Thinking Visually

Business Applications of 14 Core Diagrams

Malcolm Craig

Publisher: Thomson, 2000 , 168 pages

ISBN: 0-8264-4833-X

Synopsis:

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Some people make use of diagrams quite naturally, without prompting. Others would rather use 1000 words than a simple, quickly drawn diagram. Very few people ever receive any formal training in how to use these important thinking tools. This unique book provides an exploration of fourteen core diagrams and shows how they can be used effectively in a range of business situations.

The core diagrams have been chosen because, together, they provide the foundation for a much wider development of diagramming skill — ultimately the range of diagrams anyone can produce is limited only by his or her imagination.

The book contains, in all, over 50 diagrams, and is divided into three parts. Part 1 introduces the basics; Part 2 allows quick access to the 'toolbox' of core diagrams; and Part 3 takes the reader deeper into the theory. The diagrams are grouped under the business themes for which they are most appropriate: managing change; control; relationships; mapping the business; problem-solving and causation; handling information; and managing flow.

Thinking Visually will be of value to managers who want to express their ideas quickly and succinctly, as well as to Business and Management students, MBA students and those studying any other discipline where it may be useful to present management concepts in visual form.

Table of Contents:

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• Part 1: Introduction to diagramming
  1. Personal approaches to diagrams
  2. Application of diagrams
  3. Diagrams: drawing, reading, interpreting
• Part 2: Applying core diagrams
  4. Mapping the business
  5. Relationship and influence
  6. Control in business
  7. Thinking about causation
  8. Diagramming for change
  9. Thinking about flow
• Part 3: Introduction to diagramming
  10. Managing information
  11. Diagramming theory and some pitfalls
  12. A summary
  • Bibliography
  • Appendix A: A matrix of core diagrams to themes
  • Appendix B: A matrix of core diagrams to management activity