge models (prediction and diagnosis) for the management of the innovation process for MSMEs of the textile industry.

Details

Applied Computing and Informatics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-1964

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1980

V.P. GLADUN and N.D. VASCHENKO

Three types of adaptation are distinguished in problem‐solving systems: Adaptation to the environment, adaptation to the problem and adaptation to the class of problems. An…

Abstract

Three types of adaptation are distinguished in problem‐solving systems: Adaptation to the environment, adaptation to the problem and adaptation to the class of problems. An important class of problem‐solving systems with developed adaptive properties is described. The system APROS, designed to solve R&D problems and problems of robot actions planning, serves as an example of such a system.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1989

Randall G. Chapman

Describes an approach that assists decision makers and marketresearch analysts in problemdefinition in market research studies.Examines the two‐stage process of formulating an…

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Abstract

Describes an approach that assists decision makers and market research analysts in problemdefinition in market research studies. Examines the two‐stage process of formulating an explicit research objective and developing a series of research questions to achieve that objective, illustrating the approach with examples. Concludes that while the approach does not provide insight into what is the right problem, it represents an aid to designing effective market research studies.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1998

T. Rodič and I. Grešovnik

A system for solving a wide variety of inverse and optimization problems in solid mechanics is introduced. The system consists of a general purpose finite element method (FEM…

Abstract

A system for solving a wide variety of inverse and optimization problems in solid mechanics is introduced. The system consists of a general purpose finite element method (FEM) analysis system “Elfen” and a shell which controls this system. The shell functions as a stand‐alone programme, so the system is physically divided into two separated parts. The “optimization part”, which corresponds to the shell, possesses optimization and inverse problem solution algorithms. The “analysis part”, which corresponds to an FEM system, serves for the definition of the objective function to which these algorithms are applied. The shell has a user interface implemented in the form of file interpreter which imposes a great flexibility at the definition of various optimization and inverse problems, including parameter identification in constitutive modelling, frictional contact problems and heat transfer. Concepts of the shell are discussed in detail.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 15 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 17 December 2016

Barbara M. Altman

As sociologists we all try to make a contribution to our field. Having completed our comprehensives and dissertations we have read in depth in several areas, have focused on an…

Abstract

Purpose

As sociologists we all try to make a contribution to our field. Having completed our comprehensives and dissertations we have read in depth in several areas, have focused on an area that interests us, and have learned the research process whether it uses quantitative or qualitative methodology. We all make our contributions available to the field, but occasionally one among us makes a startling discovery, has an unusual idea or a way to approach a problem, starts examining a new problem at just the right moment, or has an insight into a specific conceptual problem with unusual alacrity. A few among us combine all that skill and happenstance and lead the way into new sociological insights, new areas of research and provide a notable foundation or advancement to an area of knowledge. Saad Nagi is one of those contributors with vision, insight, and skill to see ahead of his time. This paper attempts to bring together in one place his major contributions to the disability knowledge base in sociology.

Methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper is an in depth review of all of Nagi’s published works in the area of disability. The published literature is grouped into the five areas in which Nagi made major contributions, including major research of the Social Security Disability Insurance process; development of a framework for the disability process; epidemiological definitions and research; development of a coherent set of disability measures; and an examination of the social problem, policy, and program process as developed and practiced in this country.

Findings

Nagi made a large and significant contribution in all the areas listed above and much of the measurement, and process examination is still relevant and useful in current research. His framework is still the basis for the very newest models of disability which dominate disability research today.

Research implications

Researchers need to go back to find Nagi books and articles written in the 60s, 70s, and 80s to ground their work in the originals rather than to take the interpretations of others on this material. The ICF and the Social Model did not originate in Europe alone, but much of the work began in the states in the early 60s with the work of Nagi, Haber, and others and should not be overlooked or ignored.

Details

Sociology Looking at Disability: What Did We Know and When Did We Know it
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-478-5

Keywords

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Camilo Arciniegas Pradilla, Jose Bento da Silva and Juliane Reinecke

Wicked problems are causally complex, lack definite solutions, and re-emerge in different guises. This paper discusses how new ways of organizing emerge to tackle changing

Abstract

Wicked problems are causally complex, lack definite solutions, and re-emerge in different guises. This paper discusses how new ways of organizing emerge to tackle changing manifestations of wicked problems. Focusing on the wicked problem of poverty, we conducted a longitudinal study of Fe y Alegria (FyA), one of the world’s largest non-governmental organization, which provides education for the poor across 21 countries in Latin America and Africa. Drawing on archival and ethnographic data, we trace the historical narratives of how FyA defined poverty as a problem and developed new ways of organizing, from its foundation by a Jesuit priest in 1955 to its current networked structure. Our findings reveal the ongoing cycle of interpretive problem definition and organizing solutions for wicked problems. First, since there is no “true” formulation of a wicked problem, actors construct narrative explanations based on their understanding of the problem. Second, organizational solutions to a wicked problem are thus reflections of these narrative constructions. Third, emerging and changing narratives about what the problem is inspire new organizational responses. Our findings provide insights into the dynamic relationship between organizing for wicked problems, narratives, and the changing manifestations of wicked problems and grand challenges more broadly.

Details

Organizing for Societal Grand Challenges
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-829-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2012

Chloé Anne Vlassopoulos

The purpose of this paper is to examine the definitional debates linked to climate change and their impact on the policy actors ' position and on policy content. It is…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the definitional debates linked to climate change and their impact on the policy actors ' position and on policy content. It is suggested that while discussing about “climate change”, different policy arenas perceive different problems implying different responsibility attributions and different solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study mobilizes different sources, such as regulations, research reports, and scientific papers, combined with personal interviews with international agents participating in the climate policy negotiations process.

Findings

Initially, climate change has been defined as an environmental degradation problem. Progressively, other competing definitions of the problem occupied the public debate. Alternatively, climate change has been discussed as a development issue, a migration issue and a security issue. The paper argues that while this polyphonic discourse persists, the problem definition process remains unaccomplished, new institutional equilibriums cannot be established and, consequently, policymaking cannot follow.

Practical implications

By focusing on the different perceptions and debates of the climate issue, this paper points to the conflicts transcending the international arena. This gives policy actors a wider view of the negotiating process in which they are involved.

Originality/value

Most analyses explain the success or failure of international agreements by pointing to either the presence/lack of governmental compliance or the institutional complexity and need for coordination between enforcement agencies. Less attention is paid to the way public problems are perceived by different policy communities. This paper focuses on the definitional debates accompanying the post-Kyoto negotiations and their impact on the policy making process.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

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