Problem-solving tools
“The problems that exist in today’s world cannot be solved by the same minds that created them.”
“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
“The problems that exist in today’s world cannot be solved by the same minds that created them.”
“It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Defining the Problem
“Means refining the question so that the process of solving can begin.”
“It is the gap between what is desired and what exists. To make the right decision, we must clearly identify the situation we want to solve.”
7W
Who?
Identifies the people involved - those affected by the problem or responsible for solving it.
Where?
Defines the location or context in which the problem occurs.
When?
Determines the time or timing of the problem — when it started or when it usually happens.
What?
Clarifies what exactly is happening — the facts or events of the situation.
7W
How?
Explores how the problem occurs — the process or mechanism behind it.
Why?
Seeks the reasons or causes behind the problem — the root motivations or factors.
What if?
Invites creative thinking — exploring possible scenarios, alternatives, and potential solutions.
Problem Analysis
Why-Why Analysis
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Kepner-Tregoe Decision Analysis
What is the problem?
Where is the problem?
What are the distinguishing characteristics of the problem?
What and who does the problem affect?
When did/does the problem occur?
What remains constant, and what changes?
Is the problem growing or shrinking?
What is unique when its scale changes?
What is the normal situation?
Where is the normal situation?
What are the distinguishing characteristics of the normal situation?
What and who is not affected by the problem?
When does it not occur?
What is different in these cases?
