Behavioural studies have shown that while humans may be the best decision makers on the planet, we are not quite as good as we think we are. We are regularly subject to biases, inconsistencies and irrationalities in our decision making. Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support, published in 2009, explores perspectives from many different disciplines to show how we can help decision makers to deliberate and make better decisions. It considers both the use of computers and databases to support decisions as well as human aids to building analyses and some fast and frugal tricks to aid more consistent decision making. In its exploration of decision support it draws together results and observations from decision theory, behavioural and psychological studies, artificial intelligence and information systems, philosophy, operational research and organisational studies. This provides a valuable resource for managers with decision-making responsibilities and students from a range of disciplines, including management, engineering and information systems.

Since the mid-1990s risk management has undergone a dramatic expansion in its reach and significance, being transformed from an aspect of management control to become a benchmark of good governance for banks, hospitals, schools, charities and many other organizations. Numerous standards for risk management practice have been produced by a variety of transnational organizations. While these many designs and blueprints are accompanied by ideals of enterprise, value production, and good governance, it is argued that the rise of risk management has also coincided with an intensification of auditing and control processes. The legalization and bureacratization of organizational life has increased because risk management has created new demands for proof and evidence of action. In turn, these demands have generated new risks to reputation.
In short, this important book traces the rise of the managerial concept of risk and the different logics and values which underpin it, showing that it has much less to do with real dangers and opportunities than might be thought, and more to do with organizational accountability and legitimacy.

Mit dem Ziel der Qualitatsentwicklung der Einzelschule wird in den Bundeslandern derzeit eine Vielzahl von Modellen erprobt. Das Handbuch fokussiert drei Fragen: Welches Wissen wird fur die Erstellung, Implementierung und Verstetigung dieser Modelle genutzt? Inwieweit sind die verwendeten Modelle empirisch gesichert? Welche Perspektiven fur die Zukunft zeichnen sich ab? Die Beitrage dieses Bandes, verfasst von Autorinnen und Autoren aus so unterschiedlichen Bereichen wie Schulleitung, Landesinstitut und (Berufs-)Bildungsforschung reichen vom Ruckblick auf die Geschichte der schulischen Qualitatsentwicklung uber die Diskussion grundlegender Fragen zu Schulqualitat, Steuerung und Finanzierung uber Analysen zu schulischen Tatigkeitsfeldern wie Schulprogrammarbeit, Schulmanagement, unterrichtliche Lehr-Lern-Prozesse bis hin zu Berichten uber internationale Erfahrungen.