Crises can, under certain conditions, be transformed into instruments of organizational good. Undergoing crisis in an organization--calling attention to problems and labeling them as crises--may be a preferable management strategy to coping with prolonged periods of shrinking resources. (MLW)

Describes Nelson and Mitroff's concept of "Bothsides" thinking and a replication of their experiment to determine whether it is possible to promote this type of thinking in decision-making by using an adequate stimulus and, if so, to find out what an adequate stimulus is. A reference list is included. (JL)

An evaluation methodology based on problem-solving techniques which can be effective and efficient in defining and analyzing problems which impair program performance is described. The model provides a potentially unique cost/benefit methodology for estimating the potential worth of improving program performance. (Author/RL)

Suggests that strategies and skills commonly used in political processes would help social workers balance the multiplicity of clients' problems. Reviews some deficiencies in current problem-solving theory and discusses a conceptual framework for a political approach. (Author/JAC)

Adults' geometric analogy solution was investigated as a function of systematic variations in the information structure of items. Latency data from verification of true and false items were recorded. A model incorporating assumptions about the form of item representation, working memory factors, and processing components and strategies was…

Discusses the nature and implications of two different models for societal planning: (1) the problem-solving process approach based on Karl Popper; and (2) the goal-setting "blueprint" approach based on Karl Marx. (DC)

Creativity and the characteristics of the creative personality are explored in an attempt to show both that creativity exists in handicapped children and is a valuable attribute to be developed in these students. Attributes of the creative personality are pointed out, and a model for the identification of creativity is presented. (Author)

A guide for organizational development specialists, this model for productivity improvement proceeds through six stages: awareness of needs, entry of specialist, data collection, problem identification, action planning, and implementation of solutions. Examples of specific activities for each stage are provided. (SK)

Effects of the CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust) Thinking Project with slow learners in the United Kingdom is discussed. The aim of the project is to provide the framework which helps children arrive at a response to problems. (PHR)

An eight-phase model of processes involved in mathematics problem solving is presented. At each phase, results from factor-analytic studies are used to suggest abilities relevant and prerequisite for successful completion of the phase. Presentation of the model is followed by a discussion of implications for teaching and research. (Author/MK)

Word problems as used within the culture of mathematics education often promote a suspension of sense making by the students. In the papers in this issue, an alternative conceptualization of word problems is proposed that calls for mathematical modelling that takes real world knowledge into account. (SLD)

Discusses high-involvement work teams, in which groups of workers participate in improving their work activities; describes how a typical work team progresses through a project; and introduces a systems model of interrelated steps through which teams may progress to solve problems. (LRW)

Examination of problem-focused and solution-focused facilitation approaches used with functional and dysfunctional corporate groups found that both approaches were equally effective at increasing teamwork in functional corporate groups; that problem-focused facilitation was less effective with dysfunctional corporate groups; and that…

Examines problem complexity, inquiry method, learning style, and presentation method to quantify the magnitude of their effects on learning scientific inquiry in high school science curriculum. Recommends the use of collaborative learning tools to accommodate diverse learning styles in distance learning environments and proposes a paradigm for…

Examines the role of rhetorical strategies in repairing damaged corporate relationships. Demonstrates the utility of an integrated model (multiple-publics concept and strategies of apologia) to corporate public relations through a case study of Union Carbide's justification of the Bhopal gas leak. (KEH)