What are the characteristics of a problem and how might a problem present itself? Also, how should a problem be investigated and identified?
Read the Dance thread below, it has some insight to your answer.
Problems present themselves in different forms, and people perceive the problem and solution differently. Problems often present themselves in a situation is forced in which there are alternative solutions, and one has to make a decision. The second question really has no one answer, it depends on the situation, the cost involved, and how important it is to make the "right" decision. Often we used the rule of expediency on those.
Another way at looking at decision making is a risk based approach, which is a way of looking at making the 'right decision'. You can assign a 'risk category' to getting the answer wrong. You might choose A=death; B=Serious Injury; C=Get fired, fail; D=minor Injury; E=no consequence. I am sure you can add to the list in terms of money, reputation, environment depending on the problem.
How you solve the problem (time, resources etc) might then depend on the risk of getting the answer wrong. For a problem where there is no consequence (class E risk in my list above) if you get the answer wrong, you might guess. If the wrong answer could cause you serious injury then you might take longer to think about it and perhaps get advice?
There are quite a lot of books on this topic.
Characteristics of a problem:
1. Gap or discrepancy: A problem arises when there is a difference between the current state and the desired state of a situation.
2. Complexity: Problems can vary in complexity, ranging from simple and straightforward to complex and interconnected.
3. Uncertainty: Problems often involve uncertainty and lack of clarity about the causes, consequences, or potential solutions.
4. Multifaceted: Problems can have multiple dimensions or elements that need to be considered for a comprehensive understanding.
5. Impact: Problems can have various consequences, from minor issues to significant disruptions.
Ways a problem can present itself:
1. Symptoms or signs: A problem may manifest through observable symptoms or signs, such as performance issues, errors, conflicts, or delays.
2. Feedback: Feedback from stakeholders, customers, or users can highlight problems.
3. Analysis and data: Analyzing data or conducting systematic reviews can reveal anomalies, trends, or inefficiencies pointing to a problem.
4. Recognizing patterns: Identifying recurring patterns of obstacles or challenges can indicate an underlying problem.
5. Environmental changes: Changes in the environment, such as market trends or technological advancements, can create new problems or expose existing ones.
Investigating and identifying a problem:
1. Define the problem: Clearly articulate the gap between the current and desired state.
2. Gather information: Collect data, facts, and evidence related to the problem. This could involve conducting surveys, interviews, observations, or analyzing existing information.
3. Analyze the situation: Examine the collected information to gain insights and identify potential causes or factors contributing to the problem.
4. Prioritize: Evaluate the significance and urgency of the problem to determine the order of investigation and allocation of resources.
5. Root cause analysis: Identify the underlying root causes of the problem, rather than treating symptoms. Techniques like the "5 Whys" can help uncover deeper causes.
6. Collaborate: Involve relevant stakeholders, experts, or team members to gain different perspectives and leverage collective problem-solving abilities.
7. Test and refine hypotheses: Develop and test possible solutions, considering their feasibility, potential impact, and risks.
8. Monitor and evaluate: Implement the selected solution(s), closely monitor the situation, and assess the effectiveness of the chosen approach. Make adjustments if necessary.
By following these steps, you can investigate and identify problems in a systematic and structured way, enhancing the chances of finding effective solutions.