Problem Solving

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A problem can be defined as a situation where a deviation exists between what should be happening and what is actually happening.; A logical sequence far problem solving is:; A) Recognize the problem - identify the deviation.; B) Consider interim action - buy time by dealing with the effects of the problem if corrective action is not immediately possible; C) Find the cause of the problem - search for the true cause.; D) Decide on corrective action after a review of the alternatives; E) Implement the chosen corrective action.
: PROBLEM ANALYSIS; The purpose of problem analysis is to find the main cause of a problem when:; there is a deviation between "should" and "actual"; the deviation is significant; the cause is not known; It is simply a systematic approach to answering the question "Why" with confidence.
: PROBLEM ANALYSIS SEQUENCE; 1. A brief statement of the problem, identify the object and the deviation in the problem; 2. Specify the problem giving a clear and accurate picture of the deviation; 3. Develop possible causes, look for the unique features of the problem and look for changes; 4. Test possible cause, check against the picture of the deviation and reject those causes which fail to explain the problem completely; 5. Verify the most probable cause through physical testing.
: PROBLEM ANALYSIS QUESTIONS; DEVIATION STATEMENT; What is wrong with what?; Not as expected (object); Not up to standard (person, thought, plan)
: "TYPICAL" QUESTIONS TO SPECIFY THE PROBLEM; WHAT OBJECT?; WHAT DEFECT?
: "IS" QUESTIONS"; What is wrong?; What fault?; What is not as expected?; What lack of quality?; What complaint?; What object?; What unit?; What person?; What people?
: "IS NOT" QUESTIONS; What is the closest thing that is not affected?; Are some things/people all right?; What other similar types of defect are not observed?
: WHERE ON OBJECT?; GEOGRAPHIC OR LIFE CYCLE "IS" QUESTIONS"; Where is it observed on the object?; Where is it observed geographically?; Where are the effects observed in the life cycle?; Where is it found or discovered?
: "IS NOT" QUESTIONS; Are there similar places on the object, geographically or in the life cycle where the effects or defects are not observed?
: TIME OR LIFE CYCLE; "IS" QUESTIONS; When was it observed or reported?; For how long have the effects been observed?; Are the effects continuing?; Has it happened before?; "IS NOT" QUESTIONS; When was the last time everything seemed OK?; Were there periods when the problem went away?
: SIZE, EXTENT, HOW MANY, HOW MUCH, DURATION, GROWTH.; "IS QUESTIONS"; How many objects and how much is affected?; Has it been the same number every time?; Is there any pattern or trend to the effects?
: "IS NOT" QUESTIONS; How many are OK?; How much is OK?; How much is normal?
: AGAINST EACH ITEM OF "IS" THERE SHOULD BE A CORRESPONDING ITEM OF "IS NOT' INFORMATlON; DISTINCTIVE QUESTIONS; What is unique, peculiar, different, distinctive to each of the "lS" items compared with the "IS NOT"?; CHANGE QUESTIONS; What has changed in/around/about the distinction and WHEN?
: POSSIBLE CAUSE QUESTIONS\; What is there about the change or changes that could cause the deviation?
: TEST QUESTION; If the possible cause is in fact the cause of the deviation then how does it explain the "IS" and "IS NOT"?; What is the simplest and cheapest way we can prove that the possible cause is in fact THE CAUSE?

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