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Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, 3rd Edition

Michael Pidd
December 2009, ©2010
Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, 3rd Edition (EHEP000963) cover image

  • Overview
The third edition of Tools for Thinking builds on the successes of the previous two editions. It creates a bridge between the soft and hard (Operations Research) OR schools of thought and provides an empirically based framework in which to place them. Focusing on modelling as an activity, rather than on models and techniques, Mike Pidd shows how models can be employed to explore possible future scenarios and to make sense of managerial vision.

This third edition has been fully revised and updated without changing its focus.  It features a new chapter on Decision Analysis and includes up-to-date examples using popular softwares, such as Precision Tree, @Risk and Micro Saint Sharp, to illustrate how these help in developing and using management science models as tools for thinking

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Table of Contents
Preface ix

Acknowledgements xi

PART I MODELLING IN MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 1

1 Models as convenient worlds 3

2 Management Science – making sense of strategic vision 21

3 Problems, problems . . . 43

4 Some principles of modelling 63

PART II INTERPRETIVE MODELLING – SOFT MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 83

5 Soft systems methodology 89

6 Cognitive mapping, SODA and journey-making 109

7 System dynamics 135

8 Decision analysis 157

PART III MATHEMATICAL AND LOGICAL MODELLING 185

9 Optimization modelling – linear programming 187

10 Computer simulation – visual interactive modelling and Monte Carlo simulation 211

11 Heuristic search 241

PART IV MODEL ASSESSMENT AND VALIDATION 263

12 Model assessment and validation 265

Index 285

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Author Information
Mike Pidd is Professor of Management Science at Lancaster University. He has served as President of the Operational Research Society and as Chair of COPIOR (the Committee of Professors in OR). His research interests focus on the development of usable models in management science and computer simulation, most recently in healthcare, and he has published widely in academic journals and books.
New To This Edition
This new edition has been fully revised and updated without changing its focus.
  • Features a new chapter on Decision Analysis
  • Includes up-to-date examples using popular softwares, such as Precision Tree, @Risk and Micro Saint Sharp, to illustrate how these help in developing and using management science models as tools for thinking
Hallmark Features
 

  • Written by Mike Pidd, a management teacher and consultant with over 30 years of experience
  • Builds on the successes of the previous 2 editions
  • Creates a bridge between the soft and hard OR schools of thought and provides an empirically based framework in which to place them

 

Available Versions

Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, 3rd Edition
by Michael Pidd
ISBN 978-0-470-72142-1
December 2009, ©2010
Paperback, 304 pages
US $73.95 Add to Cart
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E-book
Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, 3rd Edition
by Michael Pidd
ISBN 978EUDTE00522
July 2011, ©2010
Wiley E-Text, 304 pages
US $73.95 Purchase This E-book and Learn More
E-book
Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, 3rd Edition
by Michael Pidd
ISBN 978-0-470-89445-3
March 2013, ©2010
Wiley E-Text, 304 pages
US $44.50 Purchase This E-book and Learn More