problem analysis methods

How can we understand

the problem?

Method # 1: The 5 Whys.Method # 2: Fishbone analysis.Method # 3: Tree analysis.Method # 4: 5 W’s and 1 H.Method # 5: 3 step problem analysis.Method # 6: Problem formulation method.

Method # 1

The 5 Whys

Describe what the problem is.

Step # 1

Ask why several times to better

understand the reasons for the problem.

Keep asking why until you get to the real reason for the problem.

Step # 2

Some sources of inspiration

http://www.adb.org/Documents/Information/Knowledge-Solutions/The-Five-Whys-Technique.pdfhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5590974/how_to_run_an_ideas_jam.html?cat=3http://www.associatedcontent.com/audio/17188/how_to_use_lateral_thinking_for_personal.html?cat=55http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/912792/problem_analysis_techniques.html?cat=55http://blogs.hbr.org/video/2012/02/the-5-whys.htmlhttp://www.bulsuk.com/2009/03/5-why-finding-root-causes.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_Whyshttp://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/archives/2011/05/some_years_ago.shtmlhttp://lssacademy.com/2010/01/10/introducing-the-5-why-%E2%80%9Cso-what%E2%80%9D-test/http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htmhttp://thinkjarcollective.com/tools/how-to-formulate-a-creative-problem-statement/http://youtu.be/JmrAkHafwHI

Method # 2

Fishbone analysis

Bad communication

Persons interrupt each other

”I” language is not used

The problem

Reasons for the problem

Further reasonsPerson A talks constantly

Very little of what is communicated is concrete

None of the persons ask questions

Some sources of inspiration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishikawa_diagramhttp://www.mycoted.com/Fishbone_Diagram

Method # 3

Tree analysis

http://hbr.org/2014/01/a-taxonomy-of-innovation/ar/1

2. Root = Reason for problem

3. Branches = Effects of problem 1. The problem

http://www.imagebase.net/Nature/tree

Method # 4

5 W’s and 1 H

5 W’s and 1 H

# 1What?

# 2Why? # 3

When?

# 4Where?# 5

Who?

# 6How?

Example

How can we improve communication?

What does it mean to communicate well? What does it mean to communicate badly? Why is a person a good communicator? Why is a person not a good communicator? When is a person a good communicator? When is a person not a good communicator? Where is a person a good communicator? Where is a person not a good communicator? Who is good at communicating? Who is not good at communicating? How does a person become a good communicator? How does a person become a bad communicator?

Some sources of inspiration

http://www.associatedcontent.com/video/912792/problem_analysis_techniques.html?cat=55http://www.bqf.org.uk/innovation/2010/04/16/six-serving-men-problem-analysis-technique/http://www.mycoted.com/Five_Ws_and_H

Method # 5

3 step problem analysis

Find a discussion partner and ask that person to discuss his or her most pressing work problem with you for about 5 minutes.

Ask these 5 questions1. What’s the problem?2. What are the root causes?3. Who is to blame?4. What have you tried that hasn’t worked?5. Why haven’t you been able to fix the problem yet?

http://www.mckinsey.com/Insights/Leading_in_the_21st_century/Lead_at_your_best

Round # 2

Discuss again for 5 minutes using these 4 questions1. What would you like to see - and make - happen?2. Can you recall a time when the solution was present, at

least partly? What made that possible?3. What are the smallest steps you could take that would

make the biggest difference?4. What are you learning in this conversation so far?

http://www.mckinsey.com/Insights/Leading_in_the_21st_century/Lead_at_your_best

Round # 3

Debrief your partner about his or her thoughts and feelings during the 1st versus the 2nd discussion.

Then talk about these 3 questions for 5 minutes1. What did you notice? 2. What were his or her underlying mind-sets? 3. What were yours?

http://www.mckinsey.com/Insights/Leading_in_the_21st_century/Lead_at_your_best

Method # 6

Problem formulation method

To formulate a problem, use the phrase

“In what ways might I……?”

http://thinkjarcollective.com/tools/how-to-formulate-a-creative-problem-statement/

Thank you for your interest. For further inspiration and personalized services, please feel welcome to visit http://frankcalberg.com/

Have a great day.