Problem Solving Techniques

The tools in this section help you solve complicated business problems.

By using these techniques, you can start to tackle problems that might otherwise seem huge, overwhelming, and excessively complex.

As such, these tools give you a starting point in solving problems that would leave other people feeling helpless, and intimidated by the situation.

The section starts with some simple complexity skills. It then moves on to look at 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

§ 5 Whys - Getting quickly to the root of a problem.

§ Cause & Effect Diagrams - Identifying likely causes of problems

§ Affinity Diagrams - Organizing ideas into common themes

§ Appreciative Inquiry - Solving problems by looking at what's going right

§ Flow Charts - Understanding process flows

§ Risk Analysis and Risk Management

§ SWOT - Analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

§ PEST Analysis - Understanding "big picture" forces of change

§ The Marketing Mix and the 4 Ps - Understanding how to position your market offering

§ The Ansoff Matrix - Understanding the different risks of different options

§ The Boston Matrix - Focusing effort to give the greatest returns

§ Porter's Five Forces - Understanding the balance of power in a situation

§ Core Competence Analysis - Get ahead. Stay ahead.

§ USP Analysis - Finding your competitive edge

§ Critical Success Factors - Identifying the things that really matter for success

§ The Greiner Curve - Surviving the crises that come with growth

§ The McKinsey 7S Framework - Ensuring all parts of your organization work in harmony