The use of interactive models to formulate managers problems and to identify decision aids

This thesis describes a research inquiry into models which could be used in an interactive manner for formulating problems and exploring manager's needs for decision aids. It reviews a wide range of literature in Operational Research Methodology, Models and Games, and then argues the case that what managers want are models which could allow them to reflect on the way they manage process and not those which simulate that process. A two phase practical study was carried out in association with two departments of a large organisation in which a group of managers were interested in the basic aims of the study and willing to cooperate. The aim was to research their managerial environment, seeking ways to improve management control of the processes which they do not directly involve themselves in, except by managing those who do.In phase one, Bowen's Problem Formulation Methodology was used to structure and feed back the data obtained from managers. The Methodology proved to be a very effective tool to help both the Operational Researcher and the Problem Owners to communicate and identify potential problem areas and failures in communications and purposeful actions. In phase two, a computer - based system was developed for the General Manager of one department to help him in the recording of and access to essential features of his current problems and communications about them. The system could be extended as a planning schedule and process control held in common by a management group, a decision support system for the department as a whole.