Selection of Models

In our selection of theories, we focused on two types of models:

• Conceptual models, summarizing a theory by explaining and/or predicting how crucial organizational processes work;
• Implementation models, helping to understand organizational reality in a framework that generates or classifies essential information for organizations.

We selected the conceptual models with the following criteria:

1. Evidence: the conceptual model must be supported by convincing empirical results, being reliable, reproducible (you get the same result each time for a given set of conditions) an coming often from reductionism (reduce the system it to a manageable sub-set e.g. keep the temperature constant and see how pressure changes with volume.).
2. Relevance: the model must touch upon the global challenges of today and tomorrow, being worth solving, fitting the problem with a generalizable approach and open enough for usage and improvement.
3. Guidance: the model must have substantial explanatory or predictive power, with a scope that is comprehensive and inclusive, providing logical simplicity, thereby strengthening its usability.

We have consistently described and enriched our selection models as follows:

• A tailor-made drawing that expresses the essence of the model, based on the original academic source.
• A problem statement, explaining where the model is made for.
• The essence of the model, describing what the model is about.
• General and specific guidelines on how to use the model.
• Identification of the typical results.
• Comments on the limitations of the model.
• Literature, listing the three most relevant academic references for the model.

This form efficiently allows the reader to get a good feeling on the potential of this model for various purposes, whether you are a student, trainee, seasoned manager or teacher.