Problem Solving And Much More
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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 which might otherwise seem huge, overwhelming and excessively complex. These tools give you a starting point in problem solving where other people would just feel helpless and intimidated by the situation.

The section starts with some simple complexity skills and then moves on to 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!

 

	Introduction to Problem Solving Techniques
	Appreciation - Extracting maximum information from facts
	Drill-Down - Breaking problems down into manageable parts
	Cause & Effect Diagrams - Identifying likely causes of problems
	Systems Diagrams - Understanding how factors affect each other
	SWOT - Analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
	Cash Flow Forecasting with Spreadsheets - Analyzing whether an idea is financially viable
	Risk Analysis
	Porter's Five Forces - Understanding the balance of power in a situation
	PEST Analysis - Understanding "big picture" forces of change
	Value Chain Analysis - Achieving excellence in the things that matter
	USP Analysis - Finding your competitive edge
Premium Member Tools: (How to become a member)
	5 Whys - Getting quickly to the root of a problem.
	Affinity Diagrams - Organizing ideas into common themes
	The Ansoff Matrix - Understanding the different risks of different options
	Using the Change Curve - Accelerating change, and improving project success
	Chunking - Grouping information so it's more easily understood.
	Core Competence Analysis - Get ahead. Stay ahead.
	Critical Success Factors - Identifying the things that really matter for success
	Impact Analysis - Identifying the "unexpected" consequences of a decision
	Inductive Reasoning - Drawing good generalized conclusions.
	The Ladder of Inference - Avoiding "jumping to conclusions".
	Reverse Brainstorming - A different approach to brainstorming
	Swim Lane Diagrams - Mapping and improving organizational processes
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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 "Where to go from here" list underneath.

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Extension Resources (Not included in the Mind Tools E-book.)

* Shows articles available in full only to Career Excellence Club Premium members.

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Spotting problems early on
TRIZ - A powerful methodology for creative problem-solving
The Straw Man Concept - Build it up, knock it down, create a solid final solution
Heuristic Methods - Using rules of thumb
Writing a Procedure - Making sure things are done without mistakes and omissions.
Root Cause Analysis - Tracing a problem to its origins
Using Aides Memoire - Remember everything that's important*
CATWOE - Understanding the different elements that contribute to a problem*
Avoiding Logical Fallacies - What they are, and how to avoid them*

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