OMM - 06. Problem Solving Flashcards
This model views problem solving as what SHOULD be happening versus what IS happening.
Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis Model
This model encourages a clear, specific problem or statement and an analysis using the what IS and IS NOT approach. The problem solver then looks at the causes, verifying the true cause and then plans a course of action to fix the cause.
Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis Model
Chang’s Step-by-Step Problem Solving Model Steps
- Define the Problem
- Analyze Potential Causes
- Identify Possible Solutions
- Select the Best Solution
- Develop an Action Plan
- Implement Solution and Evaluate Progress
This step of Chang’s Step-by-Step model consists of a clear problem statement and a statement describing the desired future goal.
Step 1. Define the Problem
This step of Chang’s Step-by-Step model uses cause and effect diagrams or other analysis tools to look at all possible causes and try to determine the true cause.
Step 2. Analyze Potential Causes
This step of Chang’s Step-by-Step model looks at the true cause of the problem and considers various solutions that would correct the cause.
Step 3. Identify Possible Solutions
This step of Chang’s Step-by-Step model evaluates the previously identified possible solutions and selects the one believed to have the best chance of fixing the problem. Risk is also considered.
Step 4. Select the Best Solution
This step of Chang’s Step-by-Step model develops a plan providing the steps, time lines, risks, hours, costs, resources, etc. to implement the best solution.
Step 5. Develop an Action Plan
This step of Chang’s Step-by-Step model implements the developed action plan and evaluates it to determine if it fixes the problem.
Step 6. Implement Solution and Evaluate Progress
Debrin’s Four Indicators of a Problem
- Deviation from past performance
- Deviations from the plan
- Criticism from outsiders
- Competitive threats
Five steps of Haynes Model
- Analyze the Problem
- Set an Objective
- Develop a Plan
- Implement the Plan
- Follow Up
Haynes’ Four Steps to Developing a Plan
- Select a Strategy
- Identify Action Steps
- Develop a Schedule
- Allocate Resources
When developing a plan, this step is when it is time to be creative and think outside the box. Avoid the complex.
Step 1. Select a Strategy
When developing a plan, this step is when any good plan should be broken down into easy-to-manage steps. This is your action list and will help you measure progress.
Step 2. Identify Action Steps
When developing a plan, this step is the best time to answer the questions:
- When is the best time to implement your plan?
- How long will it take?
Step 3. Develop a Schedule
When developing a plan, this step considers the cost for each of the action steps and the talent and time of your people, equipment, etc.
Step 4. Allocate Resources
The _____ step in problem solving is to know you have a problem and to identify the real problem, not just the symptoms.
First
Because problems are normally identified by their _____, some type of _____ is needed to identify the real problem.
Symptoms, Analysis
A good _____ will look for many ideas to solve a problem.
Problem Solver
Factors to consider when picking the best solution
- Risk
- Cost
- Resources
- Time
- Authority
- Ethical Behavior
- Integirty
Kepner and Tregoe suggest you determine your ____ and ____ to pick the best solution.
Musts, Wants
According to Kepner and Tregoe, normally there will only be a few solutions that will meet the _____ and then only one that best meets all the _____.
Musts, Wants
Andrew Dubrin proproses a _____ approach to select the best alternative.
Pro/Con
Things to consider when implementing a solution:
- People
- Material
- Training
- Timing
- Time Line
- Measurements
- Backup/Alternatives
Once the problem has been resolved, you should _____ the process.
Document
Six steps of the Problem Solving process
- Identify the problem
- Conduct analysis to determine the true problem
- Develop possible solutions
- Develop a plan
- Act on the plan
- Start again or look elsewhere
Questions on Pages 18-22
Questions on Pages 18-22
A problem definition statement identifies _____.
The true problem and the desired future state.
The _____ problem solving model encourages a clear, specific problem or statement an an analysis using what IS and IS NOT approach.
Kepner-Tregoe
