How to Evaluate Problem Solving in a Business?
Each business day brings new challenges. A primary difference between a
top-performing company and an average-performing company is the manner
in which the organization addresses such challenges. In order to ensure a
company's problem-solving strategy is a strength rather a weakness, the
company must not only determine if it was successful in converting a
challenge to an opportunity, but also evaluate the manner in which it
solved the problem. Evaluating a business' problem solving capability
requires consideration of several factors. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Step 1Determine the
degree to which the problem was correctly identified and defined.
Consider if the problem was conceptualized in a way that supported the
identification of a number of different possible root causes. For
example, the problem definition "a decrease in sales" supports the
identification of a number of root causes including an increase in the
number of competitors, a need to ramp-up advertising, and a lack of
appropriate training for the sales staff. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Step 2Determine if the
root problem was correctly identified. Consider if a root problem,
rather than a symptom of the root problem, was addressed by the
solution. For example, if the root problem is product quality and the
symptom is a decrease in sales, a solution of additional sales tools
will be ineffective in addressing the root problem. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Step 3Review project
data to determine if pertinent facts were considered in the decision
process. Consider the reliability of the data sources and the
completeness of the data gathered.
Step 4Evaluate the
resources employed to identify the appropriate solution. Find out if key
personnel were selected on the basis of expertise rather than staff
position. Determine if an appropriate project sponsor was identified, if
appropriate stakeholders participated, and if third-party experts were
used if internal personnel lacked the appropriate expertise. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Step 5Review the
agreed-to solution to evaluate its feasibility. Determine that the
selected solution was ''best-in-class'' in light of other possible
alternatives. Consider if a sufficient number of solutions were
evaluated in order to develop a quality solution.
Step 6Consider if the
potential solutions were appropriately prioritized. For example,
determine if the solution was selected simply on the basis of its
implementation time-frame or cost. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Step 7Discover if the
set of options was fairly assessed. Determine if experts were consulted
in the decision-making process, and if the advantages or disadvantages
of the alternative solutions were completely and fairly considered.
Step 8Determine if the
decision-making process supported the prompt identification of an
appropriate solution. Evaluate intermediate decision deadlines and
consider operational costs that resulted from delays in process. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Step 9Consider project
responsibilities. Find out if appropriate individuals were assigned the
responsibility to conduct particular elements of the solution.
Step 10Evaluate the
success measures established for the solution. Discover if the solution
was implemented successfully within a designated time-frame and
according to plan, and if it addressed the issue without unintended side
effects. (Nordmeyer, n.d.)
Nordmeyer, B. (n.d.). How to Evaluate Problem Solving in a Business: Retrieved on 24th September 2014 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/evaluate-problem-solving-business-20084.html
Nordmeyer, B. (n.d.). How to Evaluate Problem Solving in a Business: Retrieved on 24th September 2014 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/evaluate-problem-solving-business-20084.html
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