Basic framework. The process improvement framework described here is not intended to replace your framework; its main aim is to provide a general context in which the applications for tools may be identified. There are many tools that can be used in problem solving. 1. Instead, we often jump to solutions and end upmsolving the wrong problem. The basic framework for problem solving is as follows (click on boxes to go to each section detail): Fig. Its steps and implementation time takes this into account. The team hopes to extend this framework to not just study tool use, but also how people can create innovative new tools for new problems, and how humans transmit this information to build from simple physical tools to complex objects like computers … At this point, what managers need is a checklist that can give an insight about the problem without planning to solve it, such as the CATWOE. It is a repeatable process that employees can learn to apply to any number of process problems. Process mapping provides a common framework, discipline and language, allowing a systematic way of working. Problem Solving is a structured worksheet which encourages solution-focused thinking. A step in problem solving that is often ignored is defining the problem. Some design thinking tools, such as a cause-effect diagram, may be used for exploring problems, but this tool is designed to solve problems. Each tool has a special use. Michele Mind Tools Team To discuss the art of problem solving, I sat down in California with McKinsey senior partner Hugo Sarrazin and also with Charles Conn. Charles is a former McKinsey partner, entrepreneur, executive, and coauthor of the book Bulletproof Problem Solving: The One Skill That Changes Everything [John Wiley & … The effective use of these tools and techniques requires ... DRIVE is an approach to problem solving and analysis that can be used as part of process improvement. DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. The reason that DMAIC is so popular is that it is a problem-solving framework that takes teams from discovering root causes to long-term, stable standard work. My approach is to start simply, then add more tools as I gain experience. Clients are encouraged to identify a problem, then to identify multiple potential solutions, then to take steps to put a solution into action. knowledge of a simple kit of tools or techniques.