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Using Robustness Analysis to structure online marketing and communication problems

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  • H-Y Wong

Abstract

Online marketing and communication provides an interesting environment for the application of problem structuring methods as problems tend to be ill-defined and quantitative models are often inadequate in capturing complexity or developing decision options. This paper reports the use of Robustness Analysis, one of the least known problem structuring methods, in helping decision makers keep options open. A concise description of the key concepts in Robustness Analysis and the recently developed participative methodology is given. The case study describes how Robustness Analysis was used for 3 days in aiding a UK company identify its first step towards online retailing. The paper then discusses issues that may be of interest to other problem structuring method practitioners, covering problems—method matching, the use of Robustness Analysis in participative situations and a subjective evaluation of the success of the intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • H-Y Wong, 2007. "Using Robustness Analysis to structure online marketing and communication problems," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 58(5), pages 633-644, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:58:y:2007:i:5:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2602250
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602250
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. H-Y Wong & J Rosenhead, 2000. "A rigorous definition of Robustness Analysis," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 51(2), pages 176-182, February.
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    7. D Shaw & F Ackermann & C Eden, 2003. "Approaches to sharing knowledge in group problem structuring," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 54(9), pages 936-948, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ion Georgiou & Joaquim Heck, 2021. "The emergence of problem structuring methods, 1950s–1989: An atlas of the journal literature," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(6), pages 756-796, November.

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