For ease of use, each management model is described as follows:

• The big picture – the essence and purpose of the management model.
• When to use it – the usefulness and applicability of the management model.
• How to use it – a description of how to apply the management model using a step-by-step approach.
• The final analysis – the limitations of the management model and the potential pitfalls with regard to its use.
• References – an overview of literature sources on the origination of the management model with more information on (the use of) the management model.

Each entry includes one or more examples of how to apply the model and, where useful, includes an illustrative example which describes how the models can be used in a specific situation. Where relevant we also refer to alternative, but equally applicable, models that are included in this book, but it is certainly not our claim to be exhaustive or exclusive.

There are many more models and methods available than those described in this book – you can find them on numerous websites or in other books on business management (including FT Publishing’s Key Management Models (3rd edition), Key Management Ratios and Key Strategy Tools, and books by Berenschot consultants).

In the end it should be you who picks the management models that are most appropriate to your situation, as each model should help you to organise and interpret the information you regard as relevant and help you to understand what choices you have to make based on that information.