Solutions

There are some events in life that are inevitable, and the emergence of problems in the workplace is one. Solutions sets out to provide remedies that are accessible, practical, meaningful, and final. Well organized, and referenced to specific operations, this book provides troubleshooting and other assistance, and serves as an encyclopedic reference for answers to organizational problems for managers and practitioners. All the functional activities and operations of organizations are included, so that almost any problem or issue that may occur will be addressed in one or more chapters. Readers will be able to quickly locate, understand and use a specific tool or technique to solve a problem. The different tools available are described, or a single most useful tool indicated. The tool is then explained in depth with an example of how it can be used. The strengths and weaknesses of individual tools are identified and there are suggestions for further help. Solutions is essential for anyone wanting to learn the basics of business problem solving and those who might know the basics but want to expand their understanding.

Contents: Introduction; Problems and decision making, Wendy Hoffman; Optimizing decision making and avoiding pitfalls, Corinne Farneti and Glenn Dishman; Leadership, Sal Mirza and Frank Fletcher; Communications, Karen Clancy and Linda Eldridge; Strategy, Eric Bolland and Jerry Wellman; Developing organizational design and culture, Frank Fletcher; Human resource management, Sal Mirza and Corinne Farneti; Marketing and promotion, Marla Ashe; Competitors and competitive intelligence, Eric Bolland; Pricing, Laura D’Antonio; Identifying and serving customers, Marla Ashe; Operations management, Rik Berry; Distribution and supply, Eric Bolland; Project and process management, Jerry Wellman; Accounting, Laura Barthel; Finance, budgeting and cash flow, Rik Berry and Laura D’Antonio; Organizational performance, Laura Barthel; Government and legal issues, Teresa Isaac and Bobby Ricks; Websites and information technology, Eric Bolland; Index.

About the Editor: Dr Eric Bolland is currently Chair of the MBA Division at Midway College, Kentucky, USA. Dr Bolland was formerly adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Business. He has thirty years private and public sector managerial experience and has authored three books (Future Firms: How America's High Technology Companies Work. Oxford University Press, 1998; Financial Analysis for Credit Union Managers. Kendall-Hunt. 2000; Cost Justifying Automation. Technical Insight-John Wiley. 1989) and over fifty articles in business and economics.

Dr Frank Fletcher is currently Chair of the Business Division of Midway College. He has spent more than twenty-five years in teaching and administrative positions at the University of Texas-El Paso, Husson College and the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Dr Fletcher is an independent consultant and staff member for organizations including National Alliance of Business, Gulf + Western Corporation, McGraw-Hill. He is a Certified Professional Fundraiser and Certified Professional Marketer. He has also served on the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Reviews: 'These faculty authors have created a very useful guide to organizational decision making. Starting with commonly asked questions, they introduce and plainly explain tools that private and public sector managers and supervisors can use to make better business decisions.'
John Baldacci, former Governor of Maine

'"Keep asking questions until you are satisfied with the answer" is the best business advice I've ever been given This extensive research done by the Midway College business faculty will be a useful roadmap in finding answers based on experience instead of guesswork. Bottom line: The lamp post of the past is the guide light of the future.'
John Y. Brown, Former Governor of Kentucky and former CEO partner-owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken

'A great resource in solving business problems. See how others face similar issues-what works and what doesn't work.'
Thomas F. Gilbane Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilbane Inc.

'This guide to business problem solving provides readers with a broad array of tools they can use to solve everyday business problems. As the former CEO of the CUNA Mutual Group, I appreciate the need for sound business decision making and this book will help employees at all levels of their organizations and business students do just that.'
Richard M. Heins

'The business faculty at Midway College have produced something long missing from the shelves of managers - a simple guide to evidence-based tools and solutions for age-old management questions. Good luck trying to find the information packed into this treasure trove through a Google search or on a bookseller's sagging shelf of management tomes. Fortunately, it's all here in this handy collection.'
Greg Shaw, Former Microsoft Executive and General Manager

Dr Eric Bolland is currently Chair of the MBA Division at Midway College, Kentucky, USA. Dr Bolland was formerly adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Business. He has thirty years private and public sector managerial experience and has authored three books (Future Firms: How America's High Technology Companies Work. Oxford University Press, 1998; Financial Analysis for Credit Union Managers. Kendall-Hunt. 2000; Cost Justifying Automation. Technical Insight-John Wiley. 1989) and over fifty articles in business and economics. Dr Frank Fletcher is currently Chair of the Business Division of Midway College. He has spent more than twenty-five years in teaching and administrative positions at the University of Texas-El Paso, Husson College and the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Dr Fletcher is an independent consultant and staff member for organizations including National Alliance of Business, Gulf + Western Corporation, McGraw-Hill. He is a Certified Professional Fundraiser and Certified Professional Marketer. He has also served on the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.