Author: Paolo Brandimarte
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111802348X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 812
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the essential quantitative methods for making valuable business decisions Quantitative methods-research techniques used to analyze quantitative data-enable professionals to organize and understand numbers and, in turn, to make good decisions. Quantitative Methods: An Introduction for Business Management presents the application of quantitative mathematical modeling to decision making in a business management context and emphasizes not only the role of data in drawing conclusions, but also the pitfalls of undiscerning reliance of software packages that implement standard statistical procedures. With hands-on applications and explanations that are accessible to readers at various levels, the book successfully outlines the necessary tools to make smart and successful business decisions. Progressing from beginner to more advanced material at an easy-to-follow pace, the author utilizes motivating examples throughout to aid readers interested in decision making and also provides critical remarks, intuitive traps, and counterexamples when appropriate. The book begins with a discussion of motivations and foundations related to the topic, with introductory presentations of concepts from calculus to linear algebra. Next, the core ideas of quantitative methods are presented in chapters that explore introductory topics in probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, linear regression, and a discussion of time series that includes both classical topics and more challenging models. The author also discusses linear programming models and decision making under risk as well as less standard topics in the field such as game theory and Bayesian statistics. Finally, the book concludes with a focus on selected tools from multivariate statistics, including advanced regression models and data reduction methods such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The book promotes the importance of an analytical approach, particularly when dealing with a complex system where multiple individuals are involved and have conflicting incentives. A related website features Microsoft Excel® workbooks and MATLAB® scripts to illustrate concepts as well as additional exercises with solutions. Quantitative Methods is an excellent book for courses on the topic at the graduate level. The book also serves as an authoritative reference and self-study guide for financial and business professionals, as well as readers looking to reinforce their analytical skills.
Quantitative Methods
Author: Paolo Brandimarte
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111802348X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 812
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the essential quantitative methods for making valuable business decisions Quantitative methods-research techniques used to analyze quantitative data-enable professionals to organize and understand numbers and, in turn, to make good decisions. Quantitative Methods: An Introduction for Business Management presents the application of quantitative mathematical modeling to decision making in a business management context and emphasizes not only the role of data in drawing conclusions, but also the pitfalls of undiscerning reliance of software packages that implement standard statistical procedures. With hands-on applications and explanations that are accessible to readers at various levels, the book successfully outlines the necessary tools to make smart and successful business decisions. Progressing from beginner to more advanced material at an easy-to-follow pace, the author utilizes motivating examples throughout to aid readers interested in decision making and also provides critical remarks, intuitive traps, and counterexamples when appropriate. The book begins with a discussion of motivations and foundations related to the topic, with introductory presentations of concepts from calculus to linear algebra. Next, the core ideas of quantitative methods are presented in chapters that explore introductory topics in probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, linear regression, and a discussion of time series that includes both classical topics and more challenging models. The author also discusses linear programming models and decision making under risk as well as less standard topics in the field such as game theory and Bayesian statistics. Finally, the book concludes with a focus on selected tools from multivariate statistics, including advanced regression models and data reduction methods such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The book promotes the importance of an analytical approach, particularly when dealing with a complex system where multiple individuals are involved and have conflicting incentives. A related website features Microsoft Excel® workbooks and MATLAB® scripts to illustrate concepts as well as additional exercises with solutions. Quantitative Methods is an excellent book for courses on the topic at the graduate level. The book also serves as an authoritative reference and self-study guide for financial and business professionals, as well as readers looking to reinforce their analytical skills.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111802348X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 812
Book Description
An accessible introduction to the essential quantitative methods for making valuable business decisions Quantitative methods-research techniques used to analyze quantitative data-enable professionals to organize and understand numbers and, in turn, to make good decisions. Quantitative Methods: An Introduction for Business Management presents the application of quantitative mathematical modeling to decision making in a business management context and emphasizes not only the role of data in drawing conclusions, but also the pitfalls of undiscerning reliance of software packages that implement standard statistical procedures. With hands-on applications and explanations that are accessible to readers at various levels, the book successfully outlines the necessary tools to make smart and successful business decisions. Progressing from beginner to more advanced material at an easy-to-follow pace, the author utilizes motivating examples throughout to aid readers interested in decision making and also provides critical remarks, intuitive traps, and counterexamples when appropriate. The book begins with a discussion of motivations and foundations related to the topic, with introductory presentations of concepts from calculus to linear algebra. Next, the core ideas of quantitative methods are presented in chapters that explore introductory topics in probability, descriptive and inferential statistics, linear regression, and a discussion of time series that includes both classical topics and more challenging models. The author also discusses linear programming models and decision making under risk as well as less standard topics in the field such as game theory and Bayesian statistics. Finally, the book concludes with a focus on selected tools from multivariate statistics, including advanced regression models and data reduction methods such as principal component analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. The book promotes the importance of an analytical approach, particularly when dealing with a complex system where multiple individuals are involved and have conflicting incentives. A related website features Microsoft Excel® workbooks and MATLAB® scripts to illustrate concepts as well as additional exercises with solutions. Quantitative Methods is an excellent book for courses on the topic at the graduate level. The book also serves as an authoritative reference and self-study guide for financial and business professionals, as well as readers looking to reinforce their analytical skills.
An Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Decision Making
Author: Richard E. Trueman
Publisher: Holt McDougal
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 772
Book Description
Publisher: Holt McDougal
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 772
Book Description
Quantitative Analysis for Decision Makers, 7th Edition (Formally known as Quantitative Methods for Decision Makers)
Author: Mik Wisniewski
Publisher: Pearson UK
ISBN: 1292276649
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 955
Book Description
Were you looking for the book with access to MyLab Math Global? This product is the book alone and does NOT come with access to MyLab Math Global. Students, if MyLab Math Global is a recommended/mandatory component of the course, please ask your instructor for the correct ISBN and course ID. MyLab Math Global should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. There's no doubt that a manager's job is getting tougher. Do it better, do it faster, do it cheaper are the pressures every manager faces. And at the heart of every manager's job is decision-making: deciding what to do and how to do it. This well-respected text looks at how quantitative analysis techniques can be used effectively to support such decision making. As a manager, developing a good understanding of the quantitative analysis techniques at your disposal is crucial. Knowing how, and when, to use them and what their results really mean can be the difference between making a good or bad decision and, ultimately, between business success and failure. Appealing both to students on introductory-level courses and to MBA and postgraduate students, this internationally successful text provides an accessible introduction to a subject area that students often find difficult. Quantitative Analysis for Decision Makers (formerly known as Quantitative Methods for Decision Makers) helps students to understand the relevance of quantitative methods of analysis to management decision-making by relating techniques directly to real-life business decisions in public and private sector organisations and focuses on developing appropriate skills and understanding of how the techniques fit into the wider management process. Key features: The use of real data sets to show how analytical techniques are used in practice “QADM in Action” case studies illustrating how organisations benefit from the use of analytical techniques Articles from the Financial Times illustrating the use of such techniques in a variety of business settings Fully worked examples and exercises supported by Excel data sets Student Progress Check activities in each chapter with solutions A 300+ page Tutors Solutions Manual
Publisher: Pearson UK
ISBN: 1292276649
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 955
Book Description
Were you looking for the book with access to MyLab Math Global? This product is the book alone and does NOT come with access to MyLab Math Global. Students, if MyLab Math Global is a recommended/mandatory component of the course, please ask your instructor for the correct ISBN and course ID. MyLab Math Global should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. There's no doubt that a manager's job is getting tougher. Do it better, do it faster, do it cheaper are the pressures every manager faces. And at the heart of every manager's job is decision-making: deciding what to do and how to do it. This well-respected text looks at how quantitative analysis techniques can be used effectively to support such decision making. As a manager, developing a good understanding of the quantitative analysis techniques at your disposal is crucial. Knowing how, and when, to use them and what their results really mean can be the difference between making a good or bad decision and, ultimately, between business success and failure. Appealing both to students on introductory-level courses and to MBA and postgraduate students, this internationally successful text provides an accessible introduction to a subject area that students often find difficult. Quantitative Analysis for Decision Makers (formerly known as Quantitative Methods for Decision Makers) helps students to understand the relevance of quantitative methods of analysis to management decision-making by relating techniques directly to real-life business decisions in public and private sector organisations and focuses on developing appropriate skills and understanding of how the techniques fit into the wider management process. Key features: The use of real data sets to show how analytical techniques are used in practice “QADM in Action” case studies illustrating how organisations benefit from the use of analytical techniques Articles from the Financial Times illustrating the use of such techniques in a variety of business settings Fully worked examples and exercises supported by Excel data sets Student Progress Check activities in each chapter with solutions A 300+ page Tutors Solutions Manual
Quantitative Methods for Management
Author: Miguel Ángel Canela
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030175545
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 142
Book Description
This book focuses on the use of quantitative methods for both business and management, helping readers understand the most relevant quantitative methods for managerial decision-making. Pursuing a highly practical approach, the book reduces the theoretical information to a minimum, so as to give full prominence to the analysis of real business problems. Each chapter includes a brief theoretical explanation, followed by a real-life managerial case that needs to be solved, which is accompanied by a corresponding Microsoft Excel® dataset. The practical cases and exercises are solved using Excel, and for each problem, the authors provide an Excel file with the complete solution and corresponding calculations, which can be downloaded easily from the book’s website. Further, in an appendix, readers can find solutions to the same problems, but using the R statistical language. The book represents a valuable reference guide for postgraduate, MBA and executive education students, as it offers a hands-on, practical approach to learning quantitative methods in a managerial context. It will also be of interest to managers looking for a practical and straightforward way to learn about quantitative methods and improve their decision-making processes.
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3030175545
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 142
Book Description
This book focuses on the use of quantitative methods for both business and management, helping readers understand the most relevant quantitative methods for managerial decision-making. Pursuing a highly practical approach, the book reduces the theoretical information to a minimum, so as to give full prominence to the analysis of real business problems. Each chapter includes a brief theoretical explanation, followed by a real-life managerial case that needs to be solved, which is accompanied by a corresponding Microsoft Excel® dataset. The practical cases and exercises are solved using Excel, and for each problem, the authors provide an Excel file with the complete solution and corresponding calculations, which can be downloaded easily from the book’s website. Further, in an appendix, readers can find solutions to the same problems, but using the R statistical language. The book represents a valuable reference guide for postgraduate, MBA and executive education students, as it offers a hands-on, practical approach to learning quantitative methods in a managerial context. It will also be of interest to managers looking for a practical and straightforward way to learn about quantitative methods and improve their decision-making processes.
Quantitative Methods for Decision Making Using Excel
Author: Glyn Davis
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199694060
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 653
Book Description
Quantitative Methods for Decision Making is a comprehensive guide that provides students with the key techniques and methodology they will need to successfully engage with all aspects of quantitative analysis and decision making; both on their undergraduate course, and in the larger context of their future business environments. Organized in accordance with the enterprise functional structure where the decision making takes place, the textbook encompasses a broad range of functions, each detailed with clear examples illustrated through the single application tool Microsoft Excel. The authors approach a range of methods which are divided into major enterprise functions such as marketing, sales, business development, manufacturing, quality control and finance; illustrating how the methods can be applied in practice and translated into a working environment. Each chapter is packed with short case studies to exemplify the practical use of techniques, and contains a wealth of exercises after key sections and concepts, giving students the opportunity to monitor their own progress using the solutions at the back of the book. An Online Resource Centre accompanies the text and includes: For students: - Numerical skills workbook with additional exercises, questions and content - Data from the examples and exercises in the book - Online glossary of terms - Revision tips - Visual walkthrough videos covering the application of a range of quantitative methods - Appendices to the book For lecturers: - Instructor's manual including solutions from the text and a guide to structuring lectures and seminars - PowerPoint presentations - Test bank with questions for each chapter - Suggested assignment and examination questions
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199694060
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 653
Book Description
Quantitative Methods for Decision Making is a comprehensive guide that provides students with the key techniques and methodology they will need to successfully engage with all aspects of quantitative analysis and decision making; both on their undergraduate course, and in the larger context of their future business environments. Organized in accordance with the enterprise functional structure where the decision making takes place, the textbook encompasses a broad range of functions, each detailed with clear examples illustrated through the single application tool Microsoft Excel. The authors approach a range of methods which are divided into major enterprise functions such as marketing, sales, business development, manufacturing, quality control and finance; illustrating how the methods can be applied in practice and translated into a working environment. Each chapter is packed with short case studies to exemplify the practical use of techniques, and contains a wealth of exercises after key sections and concepts, giving students the opportunity to monitor their own progress using the solutions at the back of the book. An Online Resource Centre accompanies the text and includes: For students: - Numerical skills workbook with additional exercises, questions and content - Data from the examples and exercises in the book - Online glossary of terms - Revision tips - Visual walkthrough videos covering the application of a range of quantitative methods - Appendices to the book For lecturers: - Instructor's manual including solutions from the text and a guide to structuring lectures and seminars - PowerPoint presentations - Test bank with questions for each chapter - Suggested assignment and examination questions
Quantitative Methods in Health Care Management
Author: Yasar A. Ozcan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470449039
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 6
Book Description
Thoroughly revised and updated for Excel®, this second edition of Quantitative Methods in Health Care Management offers a comprehensive introduction to quantitative methods and techniques for the student or new administrator. Its broad range of practical methods and analysis spans operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. Users will find techniques for forecasting, decision-making, facility location, facility layout, reengineering, staffing, scheduling, productivity, resource allocation, supply chain and inventory management, quality control, project management, queuing models for capacity, and simulation. The book's step-by-step approach, use of Excel, and downloadable Excel templates make the text highly practical. Praise for the Second Edition "The second edition of Dr. Ozcan's textbook is comprehensive and well-written with useful illustrative examples that give students and health care professionals a perfect toolkit for quantitative decision making in health care on the road for the twenty-first century. The text helps to explain the complex health care management problems and offer support for decision makers in this field." Marion Rauner, associate professor, School of Business, Economics, and Statistics, University of Vienna. "Quantitative Methods in Health Care Administration, Second Edition covers a broad set of necessary and important topics. It is a valuable text that is easy to teach and learn from." David Belson, professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470449039
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 6
Book Description
Thoroughly revised and updated for Excel®, this second edition of Quantitative Methods in Health Care Management offers a comprehensive introduction to quantitative methods and techniques for the student or new administrator. Its broad range of practical methods and analysis spans operational, tactical, and strategic decisions. Users will find techniques for forecasting, decision-making, facility location, facility layout, reengineering, staffing, scheduling, productivity, resource allocation, supply chain and inventory management, quality control, project management, queuing models for capacity, and simulation. The book's step-by-step approach, use of Excel, and downloadable Excel templates make the text highly practical. Praise for the Second Edition "The second edition of Dr. Ozcan's textbook is comprehensive and well-written with useful illustrative examples that give students and health care professionals a perfect toolkit for quantitative decision making in health care on the road for the twenty-first century. The text helps to explain the complex health care management problems and offer support for decision makers in this field." Marion Rauner, associate professor, School of Business, Economics, and Statistics, University of Vienna. "Quantitative Methods in Health Care Administration, Second Edition covers a broad set of necessary and important topics. It is a valuable text that is easy to teach and learn from." David Belson, professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California.
Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences
Author: Michael J. Albers
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111929018X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 234
Book Description
Guides readers through the quantitative data analysis process including contextualizing data within a research situation, connecting data to the appropriate statistical tests, and drawing valid conclusions Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences presents a clear and accessible introduction to the basics of quantitative data analysis and focuses on how to use statistical tests as a key tool for analyzing research data. The book presents the entire data analysis process as a cyclical, multiphase process and addresses the processes of exploratory analysis, decision-making for performing parametric or nonparametric analysis, and practical significance determination. In addition, the author details how data analysis is used to reveal the underlying patterns and relationships between the variables and connects those trends to the data’s contextual situation. Filling the gap in quantitative data analysis literature, this book teaches the methods and thought processes behind data analysis, rather than how to perform the study itself or how to perform individual statistical tests. With a clear and conversational style, readers are provided with a better understanding of the overall structure and methodology behind performing a data analysis as well as the needed techniques to make informed, meaningful decisions during data analysis. The book features numerous data analysis examples in order to emphasize the decision and thought processes that are best followed, and self-contained sections throughout separate the statistical data analysis from the detailed discussion of the concepts allowing readers to reference a specific section of the book for immediate solutions to problems and/or applications. Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences also features coverage of the following: • The overall methodology and research mind-set for how to approach quantitative data analysis and how to use statistics tests as part of research data analysis • A comprehensive understanding of the data, its connection to a research situation, and the most appropriate statistical tests for the data • Numerous data analysis problems and worked-out examples to illustrate the decision and thought processes that reveal underlying patterns and trends • Detailed examples of the main concepts to aid readers in gaining the needed skills to perform a full analysis of research problems • A conversational tone to effectively introduce readers to the basics of how to perform data analysis as well as make meaningful decisions during data analysis Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences is an ideal textbook for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level research method courses in the behavioral and social sciences, statistics, and engineering. This book is also an appropriate reference for practitioners who require a review of quantitative research methods. Michael J. Albers, Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of English at East Carolina University. His research interests include information design with a focus on answering real-world questions, the presentation of complex information, and human–information interaction. Dr. Albers received his Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111929018X
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 234
Book Description
Guides readers through the quantitative data analysis process including contextualizing data within a research situation, connecting data to the appropriate statistical tests, and drawing valid conclusions Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences presents a clear and accessible introduction to the basics of quantitative data analysis and focuses on how to use statistical tests as a key tool for analyzing research data. The book presents the entire data analysis process as a cyclical, multiphase process and addresses the processes of exploratory analysis, decision-making for performing parametric or nonparametric analysis, and practical significance determination. In addition, the author details how data analysis is used to reveal the underlying patterns and relationships between the variables and connects those trends to the data’s contextual situation. Filling the gap in quantitative data analysis literature, this book teaches the methods and thought processes behind data analysis, rather than how to perform the study itself or how to perform individual statistical tests. With a clear and conversational style, readers are provided with a better understanding of the overall structure and methodology behind performing a data analysis as well as the needed techniques to make informed, meaningful decisions during data analysis. The book features numerous data analysis examples in order to emphasize the decision and thought processes that are best followed, and self-contained sections throughout separate the statistical data analysis from the detailed discussion of the concepts allowing readers to reference a specific section of the book for immediate solutions to problems and/or applications. Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences also features coverage of the following: • The overall methodology and research mind-set for how to approach quantitative data analysis and how to use statistics tests as part of research data analysis • A comprehensive understanding of the data, its connection to a research situation, and the most appropriate statistical tests for the data • Numerous data analysis problems and worked-out examples to illustrate the decision and thought processes that reveal underlying patterns and trends • Detailed examples of the main concepts to aid readers in gaining the needed skills to perform a full analysis of research problems • A conversational tone to effectively introduce readers to the basics of how to perform data analysis as well as make meaningful decisions during data analysis Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis in the Behavioral and Social Sciences is an ideal textbook for upper-undergraduate and graduate-level research method courses in the behavioral and social sciences, statistics, and engineering. This book is also an appropriate reference for practitioners who require a review of quantitative research methods. Michael J. Albers, Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of English at East Carolina University. His research interests include information design with a focus on answering real-world questions, the presentation of complex information, and human–information interaction. Dr. Albers received his Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University.
Quantitative Methods
Author: Robert E. Markland
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 9780471878858
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 560
Book Description
A comprehensive, class-tested text covering all aspects of operations research/management science. Designed for students pursuing business careers requiring managerial ability and decision-making skills, it strongly emphasizes applications through numerous real-life examples and illustrations, chapter outlines, discussion questions, problem sets, and ``application reviews'' which describe scenarios involving actual companies that have benefited from each method discussed. The material is presented in a concise, straightforward manner at a suitable mathematical level, i.e., that of finite mathematics and basic algebra. The mathematical foundation for each quantitative method is clearly set forth and illustrated by means of examples. Appendixes contain brief reviews of calculus and matrix algebra. In addition, the text describes how to apply several well-known and readily available microcomputer software packages to operations research/management science problems. Also includes end-of-chapter glossaries, lists of references, tables, and diagrams.
Publisher: Wiley
ISBN: 9780471878858
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 560
Book Description
A comprehensive, class-tested text covering all aspects of operations research/management science. Designed for students pursuing business careers requiring managerial ability and decision-making skills, it strongly emphasizes applications through numerous real-life examples and illustrations, chapter outlines, discussion questions, problem sets, and ``application reviews'' which describe scenarios involving actual companies that have benefited from each method discussed. The material is presented in a concise, straightforward manner at a suitable mathematical level, i.e., that of finite mathematics and basic algebra. The mathematical foundation for each quantitative method is clearly set forth and illustrated by means of examples. Appendixes contain brief reviews of calculus and matrix algebra. In addition, the text describes how to apply several well-known and readily available microcomputer software packages to operations research/management science problems. Also includes end-of-chapter glossaries, lists of references, tables, and diagrams.
Quantitative Analysis For Management
Author: Render
Publisher: Pearson Education India
ISBN: 9788131705889
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 756
Book Description
Publisher: Pearson Education India
ISBN: 9788131705889
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 756
Book Description
Decision Analysis for Managers
Author: David Charlesworth
Publisher: Business Expert Press
ISBN: 1606494899
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
Everybody has to make decisions—they are unavoidable. Yet we receive little or no education or training on how to make decisions. Business decisions can be dif_ cult: which people to hire, which product lines or facilities to expand and which to sell or shut down, which bid or proposal to accept, which process to implement, how much R&D to invest in, which environmental projects should receive the highest priority, etc. This book gives you all the tools you need to... • clarify and reach alignment on goals and objectives and understand trade-offs in reaching those goals, • develop and examine alternatives, • systematically analyze the effects of risk and uncertainty, and • maximize the chances of achieving your goals and objectives. Success (getting what you want) depends on luck and good decision making. You can’t control your luck, but you can maximize your odds by making the best possible decisions, and this book gets you there. Broadly speaking, this book organizes and presents otherwise formal decision-making tools in an intuitively understandable fashion. The presentation is informal, but the concepts and tools are research-based and formally accepted.
Publisher: Business Expert Press
ISBN: 1606494899
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 144
Book Description
Everybody has to make decisions—they are unavoidable. Yet we receive little or no education or training on how to make decisions. Business decisions can be dif_ cult: which people to hire, which product lines or facilities to expand and which to sell or shut down, which bid or proposal to accept, which process to implement, how much R&D to invest in, which environmental projects should receive the highest priority, etc. This book gives you all the tools you need to... • clarify and reach alignment on goals and objectives and understand trade-offs in reaching those goals, • develop and examine alternatives, • systematically analyze the effects of risk and uncertainty, and • maximize the chances of achieving your goals and objectives. Success (getting what you want) depends on luck and good decision making. You can’t control your luck, but you can maximize your odds by making the best possible decisions, and this book gets you there. Broadly speaking, this book organizes and presents otherwise formal decision-making tools in an intuitively understandable fashion. The presentation is informal, but the concepts and tools are research-based and formally accepted.