Problem Solving & Decision Making

 

Introduction

To solve seemingly impossible problems and make consistently sound decisions managers can not always make a ‘best guess’ and hope for the best. A better way to avoid the risk is to apply Kepner-Tregoe’s approach to Problem Solving & Decision Making. Proven effective over the last four decades in organizations around the world, the program today is the gold standard in process skill building.
Kepner-Tregoe has conducted Problem Solving & Decision Making seminars also in number of local and international companies in the Czech Republic such as Siemens a.s., Škoda a.s., Jihoceska Energetika a.s. (South-Bohemia Energy), Energovod a.s., Elektrarna Opatovice a.s., Kaučuk a.s., Spolana a.s., Nestlé Česko s.r.o., Black & Decker Czech s.r.o., etc.

 

Objectives

Frequently, the managers must analyze data outside their expertise or troubleshoot a problem about which they know little more than that it exists. Success depends on separating information from data. With methods learned and practiced in Kepner-Tregoe’s Problem Solving & Decision Making program, employees can gain the skills necessary to organize and analyze a tonnage of information efficiently, so the most appropriate action may be taken.
One of the most tangible benefits of the program is that it gets all employees on the same wavelength. Kepner-Tregoe teaches the essential skills that provide a logical framework for problem solving and decision making which becomes a universal language, whether an employ speaks ‘engineer-ese’ or ‘MBA-ese’. Communicating with the common language of the Problem Solving & Decision Making processes allows everyone to work together effectively, deal with the business at hand and not be side-tracked by poor communication.

 

Overview

Four specific disciplines are learned in the program:

Situation Appraisal teaches the participant to evaluate ‘the whole picture’, break issues down into workable pieces, establish priorities and select the appropriate people to accomplish the analysis.

Problem Analysis helps resolve the problem by developing, narrowing down and testing possible causes against the problem definition. Employees learn to verify the true cause before taking expensive corrective actins and focus on the fact to reduce panic in crisis situation.

Decision Analysis provides a process for making a decision when the choice between alternatives is unclear. This procedure itself becomes a powerful, common language for effective decision making throughout organizations. Forming clear objectives, balancing risks and benefits, and systematically evaluating alternatives are skills that ensure sound decision making.

Potential Problem/Potential Opportunity analysis covers learning to thing about potential problems and planning contingencies. Identifying trouble spots is part of the total approach, as well as identifying potential opportunities in order t take advantage of them when they occur.

 

Course outline

Introductions

Workshop Objectives

Process explanation

Questioning Is a Key Skill

Questioning Skills

• Open and Closed Questions
• Questioning to the Void

Listening Skills

• Handling Answers

 

Problem Analysis

Describe Problem

• State the Problem
• Specify the Problem = WHAT (Identity), WHERE (Location), WHEN (Timing), EXTENT (Size)

Identify Possible Causes

• Use Knowledge and Experience
• Look for Distinctions
• Look for Changes
• Use Distinctions and Changes

Evaluate Possible Causes

• Test Possible Causes
• Determine the Most Probable Cause

Confirm True Cause

• Verify Assumptions, Observe, Experiment, or Try a Fix and Monitor

Problem Analysis Techniques

• Solve Start-up Problems
• Solve Recurring Problems
• Think Beyond the Fix

Decision Analysis

Clarify Purpose

• State the Decision
• Develop Objectives
• Classify Objectives into MUSTs and WANTs
• Weigh the WANTs

Evaluate Alternatives

• Generate Alternatives
• Screen Alternatives through the MUSTs
• Compare Alternatives against the WANTs

Assess Risks

• Identify Adverse Consequences

Make Decision

• Make the Best Balanced Choice

Decision Analysis Techniques

• Test the Level of the Decision
• Audit Objectives
• Assess the Threat
• Present and Assess Recommendations

 

Potential Problem (Opportunity) Analysis

Identify Potential Problems (Opportunities)

• State the Action
• List Potential Problems (Opportunities)

Identify Likely Causes

 

Consider Causes for the Potential Problem (Opportunity)

Take Preventive Action

• Take Actions to Address Likely Causes

Plan Contingent Action and Set Triggers

• Prepare Actions to Reduce Likely Effects
• Set Triggers for Contingent Actions

Potential Problem (Opportunity) Analysis Techniques

• Develop a Plan
• Identify Critical Areas in the Plan
• Assess the Threat and the Benefit

 

Situation Appraisal

Identify Concerns

• List Threats and Opportunities
• Separate and Clarify Concerns

Set Priority

• Consider Seriousness, Urgency and Growth

Plan Next Steps

• Determine Analysis Needed

Plan Involvement

• Determine Help Needed

 

Final Planning

 

Duration:

The program can be tailored to any length from two to three and half days, depending on the mix of emphasis and application time desire.

Method of instruction:

Because of its unique, modular construction, the program content – using a wide range of case studies and applications - can be adjusted to meet specific organizational needs. In addition, audio-visual techniques are used to enhance learning and illustrate concepts in the program.

 

Lecturer

Dagmar Glückaufová
Kepner-Tregoe Coach

 

 

Project management / Kepner-Tregoe

Kepner Tregoe’s Project Management was designed in response to a universal training need. In our survey of 2,000 companies, 80 percent expressed interest in project management training and, most specifically, a program in project management training and, most specifically, a program in project management fundamentals. Most programs available in project management fundamentals. Most programs available in project management are directed at the experienced project manager. Few programs address the basic of project management.
Kepner Tregoe’s Project has been developed to work with all businesses, large and small, that are involved with project activities. Key project personnel, including new managers and those who need refinement of their techniques, will benefit from the course. Project support personnel can also learn to maximize their role as team members for optimum project results.

 

People and Project Skills Make the Difference

Kepner-Tregoe has defined the key elements of project success: application of both people and technical project management skills. Applying the Kepner-Tregoe process for successful project management equips team members with the skills necessary to prevent projects from being derailed and, most importantly, with a rational process to put projects back on track. Employees develop the methods for defining, planning and implementing projects effectively, as well as Kepner Tregoe’s tested approach to problem prevention and opportunity analysis. “People” skills training provides everyone involved with the personnel problems throughout all phases to achieve success.

 

Using a Common Approach

The entire organization gains through the use of a common approach to project management. Organizations using this process report more successful project results due to improved communication among team members, better delegation of responsibility, reduction of problems, and more cost-effective resource allocation. Projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the desired results.

 

Technically Speaking

Kepner Tregoe’s Project Management works. Employees learn the techniques, while applying them to actual, real-time projects. This maximizes an understanding of the principles of project management through on-the-job application. All projects are divided into three phases-Definition, Planning and Implementation-and use Kepner-Tregoe’s proven Project Management tools.
The project is defined by its purpose and scope in the Definition Phase. Required resources are identified. Time and people are allocated to the project in the Planning Phase. Critical checkpoints are identified. Potential problems and potential opportunities are anticipated and planned for before the project unfolds.
In the Implementation Phase, progress is tracked to ensure the project is on schedule. Because some problems cannot be avoided, employees learn how to tackle them quickly and head-on to avoid devastating results.
Evaluation skills enable team members to learn from their experience.

 

Project Management Steps

• Project Statement
• Project Objectives
• Project Management Discussion
• Work Breakdown Structure
• Resource Requirements
• Responsibility Assignment Matrix
  - Project Scheduling (Gantt Charts and Network Diagrams)
  - Potential Problem and Opportunity Analyses
  - Resource Manager Scheduling
  - Project Monitoring and Control
  - Performance Analysis
  - Project Modification
  - Closeout and Evaluation

 

Content

 

1.day

Definition Phase – Opening Briefing

• Introductions
• Workshop Objectives

Case Study

Introduction Information Systems

Project Management Overview

• Technical and People Skills
• Common Language
• Project Management Phases

Teach – Review: Definition Phase

• Overview
• State the Project
• Develop Objectives

Case Practice

• Project Statement & Objectives

Siemens Real Life Project Applications

Teach – Review: Definition Phase

• Work Breakdown Structure
• Resource Requirements

Case Practice – Teamwork

• Work Breakdown Structure
• Resource Requirements

Siemens Real Life Project Applications

 

 

2.day

Project Management Selection & Evaluation

Subprojects

Teach – Review: Planning Phase Overview

• Assign Responsibility
• Responsibility Assign Matrix
• Initial Work Negotiation

Practice: RAM Exercise-Teamwork

Siemens Real Life Project Applications

Teach – Review: Planning Phase – cont.

• Sequence Deliverables
• Network Diagrams
• Critical Path

Practice – Teamwork

Network Exercise

Teach – Review: Planning Phase – cont. II.

• Gantt Charts

Practice – Teamwork

• Gantt Phase

Siemens Real Life Project Applications

 

 

3.day

Teach – Review: Project the Plan

• Potential Problem Analysis
• Potential Opportunity Analysis

Siemens Real Life Applications

Teach – Review: Implementations Phase

• Overview Implementation Phase
• Start to Implement
• Monitor Project
• Conclusion and Evaluation

Project Presentation