http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
comparative study of group problem-solving techniques
Problem solving and decision making by groups has become increasingly popular in recent years as a means of reaching solutions that are more optimal, more creative, and more acceptable to the many individuals affected by those solutions. The objective of this research was to study five group problem-solving techniques that have been successfully used to aid decision makers in arriving at solutions through structured, creative processes rather than by informal, trial-and-error approaches. The five techniques that were focused in this research are: the Nominal Group Technique, the Delphi, Value Engineering, the Crawford Slip Method, and Synectics. The research procedure involved the design and distribution of a questionnaire to recognized practitioners of the five techniques. The questionnaire covered factors that contribute to the capabilities and limitations of each technique, such as: functional areas of use, problem scope, training requirements, time and cost considerations. The questionnaires returned from the respondents were analyzed and the comparative results and findings were documented in a manner that will aid decision-makers contemplating the use of these techniques to choose the one that is most appropriate for their particular application.
"Major subject: Industrial Engineering."