Making Managers Numerate

Managers need to be numerate as well as literate. Courses aimed at increasing numeracy often gain very mixed receptions from participants; dissatisfaction being a common reaction. Negative attitudes towards the subject matter and poor mathematical ability are two major problems faced by lecturers on such courses. This article discusses recent research that gives new insights on these two problem areas. These insights reinforce the use of some teaching strategies, whilst suggesting changes to others.