The Mathematical Approach to Improved Management Practice.

The objective of this paper is to place in perspective what has been termed here the mathematical approach to management problem solving. That there is some misunderstanding with respect to the role which mathematics can and should play relative to management practices seems clear. In assessing its role and evaluating its contribution, one must understand the nature of mathematics in its relation to management problem solving. Mathematics is after all only a way of thinking about problems, a means by which one may express and manipulate any set of perceived relationships in a problem situation. The important thing about mathematics is the tremendous increase in effectiveness which it allows in a problem-solving situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]