Document Detail


Fitting in the management science specialist.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  10297600     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Fuller and Atherton discuss the relationship between management science specialists and managers. Management science specialists have developed expertise in the complex quantitative techniques available to aid in decision-making. Managers on the other hand, are expected to have a good understanding of the total organizational picture. The conflict arises when managers become overwhelmed by the technical expertise of the staff specialists. A limited understanding of quantitative tools encourages managers to evaluate situations on technical factors (i.e., model sophistication, computer time, quality of output) instead of on the broader perspective of the needs of the organization as a whole. Also, some specialists have developed expertise in a small set of techniques, increasing their tendency to generalize a familiar tool to apply to all situations. The authors suggest that managers become more familiar with management science techniques so as to be able to recognize the appropriate tools for each situation and to be able to analyze the results of their use. Similarly, staff specialists can be asked to participate in strategic planning sessions or can be assigned temporary line jobs in order to develop a better understanding of the total organizational picture. In addition, outside experts can perform audit-like functions to determine if appropriate technological/quantitative alternatives were investigated in the process of reaching a particular decision or planning approach.
Authors:
J Fuller; R Atherton
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Business horizons     Volume:  22     ISSN:  0007-6813     ISO Abbreviation:  Bus Horiz     Publication Date:  1979 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1979-12-27     Completed Date:  1979-12-27     Revised Date:  2009-11-19    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9878134     Medline TA:  Bus Horiz     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  14-7     Citation Subset:  H    
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Administrative Personnel*
Decision Making
Humans
Organization and Administration*
Planning Techniques
Specialization

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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