Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Hi Su,
The methodology may vary as circumstances that gave rise to the problem may vary. All in all, make sure the parties involve don't feel there is any bias in the process, give ample space to the parties to explain themselves.... in another dimension, make sure the problem is well captured and understood before engaging any problem solving tools Saving Changes...
As Kwiyuh has indicated, flexibility and options for problem-solving approach and the supporting tools & techniques is important. However, none of that matters if you don't take the time to define the problem clearly such that there is shared understanding among the problem solvers and that you don't have the right people engaged to solve the problem.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Su
I recently took a course with PMI called Wicked Problem Solving. It’s an amazing approach to problem solving. Take a look at it.
RK Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
There is no methodology for problem solving that could be recommended. Why? Because each human being, from the time wake up to the time they go to bed, are solving problems. I had the pleasure to work with MIT people and Hardvard people on the matter. We worked with Bear Grylls too, for example. So, you can take the method you want but the method you have to follow is the same you follow each time you decide to put a feet on the floor when you wake up. Just to comment, this is fully demonstrated. Just in case you need a training on problem solving my recommendations is play with Bear Grylls interactive games. Saving Changes...
While there are many problem solving approaches, some characteristics of good approaches would include:
- Identifies the actual problem vs. the symptoms
- Supports solutions of varying complexity
- Ensures valid (complete) solutions
- Elegance such as efficiency and simplicity
- Robustness in the breadth of applicable problems
- Verifiable results Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
As has already been mention, action 1 is to fully define the problem keeping in mind that the problem may be different, or perceived different, by each stakeholder. The question may become - who's version of the problem has the greatest weight. Looking at the big picture, some stakeholders may be primarily concerned with cost, others with time, and still others with quality. Make sure you are defining the "project" problem" not your personal problem. In defining the problem make an effort to go back to the project objective or mission statement - the problem is a problem only if it adversely impacts the project objective.
After that comes data gathering, analysis of pros and cons, establishing weighing of factors, achieving consensus (or authority), assigning/delegating responsibility. implementation, monitoring and measurement, adjustment and finally lesson learned. Saving Changes...
A good problem-solving process has mainly these steps:
1. Define the true problem or root problem
2. Analyze the problem
3. Identify the solutions
4. Choose a solution
5. Implement the solution
6. Review the solution and confirm it really resolves the problem Saving Changes...
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