Problem Analysis & Problem Solving - tutorial

A guide to understanding and solving problems

Course contents:

Course benefits

Who should attend

Content

Duration

Course benefits:

The problem with problem solving is the diversity of problems that need to be addressed. Solutions can have impacts ranging from hardly noticeable to having significant consequences for staff, customers and the organisation. Many problems can be solved at a stroke. All that is necessary is a quick and effective decision. Others need careful analysis and rational decision-making before solutions can be proposed, let alone implemented. This tutorial introduces a process and the techniques for analysing and solving problems.

Who should attend:

This tutorial is for any person having an occasional or continuing need to analyse and solve problems.

Content:

Getting Started - recognising that a problem exists; problem definition; what a problem is and what it is not; attributes like problem owner, cost to the business, location and scope of effect.

Understanding the Problem - critical examination, cause and effect analysis; quantifying the causes and effects; distinctions and similarities; setting priorities based on the deviation from what is desired; representing the results of analysis in graphical and written form.

Identifying the Solution - agreeing and working within a framework of objectives, wants and needs; scope of the required solution; logical and creative thinking approaches to identifying solutions; identifying the non-starters and candidates for evaluation.

Evaluating the Solution - assessing the fit and suitability of each solution; quantifying the benefits and disadvantages of each solution; using decision analysis to arrive at a conclusion; anticipating potential problems and quantifying these in terms of risk, seriousness and visibility; agreeing what and what not to address; refining the solution and agreeing contingency plans and the way forward from here.

Duration:

Half day, in-house only.

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