Identify Goal
Define Problem
Define Problem
Gather Data
Define Causes
Identify Options
Clarify Problem
Generate Ideas
Evaluate Options
Generate Ideas
Choose the Best Solution
Implement Solution
Select Solution
Take Action
MacLeod offers her own problem solving procedure, which echoes the above steps:
“1. Recognize the Problem: State what you see. Sometimes the problem is covert. 2. Identify: Get the facts — What exactly happened? What is the issue? 3. and 4. Explore and Connect: Dig deeper and encourage group members to relate their similar experiences. Now you're getting more into the feelings and background [of the situation], not just the facts. 5. Possible Solutions: Consider and brainstorm ideas for resolution. 6. Implement: Choose a solution and try it out — this could be role play and/or a discussion of how the solution would be put in place. 7. Evaluate: Revisit to see if the solution was successful or not.”
Many of these problem solving techniques can be used in concert with one another, or multiple can be appropriate for any given problem. It’s less about facilitating a perfect CPS session, and more about encouraging team members to continually think outside the box and push beyond personal boundaries that inhibit their innovative thinking. So, try out several methods, find those that resonate best with your team, and continue adopting new techniques and adapting your processes along the way.
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Cognitive science tells us that we regularly face not only well-defined problems but, importantly, many that are ill defined (Eysenck & Keane, 2015).
Sometimes, we find ourselves unable to overcome our daily problems or the inevitable (though hopefully infrequent) life traumas we face.
Problem-Solving Therapy aims to reduce the incidence and impact of mental health disorders and improve wellbeing by helping clients face life’s difficulties (Dobson, 2011).
This article introduces Problem-Solving Therapy and offers techniques, activities, and worksheets that mental health professionals can use with clients.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.
What is problem-solving therapy, 14 steps for problem-solving therapy, 3 best interventions and techniques, 7 activities and worksheets for your session, fascinating books on the topic, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.
Problem-Solving Therapy assumes that mental disorders arise in response to ineffective or maladaptive coping. By adopting a more realistic and optimistic view of coping, individuals can understand the role of emotions and develop actions to reduce distress and maintain mental wellbeing (Nezu & Nezu, 2009).
“Problem-solving therapy (PST) is a psychosocial intervention, generally considered to be under a cognitive-behavioral umbrella” (Nezu, Nezu, & D’Zurilla, 2013, p. ix). It aims to encourage the client to cope better with day-to-day problems and traumatic events and reduce their impact on mental and physical wellbeing.
Clinical research, counseling, and health psychology have shown PST to be highly effective in clients of all ages, ranging from children to the elderly, across multiple clinical settings, including schizophrenia, stress, and anxiety disorders (Dobson, 2011).
PST appears particularly helpful in treating clients with depression. A recent analysis of 30 studies found that PST was an effective treatment with a similar degree of success as other successful therapies targeting depression (Cuijpers, Wit, Kleiboer, Karyotaki, & Ebert, 2020).
Other studies confirm the value of PST and its effectiveness at treating depression in multiple age groups and its capacity to combine with other therapies, including drug treatments (Dobson, 2011).
Effective coping varies depending on the situation, and treatment typically focuses on improving the environment and reducing emotional distress (Dobson, 2011).
PST is based on two overlapping models:
This model focuses on solving the problem “as it occurs in the natural social environment,” combined with a general coping strategy and a method of self-control (Dobson, 2011, p. 198).
The model includes three central concepts:
The model is a “self-directed cognitive-behavioral process by which an individual, couple, or group attempts to identify or discover effective solutions for specific problems encountered in everyday living” (Dobson, 2011, p. 199).
The theory of PST is underpinned by a relational problem-solving model, whereby stress is viewed in terms of the relationships between three factors:
Therefore, when a significant adverse life event occurs, it may require “sweeping readjustments in a person’s life” (Dobson, 2011, p. 202).
D’Zurilla’s and Nezu’s model includes (modified from Dobson, 2011):
Success in PST depends on the effectiveness of its implementation; using the right approach is crucial (Dobson, 2011).
The following interventions and techniques are helpful when implementing more effective problem-solving approaches in client’s lives.
First, it is essential to consider if PST is the best approach for the client, based on the problems they present.
It is vital to consider whether PST is appropriate for the client’s situation. Therapists new to the approach may require additional guidance (Nezu et al., 2013).
Therapists should consider the following questions before beginning PST with a client (modified from Nezu et al., 2013):
All affirmative answers suggest that PST would be a helpful technique to apply in this instance.
The following five steps are valuable when working with clients to help them cope with and manage their environment (modified from Dobson, 2011).
Ask the client to consider the following points (forming the acronym ADAPT) when confronted by a problem:
If the client is not satisfied with their solution, they can return to step ‘A’ and find a more appropriate solution.
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When dealing with clients facing negative self-beliefs, it can be helpful for them to use positive self-statements.
Use the following (or add new) self-statements to replace harmful, negative thinking (modified from Dobson, 2011):
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PST practitioners have many different techniques available to support clients as they learn to tackle day-to-day or one-off trauma.
Problem-solving self-monitoring form.
Ask the client to complete the following:
It can be helpful for the client to recognize their own experiences of stress. Do they react angrily, withdraw, or give up (Dobson, 2011)?
The Reactions to Stress worksheet can be given to the client as homework to capture stressful events and their reactions. By recording how they felt, behaved, and thought, they can recognize repeating patterns.
Helping clients capture triggers for their stressful reactions can encourage emotional regulation.
When clients can identify triggers that may lead to a negative response, they can stop the experience or slow down their emotional reaction (Dobson, 2011).
The What Are Your Unique Triggers ? worksheet helps the client identify their triggers (e.g., conflict, relationships, physical environment, etc.).
Imagining an existing or potential problem and working through how to resolve it can be a powerful exercise for the client.
Use the Problem-Solving worksheet to state a problem and goal and consider the obstacles in the way. Then explore options for achieving the goal, along with their pros and cons, to assess the best action plan.
Clients can become better equipped to tackle problems and choose the right course of action by recognizing facts versus assumptions and gathering all the necessary information (Dobson, 2011).
Use the Getting the Facts worksheet to answer the following questions clearly and unambiguously:
While therapists can use the worksheets above in group situations, the following two interventions work particularly well with more than one person.
A group setting can provide an ideal opportunity to share a problem and identify potential solutions arising from multiple perspectives.
Use the Generating Alternative Solutions and Better Decision-Making worksheet and ask the client to explain the situation or problem to the group and the obstacles in the way.
Once the approaches are captured and reviewed, the individual can share their decision-making process with the group if they want further feedback.
Visualization can be performed with individuals or in a group setting to help clients solve problems in multiple ways, including (Dobson, 2011):
Guided imagery is particularly valuable for encouraging the group to take a ‘mental vacation’ and let go of stress.
Ask the group to begin with slow, deep breathing that fills the entire diaphragm. Then ask them to visualize a favorite scene (real or imagined) that makes them feel relaxed, perhaps beside a gently flowing river, a summer meadow, or at the beach.
The more the senses are engaged, the more real the experience. Ask the group to think about what they can hear, see, touch, smell, and even taste.
Encourage them to experience the situation as fully as possible, immersing themselves and enjoying their place of safety.
Such feelings of relaxation may be able to help clients fall asleep, relieve stress, and become more ready to solve problems.
We have included three of our favorite books on the subject of Problem-Solving Therapy below.
This is an incredibly valuable book for anyone wishing to understand the principles and practice behind PST.
Written by the co-developers of PST, the manual provides powerful toolkits to overcome cognitive overload, emotional dysregulation, and the barriers to practical problem-solving.
Find the book on Amazon .
Another, more recent, book from the creators of PST, this text includes important advances in neuroscience underpinning the role of emotion in behavioral treatment.
Along with clinical examples, the book also includes crucial toolkits that form part of a stepped model for the application of PST.
This is the fourth edition of a hugely popular guide to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies and includes a valuable and insightful section on Problem-Solving Therapy.
This is an important book for students and more experienced therapists wishing to form a high-level and in-depth understanding of the tools and techniques available to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.
For even more tools to help strengthen your clients’ problem-solving skills, check out the following free worksheets from our blog.
If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, check out this signature collection of 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.
Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.
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While we are born problem-solvers, facing an incredibly diverse set of challenges daily, we sometimes need support.
Problem-Solving Therapy aims to reduce stress and associated mental health disorders and improve wellbeing by improving our ability to cope. PST is valuable in diverse clinical settings, ranging from depression to schizophrenia, with research suggesting it as a highly effective treatment for teaching coping strategies and reducing emotional distress.
Many PST techniques are available to help improve clients’ positive outlook on obstacles while reducing avoidance of problem situations and the tendency to be careless and impulsive.
The PST model typically assesses the client’s strengths, weaknesses, and coping strategies when facing problems before encouraging a healthy experience of and relationship with problem-solving.
Why not use this article to explore the theory behind PST and try out some of our powerful tools and interventions with your clients to help them with their decision-making, coping, and problem-solving?
We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .
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Blog Business What is a Problem-Solving Flowchart & How to Make One
Written by: Danesh Ramuthi Aug 10, 2023
Problem-Solving Flowcharts, contrary to what many believe aren’t just aesthetic wonders — they’re almost like magical blueprints for troubleshooting those pesky problems that many of us face.
Flowcharts take business challenges and turn them into a navigable pathway. In this post, I will guide you on key aspects of problem-solving flowcharts such as what it is, the advantages of problem-solving flowcharts, how to create one and more.
Besides, you’ll also discover how to create problem-solving flowcharts with the help of Venngage’s Flowchart Maker.
And for those of you thinking, “I’m no designer, how can I create one?” worry not! I’ve got you covered. Just hop on Venggage’s Flowchart Templates and you’ll be charting your way to problem-solving glory in no time.
Click to jump ahead:
When to use problem-solving flowcharts, what are the advantages of flowcharts in problem-solving, what are the 7 steps of problem-solving flowcharts.
Problem-Solving Flowcharts is a graphical representation used to break down problem or process into smaller, manageable parts, identify the root causes and outline a step-by-step solution.
It helps in visually organizing information and showing the relationships between various parts of the problem.
This type of flowcharts consists of different symbols and arrows, each representing different components or steps in the problem-solving process.
By following the flow of the chart, individuals or teams can methodically approach problem, analyze different aspects of it and come to a well-informed solution.
Problem-Solving Flowcharts is a versatile tool that can be used in various scenarios. Here’s when to consider utilizing one:
Related: How to Use Fishbone Diagrams to Solve Complex Problems
Problem-solving flowcharts can offer several benefits to the users who are looking to solve a particular problem. Few advantages of flowcharts in problem solving are:
When you’re dealing with multifaceted problems or processes, words alone can make the situation seem even more tangled. Flowcharts distill these complexities into easily understandable visual elements.
By mapping out each phase or component of problem, flowcharts offer a bird’s eye view enabling individuals to grasp the bigger picture and the finer details simultaneously.
Flowcharts excel in laying out the sequence of events or actions. By indicating a clear starting point and illustrating each subsequent step, they guide users through a process or solution path methodically.
This linear representation ensures that no step is overlooked and each is executed in the right order.
Problem-solving often requires team effort and flowcharts are instrumental in fostering collaborative environments.
When a team is discussing potential solutions or trying to understand problem’s intricacies, a flowchart serves as a collective reference point.
It aids in synchronizing everyone’s understanding, minimizing miscommunications and promoting constructive discussions.
Read more about: Flowcharts Symbols and Meaning
Before anything else, it’s essential to articulate the problem or task you want to solve clearly and accurately. By understanding exactly what needs to be addressed you can ensure that subsequent steps align with the core issue.
Determine what inputs (such as data, information or resources) will be required to solve the problem and what the desired outputs or outcomes are. Identifying these factors will guide you in structuring the steps needed to reach the end goal and ensure that all necessary resources are at hand.
Break down the problem-solving process into its main steps or subtasks. This involves pinpointing the essential actions or stages necessary to reach the solution. Create a roadmap that helps in understanding how to approach the problem methodically.
In problem-solving, decisions often lead to different paths or outcomes. Using standard symbols to represent these decision points in the flowcharts allows for a clear understanding of these critical junctures. It helps visually present various scenarios and their consequences.
A well-designed flowcharts is concise but clear in its labeling. Using arrows and short, descriptive phrases to explain what happens at each step or decision point ensures that the flowcharts communicates the process without unnecessary complexity.
Creating a flowcharts is not always a one-and-done process. It may require revisions to improve its clarity, accuracy or comprehensiveness. Necessary refinement ensures that the flowcharts precisely reflects the problem-solving process and is free from errors or ambiguities.
While it’s possible to draw a flowcharts manually, using a flowcharts tool like Venngage’s Flowchart Maker and Venngage’s Flowchart Templates can make the process more efficient and flexible. These tools come with pre-designed templates and intuitive interfaces that make it easy to create, modify and share flowcharts.
Let’s have a look at 5 most common types of flowcharts that individuals and organizations often use.
A process flowcharts is a visual representation of the sequence of steps and decisions involved in executing a particular process or procedure.
It serves as a blueprint that showcases how different stages or functions are interconnected in a systematic flow and it highlights the direction of the process from its beginning to its end.
Process flowcharts are instrumental in training and onboarding, sales process , process optimization, documentation, recruitment and in any scenario where clear communication of a process is crucial.
A flowcharts infographic is a great way to showcase the process or a series of steps using a combination of graphics, icons, symbols and concise text. It aims to communicate complex information in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, making it a popular tool for conveying information, data and instructions in a visually engaging way.
For example, you can use this flowchart to illustrate a health insurance process that visually explains the steps involved from finding a provider to paying for your healthcare provider.
A circular flowcharts is used to illustrate the flow of information, goods, services or money within a closed system or process. It gets its name from its circular shape, which emphasizes the continuous and cyclical nature of the flow.
Circular flowcharts are widely used in various fields such as economics, business, engineering and process management to help visualize and understand complex systems.
In a circular flowcharts , elements are represented using various shapes and connected with arrows to indicate the direction of flow. The circular arrangement indicates that the process is ongoing and repeats itself over time.
Swimlane flowcharts , also known as cross-functional flowcharts are a specific type of flowchart that organizes the process flow into lanes or “swimlanes.”
Each lane represents a different participant or functional area involved in the process and the flowchart shows how activities or information move between these participants.
Swimlane flowcharts are particularly useful for illustrating complex processes that involve multiple stakeholders or departments.
In a swimlane flowcharts, the process is divided horizontally into lanes and each lane is labeled with the name of the department, person or role responsible for that part of the process. Vertically, the flowchart displays the sequence of steps or actions taken in the process.
Decision flowcharts, also known as decision trees or flow diagrams are graphical representations that illustrate the process of making decisions or solving problems.
They are widely used in various fields such as computer science, business mapping , engineering and problem-solving scenarios.
Decision flowcharts help break down complex decision-making processes into simple, sequential steps, making it easier to understand and follow.
A decision tree is a specialized flowchart used to visually represent the process of decision-making.
Businesses and other individuals can employ a decision tree analysis as a tool to aid in evaluating different options and the possible consequences associated with each choice.
Decision trees Infographics can be used to create a more nuanced type of flowchart that is more informative and visually appealing by combining a decision flowchart and the flowchart infographic.
Decision flowcharts are valuable tools for visualizing decision-making processes, analyzing complex problems and communicating them effectively to others.
Designing effective problem-solving flowcharts involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure clarity, accuracy and usability. Here are some best practices to create efficient and useful problem-solving flowcharts:
Creating problem-solving flowchart on Venngage is incredibly simple. All you have to do is:
Flowcharts are not the representation of problem solutions per se; rather, they are a visual representation of processes, decision-making steps and actions taken to arrive at a solution to problem.
3 Basic Structures of Flowcharts are:
A good flowchart should exhibit clarity and simplicity, using consistent symbols and labels to depict a logical sequence of steps. It should be readable, with appropriate white space to avoid clutter while eliminating ambiguity through well-defined decision criteria and paths.
Yes, flowcharts can be used for both simple and complex problem-solving scenarios. Flowcharts are versatile visual tools that can effectively represent various processes, decision-making steps and problem-solving approaches regardless of their complexity.
In both cases, flowcharts offer a systematic and visual means of organizing information, identifying potential problems and facilitating collaboration among team members.
Problem-solving flowcharts can be used in virtually any industry or domain. The versatility and effectiveness of flowcharts make them applicable to a wide range of fields such as Business and Management, Software Development and IT, Healthcare, Education, Finance, Marketing & Sales and a lot more other industries.
Problem-solving flowcharts are a valuable and versatile tool that empowers individuals and teams to tackle complex problems with clarity and efficiency.
By visually representing the step-by-step process of identifying, analyzing and resolving issues, flowcharts serve as navigational guides simplifying intricate challenges into digestible parts.
With the aid of modern tools like Venngage’s Flowchart Maker and Venngage’s Flowchart Templates , designing impactful flowcharts becomes accessible to all while revolutionizing the way problems are approached and solved.
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These tools & techniques are your little helpers , they will assist you to solve the problems or find some to solve.
Here are all the tools and techniques on a single page.
If you want to find tools by a theme ( starting a project, finding a root cause ....... ) choose from the drop down menu
You will see , some tools are being repeated across themes, it is due to their ability to be used in various situations.
Helps you define and agree on the problem
See Problem Statement
Get going with complete information on Team Charter
To understand and communicate high level view of a process
use COPIS
A version of tree diagram to help you find right metrics to work on is CTQ Tree
A risk management tool to identify areas to work on and to manage project risk
Brainstorming
Get your team involved, do Brainstorming
Eliminate, combine,rearrange , simplify with help of
How to find the right causes or solutions to implement , see
Control -- Impact Matrix
Identify the causes in a visual team activity , know
Cause & Effect diagram
Ask why, to get your causes via
Distill your brainstorming, get consensus ,use Affinity Diagram
Go see, observe your process to identify issues , improve Gemba Walk
check your staff's cross training level and requirement
Job Flexibility Chart
Draw up your process and find improvments , use
Flow Charting
Use this lean technique to do
Mistake Proofing
Tree Diagram
Work with your team, breakdown tasks, produce counter measures
Post your data gathering , find the factors that matter most , use 80:20 principle
Use this voting technique to distill . See Nominal Group technique and more in
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Engineering Team
May 13, 2024
Do you want a solution to help your teams work well together, reduce friction, and speed up productivity?
The best problem-solving software has all the answers for you. Problem-solving software helps find bottlenecks, simplify workflows, and automate tasks to improve efficiency. The result? Communication is easy, and your team enjoys a collaborative work environment.
Problem-solving software gives you the right visualization tools and techniques to better articulate your ideas and concepts.
That’s not all; it also automates repetitive tasks while your team focuses on brainstorming and ideating.
In this article, we’ll cover the best problem-solving software and highlight its various features, limitations, customer ratings, and pricing details to help you make an informed decision.
1. clickup , 2. omnex systems , 5. meistertask, 6. teamwork, 10. airtable .
Businesses encounter many challenges, from operational inefficiencies and customer complaints to financial discrepancies.
As your team slowly navigates through these issues, having problem-solving software with the right features will reduce the hassle. Before investing in one, consider some of these following factors:
While you have many options, select the one with the right features that suit your needs .
Check out our list of the ten best problem-solving tools to ensure you have the features to solve complex issues effectively:
Henry Ford once said that success takes care of itself if everyone moves forward together. ClickUp problem-solving software helps you succeed by ensuring all your team members are always on the same page.
With its live collaboration, you can see if your teammates are looking at or editing documents. Also, edit documents together in real-time. Moreover, any changes on any device are updated instantly, so nobody falls behind.
The whiteboard feature is super helpful in getting your team together for brainstorming and ideating. As problem-solving involves generating and evaluating multiple ideas, the whiteboard helps write, modify, and build ideas together.
Now that you have brainstormed on core problems, you must establish a clear visual reference point for ongoing analysis. That’s where the ClickUp mind maps feature stands out. Create a hierarchical structure, with the main problem at the center and subtopics branching out.
Since these maps have interconnections, it is easy to visualize connections between different elements. This feature effectively identifies possible cause-and-effect relationships in a problem.
Omnex’s problem-solving software has many helpful features to track, manage, and solve problems quickly. It’s a one-stop shop for dealing with internal and external issues.
The platform is also customer-centric, which responds to customers in their preferred formats. This ensures a tailored and user-friendly experience, further enhancing problem resolution through seamless interaction with stakeholders.
Hive is another excellent platform to instruct your teams better while solving complex challenges and enhancing their problem-solving skills. It’s highly interactive and lets all your team members view what’s happening and express their opinions simultaneously.
Collaborative work management helps you solve issues effectively. Hive is your virtual file cabinet where sharing documents with different teams and collaboratively working becomes more accessible.
Asana is a popular problem-solving tool that speeds up decision-making . It improves project management , and its many integrations are useful. The well-organized project documents make it easy to find what you need quickly.
It’s excellent for managing many small projects and suitable for teams without complex workflows or collaboration features.
Mesitertask is one of those problem-solving tools that offers strong kanban boards. These boards visualize the workflow and make it easier to identify bottlenecks and trace issues back to their source. Such visualizing features are similar to the ones found in the best root cause analysis tools .
A customizable drag-and-drop feature further allows users to rearrange and prioritize tasks easily. Therefore, your team members will easily play around the field and segregate tasks effectively.
Teamwork is another viable problem-solving software dealing with operational challenges. It provides a clear overview of task assignments, project profitability, and other essential details.
When combined with effective brainstorming techniques , such a clear division of work will help you solve complex issues faster.
Trello is another good option if you are searching for efficient problem-solving software. With powerful task management tools, it ensures you handle your issues efficiently.
However, Trello’s communication and collaboration tools are not up to the mark compared to other problem-solving tools. Also, it relies heavily on integrations to do the heavy lifting.
Wrike is one of the preferred project management collaboration tools that help businesses of all sizes. With preconfigured templates for tasks, workflows, and communication, it takes the burden off your shoulders.
It also has a user-friendly dashboard with enterprise-grade tools to manage recurring and one-time projects.
Monday is a cloud-based open platform, allowing businesses to collaborate better on projects. Explore many pre-built templates or create one from scratch depending on what you need.
Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the complexity of a relational database.
It allows users to create and manage databases, spreadsheets, and other types of structured data in a flexible and user-friendly way. With its user-friendly interface, you will quickly organize and track crucial information for problem-solving.
It is best to invest in problem-solving software to ensure that problems do not bog down your team and that you have the tools to solve and focus on strategic work. Our list of the ten best problem-solving software should help you find the right fit for your organization.
Thousands of businesses of all sizes choose ClickUp. With ClickUp, you get different tools to map your project, divide tasks, view the interdependence of tasks, allocate resources, and resolve bugs on time. Whether improving team productivity or identifying and squashing bugs, ClickUp does it all!
Get in touch with our team, or sign up for FREE .
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Effective Tools for Business and Life!
A3 thinking is a logical and structured approach to problem solving adopted by Lean organizations around the world. It can be used for most kinds of problems and in any part of the business. This A3 template uses a four stages model that is based on the PDCA management philosophy. It makes the problem-solving progress visible to the entire team while allowing the lessons to be learned by others.
This template is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can use and modify to meet your specific requirements. For example, you may expand the implementation or follow-up plans by increasing the number of rows. The template is available in two variations: a user-friendly straightforward version, and a more detailed one that requires providing in-depth information.
A3 Template (32 KB)
A3 Template – Simple (216 KB)
A3 Template – Detailed (340 KB)
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The first step to solving a problem is to define the problem precisely. It is the heart of problem-solving.
Root cause analysis is the second important element of problem-solving in quality management. The reason is if you don't know what the problem is, you can never solve the exact problem that is hurting the quality.
Manufacturers have a variety of problem-solving tools at hand. However, they need to know when to use which tool in a manner that is appropriate for the situation. In this article, we discuss 7 tools including:
The model introduced by Ishikawa (also known as the fishbone diagram) is considered one of the most robust methods for conducting root cause analysis. This model uses the assessment of the 6Ms as a methodology for identifying the true or most probable root cause to determine corrective and preventive actions. The 6Ms include:
Related Training: Fishbone Diagramming
The Pareto Chart is a series of bars whose heights reflect the frequency or impact of problems. On the Chart, bars are arranged in descending order of height from left to right, which means the categories represented by the tall bars on the left are relatively more frequent than those on the right.
Related Training: EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS (CAPA) Establishing and resolving the root causes of deviations, problems and failures
This model uses the 5 Why by asking why 5 times to find the root cause of the problem. It generally takes five iterations of the questioning process to arrive at the root cause of the problem and that's why this model got its name as 5 Whys. But it is perfectly fine for a facilitator to ask less or more questions depending on the needs.
Related training: Accident/Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
Process | Failure | Effect | S | Causes | O | D | RPN |
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FMEA is a technique used to identify process and product problems before they occur. It focuses on how and when a system will fail, not if it will fail. In this model, each failure mode is assessed for:
A combination of the three scores produces a risk priority number (RPN). The RPN is then provided a ranking system to prioritize which problem must gain more attention first.
Related Training: Failure Mode Effects Analysis
A scatter diagram also known as a scatter plot is a graph in which the values of two variables are plotted along two axes, the pattern of the resulting points revealing any correlation present.
To use scatter plots in root cause analysis, an independent variable or suspected cause is plotted on the x-axis and the dependent variable (the effect) is plotted on the y-axis. If the pattern reflects a clear curve or line, it means they are correlated. If required, more sophisticated correlation analyses can be continued.
Related Training: Excel Charting Basics - Produce Professional-Looking Excel Charts
Also known as KJ Diagram, this model is used to represent the structure of big and complex factors that impact a problem or a situation. It divides these factors into small classifications according to their similarity to assist in identifying the major causes of the problem.
The Fault Tree Analysis uses Boolean logic to arrive at the cause of a problem. It begins with a defined problem and works backward to identify what factors contributed to the problem using a graphical representation called the Fault Tree. It takes a top-down approach starting with the problem and evaluating the factors that caused the problem.
Finding the root cause isn't an easy because there is not always one root cause. You may have to repeat your experiment several times to arrive at it to eliminate the encountered problem. Using a scientific approach to solving problem works. So, its important to learn the several problem-solving tools and techniques at your fingertips so you can use the ones appropriate for different situations.
P&PC, SPC/6Sigma, Failure Investigation, Root Cause Analysis, PDCA, DMAIC, A3 This webinar will define what are the US FDA's expectation for Production and Process Control / Product Realization, the use of statistical tehniques, 6 sigma, SPC, for establishing, controlling , and verifying the acceptability of process capability and product characteristics, product acceptance or validation and other studies. Non-conformance, OOS, deviations Failure Investigations, and Root Cause Analysis, PDCA, DMAIC, and similar project drivers to improvement, A# and similar dash boards.
Accident/Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis If a major workplace injury or illness occurred, what would you do? How would you properly investigate it? What could be done to prevent it from happening again? A properly executed accident/incident investigation drives to the root causes of the workplace accident to prevent a repeat occurrence. A good accident/incident investigation process includes identifying the investigation team, establishing/reviewing written procedures, identifying root causes and tracking of all safety hazards found to completion.
Root Cause Analysis - The Heart of Corrective Action This presentation will explain the importance of root cause analysis and how it fits into an effective corrective and preventive action system. It will cover where else in your quality management system root cause analysis can be used and will give examples of some of the techniques for doing an effective root cause analysis. Attendees will learn how root cause analysis can be used in process control.
Addressing Non-Conformances using Root Cause Analysis (RCA) RCA assumes that systems and events are interrelated. An action in one area triggers an action in another, and another, and so on. By tracing back these actions, you can discover where the issue started and how it grew into the problem you're now facing.
Risk Management Under ISO 14971 ISO 14971:2019 is the definitive standard for risk management for medical devices and IVDs. The standard lays out a comprehensive approach to managing risks in the life sciences. The course will discuss practical approaches to complying with the standard.
Introduction to Root Cause Investigation for CAPA If you have reoccurring problems showing up in your quality systems, your CAPA system is not effective and you have not performed an in-depth root cause analysis to be able to detect through proper problem solving tools and quality data sources, the true root cause of your problem. Unless you can get to the true root cause of a failure, nonconformity, defect or other undesirable situation, your CAPA system will not be successful.
Root Cause Analysis and CAPA Controls for a Compliant Quality System In this CAPA webinar, learn various regulations governing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) and how organization should collect information, analyze information, identify, investigate product and quality problems, and take appropriate and effective corrective and/or preventive action to prevent their recurrence.
How to Design and Implement a Dynamic Control Plan This webinar training will discuss how to design a dynamic control plan that combines FMEA and the control plan by extending the FMEA to encompass the elements of the control plan and create a living document that helps to drive continual improvement.
An Easy to Implement Integrated Risk Management Approach Compliant with ISO 14971 This integrated risk management training for medical devices will discuss how to incorporate risk management as per ISO 14971 guidelines in all phases of medical device development. It will highlight the documentation needed to support the decisions made as part of the risk management process.
The Use and Mis-use of FMEA in Medical Device Risk Management The presentation will discuss the proper use of FMEA in risk management and how to recognize and avoid the traps associated with this tool in order to have a more efficient risk management process. Most medical device manufacturers use FMEA as a part of their risk management system. Most medical device manufacturers use FMEA as a part of their risk management system.
Root Cause Analysis for CAPA Management (Shutting Down the Alligator Farm) Emphasis will be placed on realizing system interactions and cultural environment that often lies at the root of the problem and prevents true root cause analysis. This webinar will benefit any organization that wants to improve the effectiveness of their CAPA and failure investigation processes.
Root Cause Analysis for Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) The Quality Systems Regulation (21 CFR 820) and the Quality Management Standard for Medical Devices (ISO 13485:2003), require medical device companies to establish and maintain procedures for implementing corrective and preventive action (CAPA) as an integral part of the quality system.
Strategies for an Effective Root Cause Analysis and CAPA Program This webinar will provide valuable assistance to all regulated companies, a CAPA program is a requirement across the Medical Device, Diagnostic, Pharmaceutical, and Biologics fields. This session will discuss the importance, requirements, and elements of a root cause-based CAPA program, as well as detailing the most effective ways to determine root cause and describing the uses of CAPA data.
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Microsoft Excel is a surprising backbone in the private wealth industry - a consequence of cost, ... [+] opacity, and willingness to embrace new tools.
Microsoft Excel is a household name - and has been so well adopted that it’s become the generic name for “spreadsheets” (alongside other contenders such as Google Sheets or Apple Numbers).
However, an era dominated by sophisticated financial software and complex data analytics that Excel helped foster, it might seem surprising many family offices - with traditionally abundant access to capital - still rely on the software for many core functions and tasks.
A recent LinkedIn post poked fun at this irony, given that family offices can be slow to adopt new technologies that support more sophisticated data aggregation and investment management tools that their core operations typically demand.
Diving into the comments on the post, there’s a lot to unpack.
In short - Excel can be used as a Swiss Army Knife in almost every organization, and the same holds true for family offices.
Data teams use Excel to organise data, sales teams use it for organising leads and sales funnels, marketing teams for customer data, HR teams for employee info, C-level roles for reporting across key metrics and then, of course, finance teams use Excel for everything financial from budgets, to cash flow, projections, P&Ls - you name it.
In a family office environment, investment teams also use Excel for investment tracking and, alongside with finance teams, build reporting.
There are several reasons why Excel has solidified its position as an indispensable tool in managing the complexities of family wealth - among them, and perhaps most naturally, excel is incredibly versatile, widely used, and understood - making it accessible to a broad range of users within the family office.
Excel was first released in 1987 - making the program itself 37 years old today. For many older familiar generations, Excel has remained a mainstay throughout a significant portion of their lives.
As Microsoft has continually enhanced Excel, family offices have similarly tailored spreadsheets to suit their specific needs across an array of use cases - from tracking investments to managing household expenses. While also having a powerful array of features, Excel also has a relatively straightforward learning curve - enabling new users to onboard quickly.
Marc-Phillipe Davies, co-founder of Deallocker, said it best - quipping that "Excel is not unsophisticated just because everyone has it and costs next to nothing. It's proof how incredible a tool it is! Shallow learning curve, cheap, universal, reliable, trustworthy”.
For that reason, many family offices continue to hold on to Excel as a trusted source of truth. Which leads to…
The saying, ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’ easily applies to many family offices that continue to use Excel. Older familial generations can feel most at home with the software.
It’s also worthwhile to mention that this resistance is also not usually the fault of the family office itself. In an industry that’s renowned for its opacity, there are few benchmarks that would compel family offices to significantly enhance their operations by updating their technology stack; contributing to a resistance to, and fear of change that is pervasive - even when new options and features can significantly enhance portfolio reporting capabilities across complex financial instruments at a minimum.
As Michael Casciano from EVO Wealth Tech playfully added, "Inertia is the second most powerful force in wealth management after compounding interest!"
There’s also the fact that compared to specialised financial software, Excel is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for many family offices, especially those in the early stages of their establishment or those that have existed for many decades.
"I also see a heavy reliance on spreadsheets, and reluctance to change is high for the reasons mentioned, especially ‘cost’," outlined Ian Keates, Chief Executive Officer at Altoo AG.
Excel can additionally integrate with many other software applications (such as accounting systems and CRM platforms) enhancing its utility in the overall family office ecosystem.
Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.
While there are many platforms that can expand on Excel’s feature set and further integrate with more complex alternative investments or assist with ESG or Impact reporting, these toolsets can come with their own price tag - meaning that many family offices may simply choose to ‘go it alone’.
Finding the right technology foundation, or replacement for Excel, is not an easy task. Many vendors who are the first to point out that family offices shouldn’t be using Excel do not simplify their marketing, messaging, and introduction to illustrate how family offices can understand, compare, buy and implement their solutions.
While there are many interesting and unique selling points among family office software providers, few invest the time and effort to transparently highlight their value propositions and unique features that could otherwise make a move from Excel.
While Excel is a powerful tool, it's essential to recognize its limitations. For large and complex family offices, it might not be sufficient for managing all financial data and operations - additionally, manual data entry and calculations can be time-consuming and prone to errors. The key-person risk involved with only one person knowing how the sheets work they they built is also a risk that is often entirely overlooked.
For family offices seeking a solution in the middle, many are adopting hybrid approaches, combining Excel with specialised financial software for specific tasks. This allows them to leverage the strengths of both tools and optimise their operations.
The essential takeaway is that while Excel can suffice, family offices seeking to digitise - and who are ready to expand their abilities in-line with new tools as an investment - can access a wide array of new technologies that are reshaping the market.
As Oliver Topham, Business Development Manager at Flanks, concluded "…The mindset of 'we’ve done it this way for years and it works' will only hold the wealth management industry back and they need to consider how much time and money could be saved by looking into the many tech solutions out there today.”
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The problem solving tools include three unique categories: problem solving diagrams, problem solving mind maps, and problem solving software solutions. They include: Fishbone diagrams; ... Made up of a few simple symbols linked with arrows indicating workflow direction, flowcharts clearly illustrate what happens at each stage of a process ...
7. Solution evaluation. 1. Problem identification. The first stage of any problem solving process is to identify the problem (s) you need to solve. This often looks like using group discussions and activities to help a group surface and effectively articulate the challenges they're facing and wish to resolve.
The first step in solving a problem is understanding what that problem actually is. You need to be sure that you're dealing with the real problem - not its symptoms. For example, if performance in your department is substandard, you might think that the problem lies with the individuals submitting work. However, if you look a bit deeper, the ...
The 5 Whys strategy is a simple, effective tool for uncovering the root of a problem. You can use it in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and quality-improvement initiatives. Start with a problem and ask why it is occurring. Make sure that your answer is grounded in fact, and then ask the question again.
Problem-solving tools support your meeting with easy-to-use graphs, visualisations and techniques. By implementing a problem-solving tool, you break the cycle of mundane verbal discussion, enabling you to maintain engagement throughout the session. 28. Fishbone Diagram.
The FOCUS Model is a simple quality-improvement tool commonly used in the health care industry. You can use it to improve any process, but it is particularly useful for processes that span different departments. The five steps in FOCUS are as follows: F ind the problem. O rganize a team. C larify the problem.
Step 1 - Define the Problem. The definition of the problem is the first step in effective problem solving. This may appear to be a simple task, but it is actually quite difficult. This is because problems are frequently complex and multi-layered, making it easy to confuse symptoms with the underlying cause.
The 5 Whys strategy is a simple, effective tool for uncovering the root of a problem. You can use it in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and quality-improvement initiatives. Start with a problem and ask why it is occurring. Make sure that your answer is grounded in fact, and then ask the question again. Continue the process until you reach the ...
4. Implement the Solution. At this stage of problem solving, be prepared for feedback, and plan for this. When you roll out the solution, request feedback on the success of the change made. 5. Review, Iterate, and Improve. Making a change shouldn't be a one time action.
In insight problem-solving, the cognitive processes that help you solve a problem happen outside your conscious awareness. 4. Working backward. Working backward is a problem-solving approach often ...
Balance divergent and convergent thinking. Ask problems as questions. Defer or suspend judgement. Focus on "Yes, and…" rather than "No, but…". According to Carella, "Creative problem solving is the mental process used for generating innovative and imaginative ideas as a solution to a problem or a challenge.
We have included three of our favorite books on the subject of Problem-Solving Therapy below. 1. Problem-Solving Therapy: A Treatment Manual - Arthur Nezu, Christine Maguth Nezu, and Thomas D'Zurilla. This is an incredibly valuable book for anyone wishing to understand the principles and practice behind PST.
Problem-Solving Flowcharts is a versatile tool that can be used in various scenarios. Here's when to consider utilizing one: ... Yes, flowcharts can be used for both simple and complex problem-solving scenarios. Flowcharts are versatile visual tools that can effectively represent various processes, decision-making steps and problem-solving ...
These tools & techniques are your little helpers , they will assist you to solve the problems or find some to solve. Here are all the tools and techniques on a single page. If you want to find tools by a theme ( starting a project, finding a root cause ..... ) choose from the drop down menu. You will see , some tools are being repeated across ...
Problem-solving is an important part of planning and decision-making. The process has much in common with the decision-making process, and in the case of complex decisions, can form part of the process itself. We face and solve problems every day, in a variety of guises and of differing complexity. Some, such as the resolution of a serious ...
6 minutes. In this blog, you'll be learning about four lean tools for simple problem solving: 5G, 5W1H, 4M1D, and 5 Whys. In essence, these four tools create a structured approach to solving less complex problems. An important aspect of the Lean methodology is being able to solve business setting problems. By using lean strategies, you'll ...
worksheet. Guide your clients and groups through the problem solving process with the help of the Problem Solving Packet. Each page covers one of five problem solving steps with a rationale, tips, and questions. The steps include defining the problem, generating solutions, choosing one solution, implementing the solution, and reviewing the ...
ClickUp ratings and reviews. G2: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews) Capterra: 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews) 2. Omnex Systems. via Omnex. Omnex's problem-solving software has many helpful features to track, manage, and solve problems quickly. It's a one-stop shop for dealing with internal and external issues. The platform is also customer-centric, which ...
QuickMath will automatically answer the most common problems in algebra, equations and calculus faced by high-school and college students. The algebra section allows you to expand, factor or simplify virtually any expression you choose. It also has commands for splitting fractions into partial fractions, combining several fractions into one and ...
3 Practical Problem Solving Tools: Fix, Fish, Tree. There are three practical, yet effective tools to address daily issues in factory and office: The 3W or "Fix" because it is quick, simple, informal;, the PDCA or "Fish" because it is based on the Ishikawa or Fishbone diagram;, and the 8D or "Tree" because it uses logical trees to ...
Simple | Detailed. A3 thinking is a logical and structured approach to problem solving adopted by Lean organizations around the world. It can be used for most kinds of problems and in any part of the business. This A3 template uses a four stages model that is based on the PDCA management philosophy. It makes the problem-solving progress visible to the entire team while allowing the lessons to ...
The Simplex Process was created by management and creativity specialist Min Basadur, and was popularized in his 1995 book, " The Power of Innovation ." The process is made up of eight steps, grouped into three stages: Problem Formulation, Solution Formulation and Solution Implementation. It is a versatile tool that can be used in organizations ...
A Math AI is an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to solve complex mathematical problems efficiently and accurately. By utilizing advanced algorithms and computational power, Math AI can provide step-by-step solutions, offer insights into problem-solving strategies, and enhance our overall understanding of various mathematical concepts.
However, they need to know when to use which tool in a manner that is appropriate for the situation. In this article, we discuss 7 tools including: The Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram (IFD) Pareto Chart. 5 Whys. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Scatter Diagram. Affinity Diagram.
I help family offices solve strategy problems and innovate. Following. Aug 11, ... Software Vendors Don't Make It Simple. ... While Excel is a powerful tool, it's essential to recognize its ...