Chapter 1 Definitions

Question 1

MPSM

Answer 1

Allows you to embark creative jaunts within the systematic approach to a problem

Question 2

Language of Variables

Answer 2

Untangling an issue and defining it as a series of variables

Question 3

Discrepancy

Answer 3

A deviation, situation where 2 things don’t match. norm vs Reality

Question 4

Action problem

Answer 4

A discrepancy between norm & reality

Question 5

Problem-owner

Answer 5

The person responsible for a solution to a problem

Question 6

Research population

Answer 6

The subject of the investigation you are performing

Question 7

Knowledge problem

Answer 7

A description of the research population, the variables that need to be investigated

Question 8

The search cycle

Answer 8

Used to solve a knowledge problem. Consists of 8 phases

Question 9

Problem context

Answer 9

The full scope of exists problems

Question 10

Quick & dirty (identification)

Answer 10

A rapid, uncomplicated inventory of existing inventory of existing data & perspectives made without performing actual research.

Question 11

Problem identification

Answer 11

Systematically establishing a quantifiable core problem.

Question 12

Problem cluster

Answer 12

A model used to map different problems & their mutual relationships.

Question 13

Concretising variables

Answer 13

Highlighting aspects of variables used. These indicators may or may not exactly encompass the variable

Question 14

Decomposing variables

Answer 14

Variables can be split up into separate parts. Ex: profit variable: revenue-costs

Question 15

Research cycle

Answer 15

Approach to research in order to obtain required information. Done through a stepwise process.

Question 16

Problem analysis

Answer 16

Researching a problem to find out its causes, and establishing interrelationships between causes & effects

Question 17

Attributes

Answer 17

Characteristics of solutions

Question 18

Conjunction criteria

Answer 18

Demands that a potential solution has to meet. Known as cut-off criteria or killer requirements.

Question 19

Consensus

Answer 19

A state where everyone in a meeting is in agreement

Question 20

Qualified majority

Answer 20

An agreement which sets additional demands with regards to decision - making

Question 21

Lexicographical method

Answer 21

A method of deciding using a set of ranked criteria.

Question 22

Majority rule

Answer 22

A rule that favours the option which scores best in the largest number of criteria

Question 23

Morphology

Answer 23

A creative technique used to come up with solutions

Question 24

Moscow rules

Answer 24

Prioritizing requirements that are a part of a solution. Ex: must have, could have, etc.

Question 25

Sub-attributes

Answer 25

Splitting a criterion or attribute into component parts yields sub-attributes.

Question 26

Synectics

Answer 26

Coming up with a solution based on looking at the problem in a different realm, time, or place.

Question 27

Threshold value

Answer 27

Minimum amount

Question 28

Probability theory

Answer 28

To calculate the risks involved in an option or event.

Question 29

Scenario

Answer 29

Using various scenarios t “scenario plan”

Question 30

Bottom-up

Answer 30

Workplace input is possible

Question 31

BCH model

Answer 31

Balance, cohesion, heterogeneity. Used for an internal analysis of an organization.

Question 32

Top-down

Answer 32

All communication originate from management

Question 33

Change management

Answer 33

Supervise, organize, and have others execute change within an organization.

Question 34

Yammer

Answer 34

Social media platform that works by submitting short messages

Question 35

Formative evaluation

Answer 35

Reviewing the causesof the effects encountered.

Question 36

Summative evaluation

Answer 36

Establishing whether your goals have been met

Question 37

Cross-sectional research

Answer 37

Performing all measurements virtually simultaneously

Question 38

Longitudinal - research

Answer 38

Performing measurements at different points in time.

Question 39

Operationalisation

Answer 39

Using indicators to make variables quantifiable

Question 40

Internal validity

Answer 40

Formulating & constructing research designs and measuring instruments

Question 41

External validity

Answer 41

Can the research be applied to a different research population?

Question 42

Construct validity

Answer 42

Concerned with whether abstract concepts are properly operationalised