Structured problem solving is an integral part in productivity improvement in all organizations, at all levels of the organization. At the Productivity Lab, we distinguish between two categories of problem solving:
- Global problem solving uses advanced problem-solving philosophies, methodologies, and frameworks that for the most part have dedicated organization units (Centres of Excellence – CoE) and personnel, a formal governance, and are applied to strategic problems on a global level
- Local problem solving uses simpler stand-alone problem-solving techniques, does not have dedicated organization units or personnel or formal governance, and are applied to operational and tactical problems, mainly at the regional or asset level
While many organizations are adopting global methodologies these days, few organizations are leveraging local problem-solving as much as they could and should, despite the potentially high returns from absolute minimal investment in money, time, and resources.
Problem solving initiatives take many forms, from rolling out a global problem-solving methodology to driving local problem solving in assets. Problem solving can form a standalone project and is often combined with Business Process Management and Management Control Systems into an Area Development project.
Read more about structured problem solving here.
