Title: Visual representations in problem solving and decision-making

Authors: John Scott

Addresses: Department of Management Systems, The University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand

Abstract: Visual representations are becoming increasingly commonplace, partly induced by advances in graphic technology. This is encouraging for the large proportion of learners who learn most effectively through visual stimuli. Associated interesting questions are: To what extent can pictures be matched to problem solving? What is the pattern of the matching? Is there a significant visual representation-based tool for every aspect of problem solving and decision-making, particularly in a management setting? Given existing insights for the first two questions, three quite different approaches were conceived for tackling the last question. Two were used, each revealing different outcomes. Overall, coverage was found to be commonly available but not evenly distributed. Gaps were identified and explored, resulting in a number of ways that visual representations could be improved for visual problem solvers, including search, adaptation and provocation.

Keywords: problem solving; decision making; visual representations; learning cycle; learning awareness; management settings.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2008.017409

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2008 Vol.9 No.3, pp.266 - 280

Published online: 05 Mar 2008 *

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