Mindtools on Problem solving techniques
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Problem Solving Techniques
The tools in this section help you solve complicated business problems.
By using these techniques, you can start to tackle problems that might otherwise seem huge, overwhelming, and excessively complex.
As such, these tools give you a starting point in solving problems that would leave other people feeling helpless, and intimidated by the situation.
The section starts with some simple complexity skills. It then moves on to look at more powerful, 'industrial strength" techniques like use of Systems Diagrams, SWOT Analysis, Cash Flow Forecasting and Risk Analysis. We conclude with four powerful business strategy tools: Porter's Five Forces, PEST Analysis, Value Chain Analysis and USP Analysis.
Enjoy using these tools!
Problem Solving Techniques - Start Here!
Appreciation - Extracting maximum information from facts
5 Whys - Getting quickly to the root of a problem.
Cause & Effect Diagrams - Identifying likely causes of problems
Affinity Diagrams - Organizing ideas into common themes
Appreciative Inquiry - Solving problems by looking at what's going right
Flow Charts - Understanding process flows
Risk Analysis and Risk Management
SWOT - Analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
PEST Analysis - Understanding "big picture" forces of change
The Marketing Mix and the 4 Ps - Understanding how to position your market offering
The Ansoff Matrix - Understanding the different risks of different options
The Boston Matrix - Focusing effort to give the greatest returns
Porter's Five Forces - Understanding the balance of power in a situation
Core Competence Analysis - Get ahead. Stay ahead.
USP Analysis - Finding your competitive edge
Critical Success Factors - Identifying the things that really matter for success
The Greiner Curve - Surviving the crises that come with growth
The McKinsey 7S Framework - Ensuring all parts of your organization work in harmony
Career Excellence Club Member Tools: (How to become a member)
Using Aides Memoire - Feeding experience back into problem solving
SIPOC Diagrams - Making sure your change process serves everyone
Inductive Reasoning - Drawing good generalized conclusions
Avoiding Logical Fallacies - What they are, and how to avoid them
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - Understanding very complex issues
Queuing Models - Optimizing service and resources
Activity-Based Costing (ABC) - Understanding what really drives costs
CATWOE - Understanding the different elements that contribute to a problem
Swim Lane Diagrams - Mapping and improving processes in your organization
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Spotting problems before a solution is implemented
Download the Problem Solving Section of Mind Tools in PDF format to browse and print at your leisure...
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The first article explains the context into which these tools fit. To read it, click "Next Article" below. Other relevant destinations are shown in the "Extension Resources" list underneath.
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