2.

2 Categories of tools

Problem solving
1. Diagnosis 2. Goal setting 3. Analysis 4. Decision
process steps:
making

Categories 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
of tools: Define Gather Creativity Consolidate Goal Organisational Technical Strategic Decision
situation information information setting analysis analysis analysis making
• Problem • Information • Brainstorming • Pareto (80:20) • Objectives tree • Organisational • Architectural • Value chain • Decision tree
definition gathering plan • Cardstorming • ABC tool • Goal hierarchy structure decomposition analysis • Perspectives3
Tools and • Problem tree • Interview tool • Information • Charter • Diamond view • Critical success • Argument
techniques: • Reverse the • Tripod • 6-3-5 tool matrix • Goal catalogue grading tool • Functional factor (CSF) balance
problem • Octagon • Nyaka (defect • Card sorting • SMART goals • Org structure decomposition • SWOT and • Polarities tool
• Hypotheses • Focus groups analysis) • Affinity diagram • Goal grid versus process • Process TOWS • Swap sorting
• Hypothesis tree • Questionnaire • Bionic • Venn diagram • Well-defined • Span of control analysis • Life cycle tool
• Competing • Survey/field • Attribute listing • Force field outcomes • Organisational • Entity • 5 Forces • Pair ranking
hypothesis (N) study - dipstick • Morphological • 3P statements assessment relationship • Competitor • Nominal group
• Issue tree • Direct obser- matrix • SNAP • Powergram diagram analysis tool
• Influence matrix vation (DILO) • Merlin techni- • Logical data • Environmental • 100 Points
• Fishbone or • Delphi or que/Osborn relationship analysis • Utility analysis
Cause-effect expert panel checklist • Technology (PEST) • Cartesian
tool • Desk research/ • Lotus blossom and systems • Strategic coordinates
• Black box database • Irritating words landscape market group • Cross of beliefs
• IS – IS NOT research • Mental • Requirements • Customer • Vroom Yetton
• Stakeholder • 5 Whys provocation catalogue segmentation • Risk analysis
analysis • Climate • Logical and • Strategic • Prioritisation
• Stakeholder assessment functional development
map system • Business matrix
• Stakeholder modelling • Product/
expectation market mix
management • Strategic
• Stakeholder development
influence matrix options
• Stakeholder • Strategy matrix
accordion
• Stakeholder
swapping
• Context
diagram tool
• Silo view tool
• Helicoptering
• Mind map

10. Project management

• Project contract • Project environment analysis • Workshop guideline
Project • LogFrame • Project structure • Expectation review
• Project road map/programme • PM roles and responsibilities • Booz Ball evaluation
management • Work break down structure • Project communication plan • Six thinking hats
category: • Gantt chart • Accountability matrix (CIDA) • Actions steps and review
• Project work plan • Stakeholder communication • Project management skills radar

Figure 14
Overview of the problem solving process steps and the relevant categories of tools

Situation definition (section 3.1)

The purpose of the tools in the category ‘situation definition’ is to describe and
characterise the current situation, context and environment. It often overlaps
with the beginning of a project or initiative in terms of setting boundaries and
understanding the ‘As-Is’.

Information gathering (section 3.2) – tools from this category can be

used in the process steps 1 (Diagnosis) and 3 (Analysis)
The purpose of the tools in the category ‘information gathering’ is the vital prep-
aration for most other activities. Having sourced relevant information enables us
to broaden our horizon; invites new points of views and is the basis for the an-
alysis step.

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