Brusas, Vilgilio F. Unpublished Masteral Thesis, University of Nueva Caceres , City of Naga , 2000.
Keywords: Managerial Problem Solving Tools
This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of graphic chess principles as applied in managerial problem solving at National Irrigation Administration, Region V, C/Y 1998. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: 1) what are the management principles and graphic chess principles applied in [problem solving by NIA management? 2) To what extent do managers perform their problem solving functions along: identification of problems, development of alternative, selection of best alternative implementation and follow-up? 3) How are management functions analogous to graphic chess principles? And 4) how can graphic chess principles be utilized as tools in managerial problem solving?
The method of research used in this study was the descriptive-evaluative approach. Described were the management principles used in problem solving by management of NIA Region V, along: identification of problem situations, development of alternatives, and selection of the best alternative, implementation and follow-up. Graphic chess principles, such as, opening, function, mode, relative values, and tracer were also considered as applied in managerial problem solving situation. The assumption of analogy between graphic Chess and management principles has guided the researcher in evaluating the graphic chess principles as applied in managerial problem solving in NIA, Region V.
Major conclusion were: 1) The Participatory Approach used by NIA management developed a strong sense of responsibility and solidarity for the organization; the Institutional Development provided trainings and technical support to Irrigators Association (IA) officers and members; the Maintenance and Operation (M&O) upgraded the system's maintenance and provided equitable deliveries to beneficiaries; 2) The PIOs involved extensively the IAs and LGUs to facilities project turnover to farmers; however, the ISOs only fairly extensively performed the same activity because its main focus was irrigation system maintenance; 3) The opening principle is much analogous to scanning principle in such a way that if one knows well the basic characteristics and attitude of the opponent in a chess game is similar to identifying management problems and diagnosing causes; function principle is also much analogous to creativity principle because this involves generating options through continuous inventory of management functions or suitable solutions to related problems; 4) The fact that graphic chess principle were perceived as generally useful by ISOs and PIOs indicated that unconscious utilization of these principles greatly improved performance and more could result after a deliberate and systematic application of graphic chess principles to real life situations in the work place.