Pereira Problem Solving Methodology — Business Research & Management Flashcards

These flashcards cover the major concepts from the article “Pereira Problem Solving: Business Research Methodology to Explore Open Innovation.” Topics include scientific management, complex problem solving, cognitive bias, root-cause analysis, leadership competencies, statistical analysis, data collection methods, open innovation, and solution formulation strategies. Designed to help students review key theories, research methods, management concepts, and practical applications discussed throughout the paper.

What is the main purpose of the Pereira Problem Solving methodology?

To provide a structured, scientific framework for solving complex business and management problems using evidence, analysis, and research methods.

What does VUCA stand for?

Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous.

What are the three areas sustainable development should include?

Economic value, social value, and environmental value.

According to the paper, what is one of the most important skills for modern managers?

Complex problem solving.

What is scientific management based on?

Facts, data, cause-and-effect analysis, testing, and objective reasoning.

What is the “Rule of Thumb” method?

Making decisions based only on personal experience instead of scientific analysis.

Why does the paper criticize trial-and-error management?

Because it is inefficient, unscientific, and may not produce reliable results.

What are four important qualities needed for scientific management?

Intellectual humility, intellectual honesty, curiosity, and openness of mind.

What is cognitive bias?

Distorted thinking caused by emotions, assumptions, conflict of interest, or lack of objectivity.

According to the paper, what mistake do managers often make during problem solving?

Spending too much time discussing solutions instead of analyzing the problem itself.

What are the first steps in the problem-solving process?

Define the problem clearly and analyze its causes.

Why should a problem be written clearly and specifically?

To make it easier to understand, isolate, and solve objectively.

What is the Ishikawa technique also called?

The Fishbone Diagram technique.

What is the purpose of the Fishbone Diagram?

To identify root causes and cause-and-effect relationships of a problem.

What is the purpose of the Five Whys technique?

To repeatedly ask “why” in order to uncover the root cause of a problem.

What is the main goal of the Problem-Breakdown technique?

To reduce complexity by breaking a large problem into smaller sub-problems.

What does the Pareto Principle suggest?

About 80% of problems come from 20% of causes.

Why is the Pareto technique useful?

It helps organizations focus on the most important causes first.

What does statistical dependency mean?

Two variables or causes are related or correlated.

What does statistical independence mean?

Variables or causes are unrelated and usually require separate solutions.

What are the four main solution strategies mentioned in the paper?

Avoid/eliminate, mitigate, transfer, or accept the problem.

Why is data visualization important in problem solving?

It helps make information easier to understand, analyze, and communicate.

Name three data collection methods discussed in the paper.

Interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups.

What is open innovation?

Using external knowledge, collaboration, and outside resources to improve innovation and problem solving.

According to the paper, what should future managers act more like?

Coaches and mentors who support and develop others.

What was the main problem in the retail case study?

Customers were leaving the electronics store without buying products.

How many customers were interviewed in the case study?

119 customers over 10 days.

What advanced research method was mentioned near the end of the paper?

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLSPM).

What is one major cause of management failure according to the paper?

Not spending enough time analyzing the problem.

What is the overall message of the paper?

Effective management should be scientific, evidence-based, objective, collaborative, and focused on continuous improvement.