This handbook gives the methodology for problem-solving in organizations or, in other words, for business problem-solving. Its target audience consists of graduate business students aiming to develop their competences in business problem-solving, not just on the basis of written cases but in a real-life context. Junior management consultants or researchers involved in problem-solving within the framework of Action Research may also find the methodology of this handbook useful.

The theory in this handbook can best be mastered through an extensive classroom course, although it may be possible to study the material in a more accelerated version for those able to back it up with self-study and fieldwork. As well as addressing the theories, training should be provided on issues such as problem definition, developing a project proposal, problem analysis, and solution design. Ideally, training in the classroom should be followed by further development of competences by actual problem-solving in the field.

Since its scientification, the field of business and management has developed into a respectable social science. This has led to the idea that the core competence of the business graduate is undertaking good research and that fieldwork for a business student should reflect this. However, we feel that the core competence of the business graduate is business problem-solving. Business problem-solving is very different from business research. There are many books on business research methodology, which is quite similar to more general social science research methodology.