problem analysis
The Five Steps in
Problem Analysis
Problem Analysis
Problem analysis is the process of understanding real-world problems and user needs and proposing solutions to meet those needs.
A problem can be defined as the difference between things as perceived and things as desired.
• “what is” vs. “what should be”
• “what is given” vs. “what is needed”
The goal of problem analysis is to gain a better understanding of the problem being solved before
2
development begins.
The Five Steps in Problem Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Gain agreement on the problem definition.
Understand the root causes—the problem behind the problem.
Identify the stakeholders and the users.
Define the solution system boundary.
Identify the constraints to be imposed on the solution. 3
Step 1: Gain Agreement on the
Problem Definition
One of the simplest ways to gain this agreement is to simply write the problem down and see whether everyone agrees. Problem statement format:
Element
The problem of ...
Affects ...
And results in ...
Description
Describe the problem
Identify stakeholders affected by the problem
Describe the impact of this problem on stakeholders and business activity
Benefits of a solution ...
Indicate the proposed solution and list a few key benefits
4
Example: Sales Order Problem
Statement
5
Step 2: Understand the Root Causes
(The Problem Behind the Problem)
Root cause analysis is a systematic way of uncovering the root, or underlying, cause of an identified problem or a symptom of a problem.
Example: a mail-order catalogue company addresses the problem of insufficient profitability
• cost of non-conformance: cost of waste produced
• Too much scrap
6
Fishbone Diagram of Root Causes
7
Pareto Chart of Root Causes
Quality data demonstrates that many root causes are simply not worth fixing.
A replacement of the existing sales order entry system can be at least a partial solution to the problem of too much scrap.
8
Unfolding the Problem
Problem to Solve
Technique
Problem Analysis
Problem Analysis
Problem analysis is the process of understanding real-world problems and user needs and proposing solutions to meet those needs.
A problem can be defined as the difference between things as perceived and things as desired.
• “what is” vs. “what should be”
• “what is given” vs. “what is needed”
The goal of problem analysis is to gain a better understanding of the problem being solved before
2
development begins.
The Five Steps in Problem Analysis
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Gain agreement on the problem definition.
Understand the root causes—the problem behind the problem.
Identify the stakeholders and the users.
Define the solution system boundary.
Identify the constraints to be imposed on the solution. 3
Step 1: Gain Agreement on the
Problem Definition
One of the simplest ways to gain this agreement is to simply write the problem down and see whether everyone agrees. Problem statement format:
Element
The problem of ...
Affects ...
And results in ...
Description
Describe the problem
Identify stakeholders affected by the problem
Describe the impact of this problem on stakeholders and business activity
Benefits of a solution ...
Indicate the proposed solution and list a few key benefits
4
Example: Sales Order Problem
Statement
5
Step 2: Understand the Root Causes
(The Problem Behind the Problem)
Root cause analysis is a systematic way of uncovering the root, or underlying, cause of an identified problem or a symptom of a problem.
Example: a mail-order catalogue company addresses the problem of insufficient profitability
• cost of non-conformance: cost of waste produced
• Too much scrap
6
Fishbone Diagram of Root Causes
7
Pareto Chart of Root Causes
Quality data demonstrates that many root causes are simply not worth fixing.
A replacement of the existing sales order entry system can be at least a partial solution to the problem of too much scrap.
8
Unfolding the Problem
Problem to Solve
Technique