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 Flow Charts, SWOT Analysis and Risk Analysis. We conclude with several powerful business strategy tools: Porter's Five Forces, PEST Analysis, the Boston Matrix, the McKinsey 7S Framework and USP Analysis.
Enjoy using these tools!
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

by Mind Tools

No comments:

Post a Comment