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Problem Solving Cycle

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Problem Solving Cycle

Uploaded by

arif.acca09
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Problem Solving Cycle


At its simplest, we can see continuous improvement as involving a cycle of problem-finding
and solving, like this:

In the first stage — identify — the organization recognizes that there is a problem to solve.
This may be an emergency or it may be a minor difficulty which has been nagging away for
some time; it may not even be a ‘problem’ but an experiment, an attempt to find out a new
way of doing something.

Whatever the initial stimulus, finding a problem then triggers the next stage which is to
define it more clearly. Here the issue is often to separate out the apparent problem (which
may only be a symptom) from the underlying problem to be solved. Defining it also puts
some boundaries around the problem; it may be necessary to break a big problem down into
smaller sub-problems which can be tackled — ‘eating the elephant a spoonful at a time’. It
can also clarify who ‘owns’ the problem — and thus who ought to be involved in its solution,
if the solution is to stick for the longer-term.

Having analysed the nature of the problem, the next stage is to explore ways of solving it.
There may be a single correct answer, as in crossword puzzles or simple arithmetic — but it is
much more likely to be an open-ended problem for which there may be a number of possible
solutions. The challenge at this stage is to explore as widely as possible — perhaps through
the use of brainstorming or other group tools — to generate as many potential solutions as
possible.

Next comes the selection of the most promising solutions to try out — essentially the reverse
of the previous stage since this involves trying to close down and focus from a wide range of
options. The selected option is then put into practice — and the results, successful or
otherwise, reviewed. On the basis of this evaluation, the problem may be solved, or it may

©2005 Joe Tidd, John Bessant, Keith Pavitt


www.wileyeurope.com/college/tidd
1
Tools
need another trip around the loop. It may even be the case that solving one problem brings
another to light.

In terms of learning, this is essentially a model for experimenting and evaluating. We gain
knowledge at various steps in the process — for example, about the boundaries of the
problem in defining it, or about potential solutions in exploring it or about what works and
what doesn’t work in implementing it. The point is that if we capture this learning it puts us
in a much better position to meet the next problem; if it is a repeat, we already know how to
solve it. If it is similar, we have a set of possible solutions which would be worth trying. And
if it is completely new, we still have the experience of a structured approach to problem
solving.

©2005 Joe Tidd, John Bessant, Keith Pavitt


www.wileyeurope.com/college/tidd
2

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