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Assumptional Analysis: A Methodology for Strategic Problem Solving

Author

Listed:
  • Ian I. Mitroff

    (University of Pittsburgh)

  • James R. Emshoff

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Ralph H. Kilmann

    (University of Pittsburgh)

Abstract

This paper deals with the critical role that assumptions play in strategic planning and strategic problem forming. It attempts to formulate a methodology or systematic procedure for (1) uncovering (surfacing), (2) analyzing the effect, and (3) challenging key policy assumptions. The paper shows how the dialectical approach to strategic planning first suggested by Churchman (Churchman, C. W. 1971. The design of inquiring systems. Basic Books, New York; Churchman, C. W. 1968. The systems approach. Delacorte, New York.) and Mason (Mason, R. O. 1969. A dialectical approach to strategic planning. Management Sci. 15 B403-B414.) can put on a more systematic and operational basis such that it can serve as a useful methodology for addressing ill-structured, i.e., difficult-to-define, problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian I. Mitroff & James R. Emshoff & Ralph H. Kilmann, 1979. "Assumptional Analysis: A Methodology for Strategic Problem Solving," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 25(6), pages 583-593, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:25:y:1979:i:6:p:583-593
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.25.6.583
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    Cited by:

    1. Giovanni. Gavetti & Daniel A. Levinthal, 2004. "50th Anniversay Article: The Strategy Field from the Perspective of Management Science: Divergent Strands and Possible Integration," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 50(10), pages 1309-1318, October.
    2. William M.K. Trochim, 1985. "Pattern Matching, Validity, and Conceptualization in Program Evaluation," Evaluation Review, , vol. 9(5), pages 575-604, October.
    3. Michelle BergadaÀ & Raymond-Alain ThiÉtart, 1997. "Stradin: A Strategic Dynamic and Interactive Decision-Making Process," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 61-75, January.
    4. Eefje Cuppen, 2012. "Diversity and constructive conflict in stakeholder dialogue: considerations for design and methods," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 45(1), pages 23-46, March.
    5. Howard Kunreuther & John W. Lathrop, 1981. "Siting Hazardous Facilities: Lessons from LNG," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(4), pages 289-302, December.
    6. Ascarya & Siti Rahmawati, 2015. "Analysis The Determinants Of Micro Enterprises Graduation," Working Papers WP/1/2015, Bank Indonesia.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    planning; philosophy of modeling;

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