Problem Solving in Organizations A Methodological Handbook for Business and Management Students

Introduction

The start of a field problem-solving (FPS) project can be the most difficult part, as is the case for many things. Where do you start when you are uncertain about access to an organization and are unfamiliar with its operations and the challenges it faces? This chapter offers guidance in this process and helps to approach these difficulties step by step. Though these suggestions do not guarantee a smooth ride, they may help to make this first phase more effective.

The first phase of the FPS project includes intake and orientation, as well as the definition of a business problem. Business problems are not given, but need to be defined in interactions with stakeholders. In terms of a consulting project, this should be regarded as part of the contracting phase. In a problem-solving project, the problem definition is based upon intake meetings and orientation activities. The intake usually consists of one or two meetings with company representatives, and results in a written preliminary project proposal including an initial assignment. During the orientation you gather and analyse more information about the problem context, so that you can further develop the content of the preliminary proposal into a final proposal. Although during the intake the student is typically not an in-house trainee yet, orientation may be conducted on an in-house basis, but this is not really required.

This chapter will continue with discussing intake and orientation activities, and then turn to the definition of a problem as part of a problem mess (see Section 4.3 on the concept of problem mess) and the formulation of an assignment and research approach. Finally, the chapter offers suggestions for the content of a final project proposal.

The intake usually starts with initial contact with a company representative, exploring the possibilities of an FPS project. The choice as to the company to be approached can be based on a number of factors. Students or their supervisors may have had prior contact with the company. Interest in the company may also be based on an external exploration. In either case, the prospects of gaining the interest of a company are higher if one proposes a specific – but not too narrowly defined – topic for a potential project. If the contact is successful, an appointment for a first meeting is made.