"ANALYZING PROBLEMS Analysis is the first phase of problem solving. It may not immediately lead to the exact root cause(s), but it will provide good evidence and clues that can prevent shooting from the hip and wasting time and effort chasing ineffective fixes. There Are Two Types of Problems: Type 1: A Performance Problem Type 2: A Day One Problem Performance Problem This type of problem usually refers to a situation where a process or a capability suddenly becomes inefficient or ineffective for no readily apparent reason. The process, system or person was capable of performing to expectations, suddenly it no longer meets expectations. Why? What were (are) the causes? In this situation there are clues and evidence available that help us describe the differences between what occurs or did occur when there is no problem (what should be) and what is occurring now that there is a problem (what is). We need to describe and then compare the What Should Be conditions and the What Is conditions. The clues about causes are found in the differences. What has changed? is almost always the key question. Clues and evidence can be gathered and sorted out by looking into 4 key areas: IDENTITY- Clearly describe what is happening now (the problem) and compare the problem situation to the situation(s) as they were when there was (is) no problem. LOCATION Look for differences that are related to where the problem is occurring and where it didnt (doesnt) occur. TIMING Are there clues that can be gathered by determining when the problem started or by comparing the times when the problem occurs with the times when it does not occur or with duration (how long)? EXTENT or MAGNITUDE If you compare the problem situation and no problem situations on the basis of how many or how much or how extensive are there clues about what has changed? A Day-One Problem The other type of Problem, aday-one problem, usually refers to a Design, Planning, or Skills problem. In this case the process, person, machine or system never demonstrated the required or expected efficiency or effectiveness results. There is no evidence to compare the problem results to since it never performed to expectations. In these situations, the problem usually is a result of: Ineffective planning Inaccurate or missing information Ineffective design A training, skills or knowledge deficiency, or insufficient or missing resources. When faced with a 'day-one' problem look for causes in one or several of these four areas.

Before jumping to take action when a problem arises ... first determine whether the problem is a Performance Deviation problem or a Day One problem.

Then, gather information according to the guidelines presented above."

Read the Analysis Problem and the case study "The Red Sweat Mystery" - This article reprinted from the Wan Street Journal in 1980 describes a problem that had no proven cause.

Then use The Problem Solving Analysis Model in Management and present your application of problem analysis to the situation that is presented in the case. What are the most probable causes?

Determine whether the problem is a Performance Deviation problem or a Day One problem. Then, gather information according to the guidelines presented above.