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SGC Coaching Session ##:
Structured Problem Solving using Frameworks
- Industry Demonstration
Session By:
Agenda:
Understanding structured problem solving
using framework
Case study demonstration
Doubt Resolution
Structured Problem Solving
What is Structured Problem Solving?
Structured Problem Solving is a process for
solving a complex, content-based problem
within a specific time limit. It helps to step
back and evaluate problems which can be
big or small, in a clearer and more
structured way. Also, it helps the responders
collect, organize, and analyze the
information used in solving the issue.
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Method of Structured Problem Solving
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Some popular frameworks
Some of the popular frameworks are:
• 5Ws + H framework
• 5 WHYs framework
• SPIN selling framework
• Issue tree framework
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5 WHYs framework
What is 5 WHY’s framework ?
The 5 WHYs technique follows a simple approach of asking WHY 5 times.
First, it starts with the main problem and ask why it occurred and then keeps
asking why until you reach the root cause of the said problem. (Now, one may need
to ask more or less than 5 whys to reach your answer. However, in general practice, 5 WHYs are more
or less sufficient to reach the root cause)
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5 WHYs framework
Some steps to follow for 5 WHYs technique for continuous improvement:
• Form a team
• Define the problem
• Ask 5 why related questions
• Take action - come to root cause
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5Ws + H framework
What is 5Ws + How framework?
The goal of 5Ws + How technique is to gain a
factual answer to each question.
Answers to all six questions should give clarity
to whatever the interviewer is trying to
discover.
It also allows teams to identify several factors,
share the same vision of a situation and not
go off-topic.
Photo source: medium.com
5W’s + How framework
Advantage:
Using the 5 Ws + H approach allows
product managers to organize their thinking
and planning in a logical, systematic way.
Additionally, because it addresses all of the
fundamental questions to a complex
problem, this technique also helps ensure
that a product team won’t forget to think
through any major issues before making
strategic decisions and plans on the product
roadmap.
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SPIN selling framework
What is SPIN selling framework?
SPIN Selling is a sales book, first published in 1988, written by Neil Rackham. In this book,
Rackham establishes the SPIN selling methodology, a sales technique created to help anticipate
and navigate tough sales situations. The SPIN technique is a sequence of questions—not
predefined questions to be quoted verbatim, but types of questions to be asked in a particular
order.
Usage of SPIN selling framework:
No two sales scenarios are alike, and neither are two customers. Sales orgs need to cut through
the clutter and get to the heart of what a client really needs—and that’s where SPIN selling is
needed.
Photo source: efficy.com
SPIN selling framework
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Issue Tree Framework
What is an Issue Tree Framework?
Issue trees are visual diagrams that you can use to break down a larger problem or
question into several smaller questions. It is a customized framework used to analyze
the root causes of problems in a case. The issue tree also allows the thought process
to be well-structured, it covers all key aspects of the case, and understands how
various components are related to the problem which needs to be solved.
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Issue Tree Framework
Steps on how to build a Issue Tree:
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Case study -1
Case study on 5 WHY’s framework.
A 5 WHY framework to get to the root cause of the computer failure
in the IT department of a manufacturing firm.
There could be some other reason which would be affecting the
failure of computer other than the technical issues which are faced.
So the manager needs to look into the matter and ask the relevant 5
why questions to get to the root cause.
Case study-1
5 WHYs questions:
• Why didn’t your computer perform the task? – Because the memory was not sufficient.
• Why wasn’t your memory sufficient? – Because I did not ask for enough memory.
• Why did you underestimate the amount of memory? – Because I did not know my programs
would take so much space.
• Why didn’t you know programs would take so much space? – Because I did not do my
research on programs and memory required for my annual projects.
• Why did you not do research on memory required? – Because I am short staffed and had to let
some tasks slip to get other priorities accomplished.
Hence, after asking the 5 WHY questions to the in-charge the manager draws the roots cause
of the failure of the computer to be storage of man power or human asset and not the
insufficiency of memory.
Case study-2
Case study on 5W’s + How framework
Use the 5W’s + How framework to write down a user persona
Case Study-2
• Who is this person? : example: Demographic information, goals, desires, fears, etc.
• What do they do in their organization?: example: Job title, responsibilities, etc.
• Where do they work?: example: Industry, size of the company, geographic region, etc.
• How do they work?: example: What tools do they use, what people and departments do they
work with, etc.
• Why would they need our help?: example: What can our company offer that adds value to this
person’s job, business, or life?
• When would they need the solution we’re proposing? : example: Where in this person’s
workflow or activities can our product or service provide the answer to their problem?
Case Study-3
Let’s solve an issue tree question:
Construct an issue tree on plant closure case- Should the company close its only tool manufacturing plant in
Bulgaria? The company is globally based and needs to scrutinise the consequences of closing the only tool
manufacturing plant to come to a right decision.
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Case Study-3
Sample Answer:
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Ask your Questions !
Questions?
