Problem Solving Tools and Techniques PDF

PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES PROBLEM SOLVING -is a systematic process of 1 identifying, analyzing and resolving issues. PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS AFFINITY DIAGRAM -is a visual tool used to organize ideas and group them based on similarities. It's a...

PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES PROBLEM SOLVING -is a systematic process of 1 identifying, analyzing and resolving issues. PROBLEM SOLVING TOOLS AFFINITY DIAGRAM -is a visual tool used to organize ideas and group them based on similarities. It's a helpful technique for brainstorming, problem-solving, and decision- making.  HOW IT WORKS: 1 Generate 2 Write ideas on Ideas sticky notes 3 Post ideas on 4 Group similar board ideas 5 Create categories  BENEFITS OF USING AFFINITY DIAGRAM 1 2 Stimulates Visual Organization Creativity BENEFITS OF USING AFFINITY DIAGRAM 3 4 Identifies Facilitates Pattern Collaboration BENEFITS OF USING AFFINITY DIAGRAM 5 Supports decison- making STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS MATRIX -is a tool used to identify and assess the interests and influence of different stakeholders involved in a project or initiative. It helps to understand how various stakeholders may impact the project's success and to develop strategies to manage their expectations and gain their support.  KEY COMPONENTS: 1 2 Interest Stakeholder Level 3 Influence 4 Stakeholder Level Classification 5 Potential 6 Impact Strategies  BENEFITS OF USING STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS MATRIX 1 2 Helps to identify and Enables targeted understand the communication and interests and concerns engagement with of stakeholders. stakeholders.  BENEFITS OF USING STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS MATRIX 3 4 Identifies potential risks Increases the and challenges likelihood of associated with successful project stakeholders. outcomes PROBLEM FRAMING TOOL -is a technique used to define and clarify a problem statement. It helps to ensure that the problem is understood correctly and that the focus is on the most relevant aspects.  KEY STEPS: 1 Identify the 2 Gather Problem Information 3 Analyze the 4 Define the Problem Problem Statement 5 Consider 6 Refine the Different Problem Perspectives Statement BENEFITS OF USING PROBLEM FRAMING TOOL 1 2 Helps to clarify and Ensures that efforts define the problem are directed towards more accurately. the most relevant aspects of the problem. BENEFITS OF USING PROBLEM FRAMING TOOL 3 4 Provides a solid Facilitates clear and foundation for concise developing effective communication solutions. about the problem. DATA COLLECTION MATRIX -is a structured tool used to plan and organize the collection of data for a specific research project or study. It helps ensure that all necessary data is gathered efficiently and consistently.  KEY COMPONENTS: 1 2 Data source Data element 3 Data collection 4 Data collection method instrument 5 Data collection 6 Data storage timeline and management  BENEFITS OF USING DATA COLLECTION MATRIX 1 2 Provides a structured Helps to ensure that all framework for planning necessary data is and executing data collected efficiently collection. and consistently.  BENEFITS OF USING DATA COLLECTION MATRIX 3 4 Ensures that data is Helps to maintain collected using the data quality and same methods and accuracy. criteria. BENEFITS OF USING DATA COLLECTION MATRIX 5 Facilitates data analysis and interpretation. Field Study  Field study in civil engineering management is a practical learning experience that involves applying theoretical knowledge 1 to real-world situations. It typically involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods.  STEPS: 1 2 Planning and Data Collection Preparation  3 4 Interpretation and Data Analysis Findings  5 Reporting and Dissemination Root Cause Analysis  Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic approach used to identify the underlying causes of problems or failures in a system. In civil engineering management, RCA is essential for preventing future occurrences and improving project outcomes.  STEPS: 1 2 Problem Identification Data Collection  3 4 Cause Identification Root Cause Verification  5 6 Corrective Action Monitoring and Planning Review Examples of RCA Applications in Civil Engineering Construction Delays Structural Failures Environmental Incidents Safety Hazards Focus Group Discussion  Focus Group Discussion (FGD) is a qualitative research method where a small group of participants from similar backgrounds or experiences gathers to discuss a specific topic or interest, asking questions about their perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, opinions, or ideas. Key Characteristics of FDGs Small group size Moderate Discussion Open-ended Questions Group Dynamics Brainstorming Special Tools  Brainstorming special tools refer to specific techniques or methods that can be used to generate creative and innovative ideas in the context of civil engineering management. These tools are designed to stimulate thinking, encourage collaboration, and help teams explore new possibilities.  EXAMPLES: SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse) Analogical thinking Mind mapping Six Thinking Hats Role-playing Weighted Average Analysis A quantitative method used to assign weights to different factors or criteria in decision-making. STEPS: 1 2 Assign weights to Identify factors or each factor (sum of criteria. weights should equal 1).  3 4 Calculate the Rate each option weighted average against each factor. for each option.  Example Step 1: Identify factors and assign weights: Factor Weight Price 0.3 Performance 0.25 Battery Life 0.25 Design 0.2  Example Step 2: Rate each option against each factor (scale of 1-5): Factor Model A Model B Model C Price 4 3 2 Performance 5 4 3 Battery Life 3 4 5 Design 4 3 5  Example Step 3: Calculate the weighted average for each option: Model A: (4 * 0.3) + (5 * 0.25) + (3 * 0.25) + (4 * 0.2) = 3.85 Model B: (3 * 0.3) + (4 * 0.25) + (4 * 0.25) + (3 * 0.2) = 3.6 Model C: (2 * 0.3) + (3 * 0.25) + (5 * 0.25) + (5 * 0.2) = 3.75 Action Plan A structured outline of steps to be taken to achieve a specific goal or objective. COMPONENTS: 1 2 Goal or objective. Tasks or activities.  3 4 Timeline or Resources required. schedule.  5 Responsible parties. Example: Implementing a new company policy.  Example Policy: Work-from-Home (WFH) Policy Goal: To successfully implement a WFH policy that increases employee satisfaction and productivity while maintaining company operations. Example  Example Resources Human Resources Department: IT Department Management Team Responsible Parties Policy Development Committee Human Resources IT RACI Matrix A tool used to define roles and responsibilities for specific tasks or activities. Responsible: Individual who executes the task. Accountable: Individual ultimately accountable for the task's completion. Consulted: Individual whose input is sought but not required. Informed: Individual who should be kept updated on the task's progress. Example: Project Team Manager Example Ghant Chart  A visual representation of a project schedule, showing tasks, their duration, and dependencies. COMPONENTS: 1 2 Horizontal axis: Time (e.g., days, Vertical axis: Tasks weeks, months).  3 Bars: Represent the duration of each task. Example Communication Plan A policy-driven approach to providing company stakeholders with information. STEPS IN CREATING : 1 2 Define objectives. Understand the audience.  3 4 Select Develop message. communication channels.  5 6 Create a timeline. Assign roles and responsibilities.  7 Test the plan. Example Most Significant Change (MSC) Technique  A qualitative and participatory form of monitoring and evaluation based on the collection and systematic selection of stories of reported changes from development activities. STEPS IN CREATING: 1 2 Establish champions and Establish “domains getting familiar with of change”. the approach.  3 4 Define reporting Collect stories of period. change.  5 6 Review stories Provide within the stakeholders regular organizational feedbacks about hierarchy. review process.  7 8 Set in place a process to verify the Quantification. stories, if necessary.  9 10 Conduct secondary Revise most analysis of stories significant change en masse. process. Problem Reporting  A structured process of documenting and communicating and communicating issues that arise during operations, projects, or daily activities. KEY ASPECTS: 1 2 Identification. Description.  3 4 Categorization. Root Cause identification (optional)  5 6 Impact analysis. Documentation.  7 8 Assignment. Follow-up and resolution. Example of Problem Report (PR) Example of Problem Report (PR) THANK YOU!