Issue Tree - Problem Solving Technique .pptx

Problem Solving Technique

1. Issue Tree tool we use to structure problem solving

2. Issue Tree Issue trees are basically maps of problems. They give you a clear and systematic way of looking at the problem you need to solve. They help you break down a big problem into smaller, more manageable ones, and prioritize certain parts of the problem.

3. An issue tree, also called logic tree, is  a graphical breakdown of a question that dissects it into its different components vertically and that progresses into details as it reads to the right . It breaks the problem down into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE) components . So the pre requisites for issue tree technique is to make MECE.

4. Types of Issue Trees There are two basic kinds of issue trees: Problem trees – created by answering "Why?" Solution trees – created by answering "How?"

5. Problem tree A good issue tree must cover the whole problem. Start breaking down the problem into separate categories/branches. Use the MECE principle: mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive.  Do not go into the small details: focus on capturing the broad categories that make up the problem. Apply the 80/20 rule: focus on the few parts of the problem that are most impactful .

6. Steps to be followed for Issue Tree Analysis: Identify Areas of Analysis Identify Suspected Problems Identify Possible Reasons Determine the Analysis to be Performed After making the Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive (MECE) components of the problem we follow the following steps:

7. Example of a Retail Business:Areas of Retail to be paid attention to (MECE):

8. Steps:

9. Solution tree When you have singled out some specific parts of the problem that you want to focus on Take the problem part you want to focus on and ask "How might we improve/fix this?" Map out potential categories of the solution Generate ideas within each category

10. Uses of Issue Tree Issue trees are  visual tools that are used in consulting to help the team : Identify key issues in complex business problems, Lead their discussions, Determine how the work and resources should be allocated to solve the problem Ultimately lead to identifying a solution.