Purpose – The study investigated the impact of theory of constraints (TOC), a change methodology previously employed in the private sector and now adapted to the health sector, on three NHS Trust departments, Neurosurgery, Eyes and ENT, especially in relation to reducing waiting lists in the...

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce a new phenomenon related to creative motivation called creative resolve response (CRR). CRR predicts how creative motivation will vary during problem solving. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 66 MBA students were asked to respond at random...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamics of critical thinking (CT) in contrast with Six Sigma and the “5 Whys” approach that is used by many managers to conduct “Root cause analysis” in business process improvements. Design/methodology/approach – The research...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the recent curriculum reform at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business and outline the process followed to achieve it and lessons learned. Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study. It aims in particular to clarify the...

Assesses the future of management development (MD) in Arab countries in the 1990s. Interprets developments in the political, economic and organizational fields to support an appreciable increase in the need and demand for MD in these countries. Encourages MD firms to adopt a growth strategy to...

Examines soft systems methodologies(SSM) and the role they play in the building of a rich picture or rich understanding of problematic situations. Organizational theory is explored in relation to SSM and used to augment this rich picture building exercise, and the field of critical systems...

Action learning is a unique organizational learning process that involves a non‐traditional instructional approach and mindset. It is similar to the case method, in that it was designed as a managerial learning process. It was introduced by Reg Revans and first referenced as early as 1945, in...

This paper investigates the cultural influences (ethnic and organisational) on management decision making. Using Michael Kirton’s Adaptors and Innovators (1987) as a model, research was undertaken in Hong Kong with four groups of managers. The groups represented the permutations of expatriate...

Mapping techniques offer a problem‐solving faculty for individuals and groups; they help managers access and build on personal wisdom and work as an effective adjunct to such creativity techniques as brainstorming, force field analysis and lateral thinking, directing the creativity released...

The senior seminar is a seminar that places emphasis on small problem‐solving groups as an effective approach to executive development. It concentrates on combining management knowledge and skill development in an intense two‐week experience. Small groups have been a part of management...