Problem Solving Skill

Problem
Solving
Expectation
What is the problem?
Problem-Solving
The process of identifying

a problem, developing
possible solution paths,
and taking the appropriate
course of action.
Problem-solving Steps
Define the problem Generate / Define

Identify the
[ Problem all possible
problem.
description]. solutions.
Implement and
Choose the best
follow up on the
solution.
solution.
Identifying and Structuring Problems
Before being able to confront a problem its

existence needs to be identified.
This definition should be clear enough for you to be

able to easily explain the nature of the problem to
others.
splitting bigger problems into more manageable

sub-problems.
Specify
• Specify underlying causes.
Define Consult
• Consult each faction involved for information.
the State
• State the problem specifically.
Problem Determine
• Determine in which process the problem lies.
Avoid
• Avoid trying to solve the problem without data.
“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes
thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about
solutions.”
―Albert Einstein
“If you define the problem correctly, you almost have

the solution.”
― Steve Jobs
Define the Problem Tools
The root cause process

What Is a Root
Cause Analysis?
• Root cause analysis (RCA) is a process to
help people understand the real causes
behind a problem in order to learn why that
problem arose in the first place.
• The primary purpose of the root cause

analysis process is to analyze a problem or
sequence of events in order to identify what
happened, why it happened, and what can
be done to prevent it from happening again.
Three Basic Types of Root Causes
Physical causes. Human causes. Organizational

causes
How to Perform a Root Cause Analysis in 5 Steps
• Define the problem.
Analyze what you see happening and identify the precise symptoms
so that you can form a problem statement.
• Gather data.
Before you can move on to identifying the underlying problems,

you must collect and evaluate all aspects of the situation.
Performing a case study, incident investigation, or accident
analysis are a few common ways to accomplish this step.
• Identify causal factors.
Now with your data in hand, it’s time to look for as many causal
factors as possible that could have led to your problem.
• Determine the root cause(s).
Use some of the root cause analysis tools in the next section to
discover the root causes of each causal factor.
• Recommend and implement solutions.
Once you know the root cause, you can recommend a preventative
action to ensure the problem never happens again and then develop
a timeline and plan for implementing your solution. The tools in the
next section can also be used to help you spot potential flaws in
your solution before they happen.
Root Cause Analysis Methods
The Five Whys. Fishbone Diagram.

Five Whys
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Five Whys
• Problem: one of the monuments in Washington D.C is deteriorating.
Why# 1-why is the monument deteriorating?
Because harsh chemicals are frequently used to clean the monument.
Why#2-why are harsh chemicals needed?
To clean off the large number of bird droppings on the monument.
Why#3-why are there many bird droppings on the monument?
Because the large population of spiders in and around the monument are a food source
to the local birds.
Why#4- why is the large population of spiders in and around the monument?
Because vast swarms of insects, on which the spiders feed, are drawn to the monument
at dusk.
Why#5- why are swarms of insects drawn to the monument at dusk?
Because the lighting of the monument in the evening attracts the local insects.
Solution: change how the monument is illuminated in the evening to prevent
attraction of swarming insects.
?Why ?Why Why? Root cause
?Why Why?
Fishbone Diagram
Generate /Define all
possible Solutions
• Start showing all the recommended most

efficient solutions to overcome the problem,
you will be surprised how
creative you will be when brainstorming for
the solutions
Choose the best Solution
Start by eliminating the unlikely solutions and

approaching the best one to conduct.
Before evaluating the potential solutions, the group

needs to first establish criteria for judging solutions.
The criteria should define general characteristics that

a solution should have.
There are of course more than one method of determining
the best solution. Not to say these methods are better or
worse, but for a less structured approach, here are other
methods that a group might feel is more suitable:
1.Group consensus: all members come to an agreement.

2.Majority vote: decision based on the majority.
3.Minor process: committee, board of directors makes
final decision for group.
4.Averaging individual opinion: take opinion of all
members and select the most averagely agreed upon
solution.
5.Expert decision: consult expert opinion on the matter.
6.Decision by authority: group leader decides.
Implement and
follow up on the
solution
• Implement the chosen solution.

• Gather feedback.
• Establish ongoing measures and monitoring.
THANK YOU

Problem Solving Skill

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Problem Solving Skill

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Problem

The process of identifying

Define the problem Generate / Define

Before being able to confront a problem its

This definition should be clear enough for you to be

splitting bigger problems into more manageable

“If you define the problem correctly, you almost have

The root cause process

• The primary purpose of the root cause

Physical causes. Human causes. Organizational

• Define the problem.

Before you can move on to identifying the underlying problems,

• Recommend and implement solutions.

The Five Whys. Fishbone Diagram.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

• Start showing all the recommended most

Start by eliminating the unlikely solutions and

Before evaluating the potential solutions, the group

The criteria should define general characteristics that

1.Group consensus: all members come to an agreement.

• Implement the chosen solution.

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