Effective Problem-Solving Strategies
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ScribdTranslationsEffective Problem-Solving Strategies
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ScribdTranslationsHOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM?
Objectives: to be able to adopt an approach to solve a communication or organizational problem.
I - GENERAL APPROACH
to recognize a situation as a problem
Put it down formulate the problem
Problem Identify the people involved in the problem and define them.
define the type of problem
Solve the characterize the problem
Problem analyze the problem
search for solution ideas
choose a solution
Does the chosen solution satisfactorily solve the problem?
yes no
- implement it and control its application
- Is the implementation completed and satisfactory?
yes no
The problem is solved.
This approach is valid, regardless of the problem: communication, organization ...
It is also called the DISA approach:
- definition
- information
- solutions
- actions
II - CHARACTERIZE A PROBLEM
Every problem can be characterized according to simple criteria presented in a grid. There are several
methods including the CIFUGE grid:
characters Is the problem?
complexity simple quite simple quite complex complex
importance of no importance of little importance quite important important
frequency punctual occasional frequent permanent
emergency without urgency slightly urgent quite urgent very urgent
gravity weightless a little serious serious enough critique
extent punctual restricted extended general
Urgency: a problem is urgent when a solution must be found quickly. The time constraint is
elevated, and sometimes it can be difficult to conduct a study to find a solution.
! However, the problem should not be dealt with hastily.
Severity: the consequences caused by the problem are irreversible. The situation cannot be recovered if the
The problem is not resolved. A serious issue must be addressed as a priority.
Importance: Resolution contributes to achieving the goals we set for ourselves.
III - ANALYZE THE PROBLEM
This is about gathering information to place the problem in its context. The research must be
systematic, any information that may be useful for the strategy we are going to adopt. Several analysis tools
allow for a thoughtful process of information search:
- The QQOQCP method:
- The tree of causes
- The cause-effect diagram (Ishikawa diagram)
Note: the diagram is sometimes constructed by grouping the causes into 5 categories: this is the method of
5M.
-Milieu : l'environnement,
Labor: the participants,
-Means: the equipment used, the financial elements at stake,
Method: the way of proceeding,
Subject: the nature of the object being addressed.
All the information regarding the issue can be organized in a structured way on a form.
of analysis.
IV - SEARCH FOR SOLUTION IDEAS
Objective: to find all solutions, or at least as many possible solutions through a creative approach, in
avoiding preconceptions.
Several techniques can be used:
- Brainstorming
- The analogical method
- The tree of solutions:
- The discovery matrix:
- The heuristic diagram
Principle: rather than writing down solutions on a sheet as they are discovered, it is better
It is effective to start by placing the main idea in the center of the sheet, then to progress by association.
of ideas. Unlike brainstorming, this technique is practiced alone.
Three types of solutions can be found:
- palliative solutions that do not solve the problem but make its
symptoms
- the curative solutions that resolve the problem by eliminating its causes,
- preventive solutions that prevent the problem from occurring.
IV - CHOOSING A SOLUTION
1 - Analyze all the solutions
All the information regarding each solution must be gathered in a grid:
- The solution analysis sheet
- Un tableau "avantages/inconvénients" de chaque solution.
The analysis of all the solutions will then allow for easier comparison.
2 - Evaluate the solutions
For this, it is necessary to clearly define the objectives and the constraints related to the realization of the problem.
For example: time constraint (urgent problem), financial, authorization to obtain...
Determination of selection criteria.
There are several decision support tools:
- the FARE method: all solutions are evaluated in a table based on 4
critères -FAISABILITE -ACCEPTABILITE -RENTABILITE -EFFICACITE
- the compatibility matrix
- the multicriteria method
Multicriteria grid
CRITERION Solution 1 Solution 2 Solution 3 …
Effectiveness 2 3 1 …
Cost 1 4 4 …
… … … … …
Each criterion is rated according to a scoring scale, for example:
1 - insufficient
2 - mediocre
3 - quite well
4 - very good
The multi-criteria method allows (like the compatibility matrix) to obtain a numerical evaluation.
To take into account the importance of the different criteria, it is possible:
to assign a grading scale. For example: efficiency is rated out of 20, cost out of 10 ...
- to assign a weighting coefficient. For example, for effectiveness, coefficient 2, for cost, coefficient 1
Each solution thus receives a score. The chosen solution will be the one that obtains the highest score.
raised.
VI - IMPLEMENTATION, CONTROL AND MONITORING OF THE SOLUTION
Develop a implementation schedule (planning, dashboard), and an action plan addressing the questions.
following: what are the objectives? What are the necessary means? What are the tasks? Their
distribution?
To verify the progress and the results obtained in relation to the set objectives, one can establish a list of
task control to be performed.
No. tasks Executed Scheduled date Actual date observations
1
2
3
Etc.
Note in the order of execution to drive to see the gaps causes of a possible delay,
malfunction
Sought objectives Chosen solution
Results obtained Applied solution
REMARKS
The effectiveness of the problem-solving approach depends not only on the proper use of tools, but also
also of an attitude of openness and tolerance.
Do not let yourself be confined by imaginary or false limits when facing a problem.
Develop your creativity rather than give up
Do not settle for the only 'obvious' answer
Being tolerant of divergent opinions