Project Based Problem Solving and Decision Making

5Meetings

5.0 Problem Analysis Characteristics

When discussing meetings, it is important to differentiate between problem-analysis and decision-making meetings. The concepts are completely separate from one another. Problem analysis must be done first, and then the information gathered in that process may be used toward decision-making.

Problem analysis involves:

• Analyze performance; what should the results be against what they actually are
• Problems are merely deviations from performance standards, baselines, or expectations
• Problems must be precisely identified and described
• Problems are caused by some change or variation from a distinctive feature
• Something can always be used to distinguish between what has and has not been affected by a cause
• Causes to problems can be deduced from relevant changes found in analyzing the problem
• Most likely cause to a problem is the one that exactly explains all the facts.

There are tools available to assist in identifying the problems. Root cause analysis can be viewed as such a tool as can the earned value measurement system if used properly. Once again, the constraints imposed on the project may dictate the amount of time available for problem analysis. The potential risks associated with the problem may also dictate the amount of time and funding spent on problem analysis and decision-making.

5.1 Real Problems Versus Personality Problems

We generally believe that most problems are real and need to be resolved. But that is not always ...