Problem Solving

Problem Solving

We are faced with problems and issues everyday in our work.  To solve these problems and move forward we need Problem Solving Skills, Problem Solving Processes and Problem Solving Tools and Techniques.

In most cases, problem solving has more chance of long term success when a structured and considered approach is used.

Problem solving in this way involves going through a set of key stages with 'gates' that allow you to move from one stage to another.

The processes are designed to use facts, not opinions and aim to identify and implement solutions that target the root causes of problems, rather than inefficiently spending resources on their symptoms.

To be effective problem solving will involve both Creative and Critical Thinking techniques.

Each stage in the problem solving process uses a number of tools and techniques.  These tools and techniques can also be used as part of project and programme implementation as well as adding structure to problem solving processes when you are working with your own team.

Use these Problem Solving Skills, Problem Solving Tools and Techniques as a checklist when going through each stage.  Alternatively learn to use them independently when they can help with issues and opportunities you face at work.

To help you pull these various problem solving tools and techniques together, iWise2 presents a structured problem solving process called IMAGIINE^TM.

IMAGIINE^TM is a step by step problem solving process taking you from the mission, goals and objectives through the As - Is position to root case analysis and creative design and implementing the solution.  

IMAGIINE^TM  provides a structured road map and process for problem solving that allows you to deploy various tools and techniques as required within each step.

Use this large range of tools and techniques to improve your change management and leadership success.

iWise2 problem solving topics include:

• Problem Solving Process IMAGIINE^TM

• Creative Thinking
  • Affinity Diagrams
  • Analogy
  • Anti-Solution
  • Assumption Busting
  • Billboarding
  • Brainstorming
  • Chain Lettering
  • Channeling
  • Nominal Group Technique
  • SCAMPER
  • Testing Solutions - The Practicality Scale

• Planning and Execution
  • Checklists and To-Do Lists
  • Force Field Analysis
  • Gantt Charts
  • Piloting
  • RACI Matrix
  • RAG Status
  • Setting SMART objectives
  • Simple Action Plans
  • Stakeholder Analysis

• Making Decisions
  • Cost Benefit Analysis
  • Imaginable-Provable Matrix
  • Impact-Effort Matrix
  • Multivoting
  • Nominal Group Technique
  • Opposites Matrices
  • Pairwise Ranking
  • Pugh Matrix
  • Tree Diagrams

• Root Cause Analysis
  • Identifying Root Causes
    • 5 Whys
    • Cause and Effect Diagrams
    • Cause and Effect Matrix
    • Pareto Analysis
    • Relationship Diagram - Diagraph
    • Single Case Boring
    • Why Why Analysis
  • Cause and Effect Statistics
  • Basic Tools Cause and Effect Statistics
    • Correlation Analysis
    • Scatter Diagrams
  • Advanced Tools - Cause and Effect Statistics
    • Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
    • Chi-squared Test
    • Design of Experiments (DOE)
    • Hypothesis Testing
    • Confidence Levels
    • Types of Hypothesis Tests
    • Multiple Analysis
    • Tukey's pairwise comparison
    • Two-way ANOVA
    • Regression Analysis
    • Regression Analysis Overview
    • Multiple Regression Analysis
    • Simple or Linear Regression Analysis
    • Residual Analysis
    • t-tests

• Selecting Solutions
  • Qualitative Prioritisation
  • Solution Effect Diagram
  • Solution Selection Matrix

• Risk Analysis
  • Controls Assessment Matrix