Did Groupthink or Polythink Derail the 2016 Raqqa Offensive?

Author(s):  
Kasey Barr ◽  
Alex Mintz

This chapter examines the effect of group dynamics on the 2016 decision within the administration of President Barack Obama to lead the international coalition in a mission to liberate Raqqa, Syria, from the Islamic State. The authors show that whereas the groupthink syndrome characterized the decision-making process of the US-led coalition’s decision to attack Raqqa, it was polythink that characterized the decision-making dynamics both in the US-led coalition and within the inner circle of Obama’s own foreign policy advisors. Through case-study analysis, the authors illustrate that groupthink is more likely in strategic decisions, whereas polythink is more likely in tactical decisions.

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Avner Barnea

Purpose - The defense industry is one of the leading business sectors in Israel and also worldwide. Competitive Intelligence (hereafter CI) is embedded into this sector and supports its decision making process. In recent years more information about this industry and about the CI activity is available while characterized by fierce competition and quick changes in the competitive environment. It is evident that CI is used widely by the leading firms in this sector while it has become an integral part of the business activity, and its added value seems to be significant. It is possible to define a framework of CI activity in this industry and to reflect on its advantages and limitations. It is my hope that this paper will encourage further research on this topic. Methodology/approach – Gathering information that has been published in Israel and abroad that was analyzed and thus offers insight into this issue. Findings – The defense industry in general and especially in Israel is using CI intensively in the highly competitive environment of defense products to support the decision making process. Research limitations – For many years, the information on this sector was notavailable. It is in now in a process of change and this enables us to build up a comprehensive picture. Practical implications – This study can make a contribution to global corporations competing in highly dynamic sectors, especially those that are operating in the governmental sectors. Originality/ value – This is the first work in Israel on the use of CI in the defense sector. Paper type: A case study analysis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heren Wu

This major research paper probed the recent controversy about the decision by The National Energy Board (NEB) to approve the Enbridge LINE 9 project. It examined the decision-­making process using the in-­depth-­case-­study analysis method. The research questioned the grounds this decision of the NEB was based on, whether this decision-­making was science-‐based, and if its Environmental Assessment component adequately addressed the risk to the environment and affected communities. The investigation was based on the evidence that has been documented in the hundreds of hearing transcripts, filings, written evidence, regulations, reports, and other source of information such as intervenors’ websites and newspapers. Using a conflict-centered, retrospective narrative approach, the paper revealed the true nature of this decision-­making process. Its flaws and defects were identified and deeper examinations of the relationships among the principal actors were revealed.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heren Wu

This major research paper probed the recent controversy about the decision by The National Energy Board (NEB) to approve the Enbridge LINE 9 project. It examined the decision-­making process using the in-­depth-­case-­study analysis method. The research questioned the grounds this decision of the NEB was based on, whether this decision-­making was science-‐based, and if its Environmental Assessment component adequately addressed the risk to the environment and affected communities. The investigation was based on the evidence that has been documented in the hundreds of hearing transcripts, filings, written evidence, regulations, reports, and other source of information such as intervenors’ websites and newspapers. Using a conflict-centered, retrospective narrative approach, the paper revealed the true nature of this decision-­making process. Its flaws and defects were identified and deeper examinations of the relationships among the principal actors were revealed.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6391
Author(s):  
Marcin Wołek ◽  
Aleksander Jagiełło ◽  
Michał Wolański

Electromobility is one of the leading trends transforming public transport worldwide. Supported by international organizations, such as the European Union, and national cofounding, public transport operators and local authorities are taking strategic decisions on the direction and scope of the electrification of rolling stock. Most of the electric buses that are being put into operation replace the previously used conventional buses, and consequently, most of the electric buses are operating on existing bus lines. By applying a strategic approach to selecting bus routes for electrification, the advantages of electric vehicles can be maximized. Based on a case study of the Polish city of Gdynia, this paper explores the usefulness of the multi-criteria analysis for selecting the bus lines for electrification. Multi-criteria analysis methods help decision makers to consider and weigh diverse criteria that include, among others, economic, social, technological and environmental aspects. To fulfil the above purpose, the paper compares different methods for evaluating electromobility options at an early stage. The primary research methods include multi-criteria analysis, literature review and case study analysis. An example of using multi-criteria analysis in the decision-making process of in-motion charging trolleybuses to replace diesel buses on particular lines is discussed and concluded. It is found that the multi-criteria analysis method could be used at an early but important stage of the operational level when particular lines to be replaced are being discussed. Moreover, the case is made that the local context should always be considered, including features of the existing public transport systems, and that cost–benefit analysis should be conducted for the selected optimum scenario.


Author(s):  
Junghoon Lee ◽  
Jungwoo Lee ◽  
Ja Young Lee

Research has recently begun to place greater emphasis on the strategic application of IT in seeking to integrate firms’ IT infrastructures and business processes, thus boosting companies’ business values. In this context, efforts have been made to formulate workable structures for companies’ IT governance (ITG); however, little practical research has considered the effect of different forms of ITG in a range of domestic and multinational companies. This study undertakes a comparative case study analysis of the ITG setups of three large service sector firms in Korea. This research work sought to identify the activities, types, and determinants of firms’ ITG decision making processes, and to suggest the basis on which forms of ITG may represent rational selections for given service companies. The study was based on in-depth interviews with representatives of three firms, analysis of in-house materials, and the application of multiple perspectives dealing with ITG domains. Case study analysis yielded a detailed picture of the characteristics of ITG related decision making within the firms, suggesting the validity of the proposed ITG framework. The proposed and partially validated ITG framework should be useful for further research and practice of ITG.


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