Problem Solving: Choosing and Implementing the Right Solution

 

Question:

What decision-making styles can you apply to find solutions to different business problems?

• A conceptual style when working with a large group on an innovative solution

• An analytic or consultative style when specialized expertise is needed

• A behavioral or consensus style when many people’s jobs are affected

• A directive or authoritative style when a decision must be made quickly

Question

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What are the criteria for assessing options for a solution to a business problem?

• The time, resources, and money involved in the solution

• The overall impact and longevity of the solution

• How well the solution aligns with organizational goals

Question

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What are best practices for implementing a solution to a business problem?

• If possible, create a pilot or phased implementation

• Determine the actions and resources needed to implement the solution

• Determine the metrics for monitoring the progress of implementation

Question

:

You are implementing the solution to a business problem. What best practices should you observe?

• Set quantitative measurements to track the progress of your solution

• Create a step-by-step plan for informing stakeholders, defining expectations for participants, and addressing unexpected challenges

• Phase in the solution to test it before full-scale implementation

• Identify what you will need to do and what supporting resources you will need to implement the solution

Question

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What techniques can you use to maximize the benefit of an implemented solution?

• Adjusting the solution if needed

• Learning from mistakes

• Celebrating successes
• Measuring the solution’s success or failure
• Modify the execution of the solution if needed
• Assess the extent to which the solution has succeeded or failed
• Gain insights from mistakes during the implementation

Background

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Over the past month, sales of your company’s product have declined by 30%.

Question

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In assessing possible solutions to this business problem, what criteria should you use?

• How well each solution fits with the overall goals of your company

• How much time and money will be needed to increase sales by 30% or more

• What the long-term effects and impacts of each solution on your company are