methodatlas
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problem-solving

7 methods with this tag.

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Operations

5 Whys

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result through defining the problem, asking why, and defining countermeasures.

Core question: Which controllable cause behind the symptom can the team fix with a concrete countermeasure?

Analysis methodLowWorkshop
15-30 min
2-6

Run sheet · visual · session plan

Operations

A3 Problem Solving

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by defining the problem, capturing the current state, and defining follow-up actions.

Core question: Which root cause behind the problem can be shifted with a testable countermeasure so that the target state is demonstrably reached?

Operating practiceMediumWorkshop + async
45-90 min
2-5

Run sheet · visual · session plan

Facilitation

Decision Jam

Turns group inputs, selection, and decision-making into a tangible result by collecting problems silently, clustering and prioritizing, and choosing experiments.

Core question: Which problem is most important right now, and which concrete first step changes it in the next 14 days?

Facilitation methodLowWorkshop
60-90 min
4-10

Run sheet · visual · session plan

Operations

Kepner-Tregoe

Clarifies workflows, data, causes, and improvements by framing the situation, analyzing the problem with is/is not, and planning risks and actions.

Core question: Which cause, decision, or risk measure can be derived through disciplined separation of facts, hypotheses, and decision criteria?

Analysis methodHighWorkshop + async
2-8 h
2-8

Run sheet · visual · session plan

Innovation

TRIZ

Clarifies ideas, open questions, and testable next steps by framing the contradiction, identifying improving and worsening factors, and checking feasibility.

Core question: Which inventive principles resolve the identified contradiction, and which concrete concepts emerge when these principles are applied to the problem?

Analysis methodHighWorkshop + async
1-4 h
2-8

Run sheet · visual · session plan

Operations

Root Cause Analysis

Turns workflows, data, causes, and improvements into a tangible result by describing the problem precisely, collecting data and events, and deriving countermeasures and controls.

Core question: Which systemic causes caused or enabled the problem, and which countermeasures prevent recurrence instead of only treating symptoms?

Analysis methodMediumWorkshop + async
1-4 h
3-8

Run sheet · visual · session plan

Innovation

Contradiction Analysis

Turns ideas, open questions, and testable next steps into a tangible result by naming the improvement goal, stating the worsening side effect, and refining and testing solution ideas.

Core question: Which improvement causes which downside, and which assumption makes the contradiction appear unavoidable?

Analysis methodMediumWorkshop
60-120 min
2-8

Run sheet · visual · session plan