Strategic Problem-Solving and a Frame of Reference for Decision-Making, 2022
Decision-Makers face several challenges daily. One of the most relevant is discerning whether the... more Decision-Makers face several challenges daily. One of the most relevant is discerning whether they are dealing with a Problem-Solving Situation, Decision Problem, Decision Opportunity, or Decision Implementation. In a Problem-Solving Situation, they need to identify the root cause of problems preventing a system or organization from reaching its objectives. The literature indicates that methods like Lean Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints, among others, are helpful in this case. However, successful applications are restricted to lower hierarchical levels, such as the operational and shop floors. From these observations, we suspected that could be a gap in the methods for problem-solving at the strategic level. Thus, we developed a systematic literature review to verify whether this is true or not. To accomplish this task, we analyzed the Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, Scenario Planning, Stakeholder Analysis, Cognitive / Causal Maps, and the main Problem Structuring Methods. As an outcome, we did not find any method to fill the gap at the strategic level. Hence, we concluded there is room for developing a new methodology to address this issue. In addition, we also observed that decision-makers might not comprehend that a complex decision-making process often comprises three stages (problem-solving, decision development, and decision implementation). This lack of comprehension may lead them to neglect one or more stages of the decision-making process or choose the wrong approach for a given situation, which can cause some drawbacks. Aiming to help them overcome these issues, we developed a frame of reference for decision-making. This visual device can also provide insights on connecting methodologies from different knowledge fields to solve complex real-world problems, opening space for academic innovation.
For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aidin... more For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aiding decision makers. However in Brazil, the national weather system needs to expand and develop procedures to meet the growing demand for this type of operation. In this sense, this paper evaluates planning at the national weather system by meteorologists, to tailor activities in support of operations related to natural disasters and humanitarian logistics. The preferences of meteorologists were identified through interviews and structured approach for multi-criteria decision analysis, based on the Multi-Attribute Value Theory. The hierarchical structure of criteria and sub-criteria were established, and different scenarios to identify potential alternatives were drawn up. The results indicate that the best alternative is to serve partially all criteria and sub-criteria considered. In the meteorologists’ view, expansion of the national system would require an investment of USD 490 million ...
For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aidin... more For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aiding decision makers. However in Brazil, the national weather system needs to expand and develop procedures to meet the growing demand for this type of operation. In this sense, this paper evaluates planning at the national weather system by meteorologists, to tailor activities in support of operations related to natural disasters and humanitarian logistics. The preferences of meteorologists were identified through interviews and structured approach for multi-criteria decision analysis, based on the Multi-Attribute Value Theory. The hierarchical structure of criteria and sub-criteria were established, and different scenarios to identify potential alternatives were drawn up. The results indicate that the best alternative is to serve partially all criteria and sub-criteria considered. In the meteorologists’ view, expansion of the national system would require an investment of USD 490 million in five years. Despite the financial resources held by Brazil´s National Plan of Risk Management and Disaster Response, it can be concluded that the preferences of meteorologists have not been fully met by the managers at the highest levels of government, responsible for the preparation of this plan.
Strategic Problem-Solving and a Frame of Reference for Decision-Making, 2022
Decision-Makers face several challenges daily. One of the most relevant is discerning whether the... more Decision-Makers face several challenges daily. One of the most relevant is discerning whether they are dealing with a Problem-Solving Situation, Decision Problem, Decision Opportunity, or Decision Implementation. In a Problem-Solving Situation, they need to identify the root cause of problems preventing a system or organization from reaching its objectives. The literature indicates that methods like Lean Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints, among others, are helpful in this case. However, successful applications are restricted to lower hierarchical levels, such as the operational and shop floors. From these observations, we suspected that could be a gap in the methods for problem-solving at the strategic level. Thus, we developed a systematic literature review to verify whether this is true or not. To accomplish this task, we analyzed the Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, Scenario Planning, Stakeholder Analysis, Cognitive / Causal Maps, and the main Problem Structuring Methods. As an outcome, we did not find any method to fill the gap at the strategic level. Hence, we concluded there is room for developing a new methodology to address this issue. In addition, we also observed that decision-makers might not comprehend that a complex decision-making process often comprises three stages (problem-solving, decision development, and decision implementation). This lack of comprehension may lead them to neglect one or more stages of the decision-making process or choose the wrong approach for a given situation, which can cause some drawbacks. Aiming to help them overcome these issues, we developed a frame of reference for decision-making. This visual device can also provide insights on connecting methodologies from different knowledge fields to solve complex real-world problems, opening space for academic innovation.
For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aidin... more For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aiding decision makers. However in Brazil, the national weather system needs to expand and develop procedures to meet the growing demand for this type of operation. In this sense, this paper evaluates planning at the national weather system by meteorologists, to tailor activities in support of operations related to natural disasters and humanitarian logistics. The preferences of meteorologists were identified through interviews and structured approach for multi-criteria decision analysis, based on the Multi-Attribute Value Theory. The hierarchical structure of criteria and sub-criteria were established, and different scenarios to identify potential alternatives were drawn up. The results indicate that the best alternative is to serve partially all criteria and sub-criteria considered. In the meteorologists’ view, expansion of the national system would require an investment of USD 490 million ...
For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aidin... more For the logistics of humanitarian operations, weather information quality is fundamental to aiding decision makers. However in Brazil, the national weather system needs to expand and develop procedures to meet the growing demand for this type of operation. In this sense, this paper evaluates planning at the national weather system by meteorologists, to tailor activities in support of operations related to natural disasters and humanitarian logistics. The preferences of meteorologists were identified through interviews and structured approach for multi-criteria decision analysis, based on the Multi-Attribute Value Theory. The hierarchical structure of criteria and sub-criteria were established, and different scenarios to identify potential alternatives were drawn up. The results indicate that the best alternative is to serve partially all criteria and sub-criteria considered. In the meteorologists’ view, expansion of the national system would require an investment of USD 490 million in five years. Despite the financial resources held by Brazil´s National Plan of Risk Management and Disaster Response, it can be concluded that the preferences of meteorologists have not been fully met by the managers at the highest levels of government, responsible for the preparation of this plan.
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Papers by D. Manso