Logic tree and the Answer First Methodology - Revision history

S154089: /* Big Idea */

2021-02-28T19:05:12Z

Big Idea

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:05, 28 February 2021
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	What better way to further communicate and exemplify that ''the Logic tree and the Answer First Methodology is a brilliant way to structure and communicate complex problems'', than use the methodology as a framework to explain itself! If this methodology is successful in communicating itself, it will no doubt be a useful tool to managers or prospective engineers too.		What better way to further communicate and exemplify that ''the Logic tree and the Answer First Methodology is a brilliant way to structure and communicate complex problems'', than use the methodology as a framework to explain itself! If this methodology is successful in communicating itself, it will no doubt be a useful tool to managers or prospective engineers too.

	[[Image:logic_tree.png\|~~1300px~~\|center\|alt=Alt text \|Title text]]		[[Image:logic_tree.png\|900px\|center\|alt=Alt text \|Title text]]

	<span style="color: red; text-decoration;">1:</span>		<span style="color: red; text-decoration;">1:</span>

S154089: /* Context and Application */

2021-02-28T19:00:01Z

Context and Application

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:00, 28 February 2021
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	= Context and Application =		= Context and Application =

	A strength of this tool is its' scalability, allowing it to be utilized in both project, program and portfolio ~~management~~. Being able to adjust the generalization level of the initial hypothesis to the level of the problem can scope this tool to fit ~~the~~ it <ref name ="McKinsey"/>.		A strength of this tool is its' scalability, allowing it to be utilized in both problem solving at strategic, project, program and portfolio level. Being able to adjust the generalization level of the initial hypothesis to the level of the problem can scope this tool to fit it <ref name ="McKinsey"/>.

	[[Image:Scoping.PNG\|600px\|right\|alt=Alt text \|Title text]]		[[Image:Scoping.PNG\|600px\|right\|alt=Alt text \|Title text]]

S154089: /* Introduction */

2021-02-28T18:38:06Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:38, 28 February 2021
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	Sooner or later, each and every one of us will have to be presented with the task of communicating a complex problem and its' solution to important people. Unfortunately, solving and communicating complex problems is not easy. As a company machine grows, the cogs and gears comprising the business are increasingly interconnected - as such the complexity of problems are bound to increase. This further complicates concise and logical communication of the problem.		Sooner or later, each and every one of us will have to be presented with the task of communicating a complex problem and its' solution to important people. Unfortunately, solving and communicating complex problems is not easy. As a company machine grows, the cogs and gears comprising the business are increasingly interconnected - as such the complexity of problems are bound to increase. This further complicates concise and logical communication of the problem.

	In order to tackle the problem of solving problems of increased complexity and communicating them in a concise and informative way some of the worlds biggest management companies McKinsey and Bain & Co. developed a structured problem solving methodology <ref name="Bain"> ''Bain & Co problem solving approach'', Morten Bay Company Presentation TEMO 2020 '''Note: while this presentation is not publicly available, it must be regarded as an empirical approach. The experience the presenter has had with this tool in Bain & Company is very real'' </ref>, <ref name="McKinsey"> ''The McKinsey way'' Ethan M. Rasiel, 1999, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780071368834,0071368833 </ref>. The methodology, despite having distinct names, follow the same principles - understand and frame the problem and context, define an initial hypothesis/answer, break down the answer into analysable elements and lastly ~~validate or invalidate~~ the initial hypothesis/answer.		In order to tackle the problem of solving problems of increased complexity and communicating them in a concise and informative way some of the worlds biggest management companies McKinsey and Bain & Co. developed a structured problem solving methodology <ref name="Bain"> ''Bain & Co problem solving approach'', Morten Bay Company Presentation TEMO 2020 '''Note: while this presentation is not publicly available, it must be regarded as an empirical approach. The experience the presenter has had with this tool in Bain & Company is very real'' </ref>, <ref name="McKinsey"> ''The McKinsey way'' Ethan M. Rasiel, 1999, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780071368834,0071368833 </ref>. The methodology, despite having distinct names, follow the same principles - understand and frame the problem and context, define an initial hypothesis/answer, break down the answer into analysable elements and lastly verification of the initial hypothesis/answer by validating the test-able tertiary assertions.

	= Big Idea =		= Big Idea =

S154089: /* Introduction */

2021-02-28T18:36:48Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:36, 28 February 2021
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	Sooner or later, each and every one of us will have to be presented with the task of communicating a complex problem and its' solution to important people. Unfortunately, solving and communicating complex problems is not easy. As a company machine grows, the cogs and gears comprising the business are increasingly interconnected - as such the complexity of problems are bound to increase. This further complicates concise and logical communication of the problem.		Sooner or later, each and every one of us will have to be presented with the task of communicating a complex problem and its' solution to important people. Unfortunately, solving and communicating complex problems is not easy. As a company machine grows, the cogs and gears comprising the business are increasingly interconnected - as such the complexity of problems are bound to increase. This further complicates concise and logical communication of the problem.

	In order to tackle the problem of solving problems of increased complexity and ~~avoid situations described above~~ some of the worlds biggest management companies McKinsey and Bain & Co. developed a structured problem solving methodology <ref name="Bain"> ''Bain & Co problem solving approach'', Morten Bay Company Presentation TEMO 2020 '''Note: while this presentation is not publicly available, it must be regarded as an empirical approach. The experience the presenter has had with this tool in Bain & Company is very real'' </ref>, <ref name="McKinsey"> ''The McKinsey way'' Ethan M. Rasiel, 1999, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780071368834,0071368833 </ref>. The methodology, despite having distinct names, follow the same principles - understand and frame the problem and context, define an initial hypothesis/answer, break down the answer into analysable elements and lastly validate or invalidate the initial hypothesis/answer.		In order to tackle the problem of solving problems of increased complexity and communicating them in a concise and informative way some of the worlds biggest management companies McKinsey and Bain & Co. developed a structured problem solving methodology <ref name="Bain"> ''Bain & Co problem solving approach'', Morten Bay Company Presentation TEMO 2020 '''Note: while this presentation is not publicly available, it must be regarded as an empirical approach. The experience the presenter has had with this tool in Bain & Company is very real'' </ref>, <ref name="McKinsey"> ''The McKinsey way'' Ethan M. Rasiel, 1999, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780071368834,0071368833 </ref>. The methodology, despite having distinct names, follow the same principles - understand and frame the problem and context, define an initial hypothesis/answer, break down the answer into analysable elements and lastly validate or invalidate the initial hypothesis/answer.

	= Big Idea =		= Big Idea =

S154089 at 18:35, 28 February 2021

2021-02-28T18:35:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 28 February 2021
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	Problem solving in companies is difficult: Not only do you first have to identify a problem, but the company may also be so deeply entrenched in the way that they are doing things that they cannot possibly consider doing it differently. Developed by highly respected consultancy firms, The ~~answer first~~ methodology is a proven way of structuring a problem and its' solution in a way that in a way that is communicable, coherent, and thorough. By formulating a solution hypothesis - the Initial hypothesis - and breaking it down into smaller, test-able assertions a solution can be pressure-tested in a thorough manner, covering all elements. Backed by data, testing of the lowest level of the hierarchy - tertiary assertions - and whether these based on data can be validated or not is carried out. This validation aims to assess if they have an effect on the sub-assertion and through that the initial hypothesis. This breakdown enables a methodical, solution oriented and coherent problem-solving with clearly defined goals throughout. Framing the project around a initial hypothesis also creates a narrative and reasoning that presentable and easy to follow for stakeholders. This article will briefly explain the birth of this methodology. Subsequently it will explain how it fits into contemporary management theory. What follows will be a hand-book in working with problem solving using this methodology. This article will also highlight the pitfalls one can encounter when using this methodology as well as provide a general example throughout the presentation of the Big Idea.		Problem solving in companies is difficult: Not only do you first have to identify a problem, but the company may also be so deeply entrenched in the way that they are doing things that they cannot possibly consider doing it differently. Developed by highly respected consultancy firms, The Answer First methodology is a proven way of structuring a problem and its' solution in a way that in a way that is communicable, coherent, and thorough. By formulating a solution hypothesis - the Initial hypothesis - and breaking it down into smaller, test-able assertions a solution can be pressure-tested in a thorough manner, covering all elements. Backed by data, testing of the lowest level of the hierarchy - tertiary assertions - and whether these based on data can be validated or not is carried out. This validation aims to assess if they have an effect on the sub-assertion and through that the initial hypothesis. This breakdown enables a methodical, solution oriented and coherent problem-solving with clearly defined goals throughout. Framing the project around a initial hypothesis also creates a narrative and reasoning that presentable and easy to follow for stakeholders. This article will briefly explain the birth of this methodology. Subsequently it will explain how it fits into contemporary management theory. What follows will be a hand-book in working with problem solving using this methodology. This article will also highlight the pitfalls one can encounter when using this methodology as well as provide a general example throughout the presentation of the Big Idea.


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	''"The result of the goal definition is a structured catalogue of objectives. This catalogue of objectives is further used in the concept analysis and selection"'' Page 91 in <ref name ="Muddling"/>.		''"The result of the goal definition is a structured catalogue of objectives. This catalogue of objectives is further used in the concept analysis and selection"'' Page 91 in <ref name ="Muddling"/>.

	As such, it is recommended to use the Logic Tree as a way to clearly structure objectives, worded in ~~answer first~~ principle, in the goal definition stage. Note that the objectives in this case should be the primary and secondary assertions, and not the tertiary as these are concrete, testable solutions.		As such, it is recommended to use the Logic Tree as a way to clearly structure objectives, worded in Answer First principle, in the goal definition stage. Note that the objectives in this case should be the primary and secondary assertions, and not the tertiary as these are concrete, testable solutions.

	''"In the first step of a synthesis-analysis-cycle, a wide and comprehensive range of solutions is developed with only a shallow description of the details. This first step aims at completely covering the field of possible solutions"'' Page 95 in <ref name ="Muddling"/>.		''"In the first step of a synthesis-analysis-cycle, a wide and comprehensive range of solutions is developed with only a shallow description of the details. This first step aims at completely covering the field of possible solutions"'' Page 95 in <ref name ="Muddling"/>.

S154089: /* Further reading */

2021-02-28T15:53:33Z

Further reading

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 28 February 2021
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	''The McKinsey Way: Using the Techniques of the World's Top Strategic Consultants to Help You and Your Business'' Ethan M. Rasiel, McGraw-Hill, 1999, ISBN: 9780071368834		''The McKinsey Way: Using the Techniques of the World's Top Strategic Consultants to Help You and Your Business'' Ethan M. Rasiel, McGraw-Hill, 1999, ISBN: 9780071368834
	:: In this work by Ethan M. Rasie, the McKinsey way of consulting is 'whistle-blowed'. As he states himself, McKinsey guard their company secrets well. But perhaps not too well as Rasiel in detail explains the inner workings and work methodologies of this consultancy giant. In an informal language Rasiel especially deep dives into how McKinsey tackles problem-solving consultancy tasks. Speaking directly to us, this work is not exactly the academic pinnacle of good writing and source practices, but does provide an interesting insider knowledge.		:: In this work by Ethan M. Rasie, the McKinsey way of consulting is 'whistle-blowed'. As he states himself, McKinsey guard their company secrets well. But perhaps not too well as Rasiel in detail explains the inner workings and work methodologies of this consultancy giant. In an informal language Rasiel especially deep dives into how McKinsey tackles problem-solving consultancy tasks. Speaking directly to the reader, this work is not exactly the academic pinnacle of good writing and source practices, but does provide an interesting insider knowledge.

	= References =		= References =
	<references />		<references />

S154089: /* Further reading */

2021-02-28T15:52:36Z

Further reading

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 28 February 2021
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	::In this book Barbara Minto, a seasoned and respected consultant, presents why thinking and communicating in a structured way is desirable. Drawing from her own lengthy experiences in high-ranking consultancy companies, Minto conveys the Logic tree (here called the Pyramid principle) and its application through simulated work-like situations. Albeit a bit lengthy, The Minto Pyramid Principle provides industry insight into the consultancy world, as well as a nice overview of the methodology and its' real life applications.		::In this book Barbara Minto, a seasoned and respected consultant, presents why thinking and communicating in a structured way is desirable. Drawing from her own lengthy experiences in high-ranking consultancy companies, Minto conveys the Logic tree (here called the Pyramid principle) and its application through simulated work-like situations. Albeit a bit lengthy, The Minto Pyramid Principle provides industry insight into the consultancy world, as well as a nice overview of the methodology and its' real life applications.

	''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: ~~978-3-319-89375-4~~		''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: 9783319893754
	::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by categorization and thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis. They also have a youtube channel discussing their approach to problem solving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zHx_JE9Jsg.		::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by categorization and thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis. They also have a youtube channel discussing their approach to problem solving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zHx_JE9Jsg.

			''The McKinsey Way: Using the Techniques of the World's Top Strategic Consultants to Help You and Your Business'' Ethan M. Rasiel, McGraw-Hill, 1999, ISBN: 9780071368834
			:: In this work by Ethan M. Rasie, the McKinsey way of consulting is 'whistle-blowed'. As he states himself, McKinsey guard their company secrets well. But perhaps not too well as Rasiel in detail explains the inner workings and work methodologies of this consultancy giant. In an informal language Rasiel especially deep dives into how McKinsey tackles problem-solving consultancy tasks. Speaking directly to us, this work is not exactly the academic pinnacle of good writing and source practices, but does provide an interesting insider knowledge.

	= References =		= References =
	<references />		<references />

S154089: /* Further reading */

2021-02-28T15:42:30Z

Further reading

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 28 February 2021
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	''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-319-89375-4		''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-319-89375-4
	::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by categorization and thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis.		::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by categorization and thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis. They also have a youtube channel discussing their approach to problem solving: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zHx_JE9Jsg.

	= References =		= References =
	<references />		<references />

S154089: /* Further reading */

2021-02-28T15:40:56Z

Further reading

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 28 February 2021
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	''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-319-89375-4		''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-319-89375-4
	::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by ~~categorizing under~~ thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis.		::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by categorization and thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis.

	= References =		= References =
	<references />		<references />

S154089: /* Further reading */

2021-02-28T15:39:29Z

Further reading

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 28 February 2021
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	''The Minto Pyramid Principle'' Barbara Minto, 2010, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0273710516		''The Minto Pyramid Principle'' Barbara Minto, 2010, Prentice Hall, ISBN: 0273710516
	::In this book Barbara Minto, a seasoned and respected consultant, presents why thinking and communicating in a structured way is desirable. Drawing from her own lengthy experiences in high-ranking consultancy companies, Minto conveys the Logic tree (here called the Pyramid principle) and its application through simulated work-like situations. Albeit a bit lengthy, The Minto Pyramid Principle provides industry insight into the consultancy world, as well as a nice overview of the methodology and its' real life applications.		::In this book Barbara Minto, a seasoned and respected consultant, presents why thinking and communicating in a structured way is desirable. Drawing from her own lengthy experiences in high-ranking consultancy companies, Minto conveys the Logic tree (here called the Pyramid principle) and its application through simulated work-like situations. Albeit a bit lengthy, The Minto Pyramid Principle provides industry insight into the consultancy world, as well as a nice overview of the methodology and its' real life applications.

			''Cracked it! How to solve big problems and sell solutions like top strategy consultants'' Bernard Garrettte, Corey Phelps, Olivier Sibony, 2018, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-319-89375-4
			::Bernard Garrette et al. provide a pragmatic insight into this methodology and its' how it can be integrated boiled down into a fool-proof process. This book describes how a problem solver can define the problem by categorizing under thoroughly understanding its' nature. The strength of this book is its applicability and that it relates this methodology to other problem solving tools like 4S and Eight Degrees of analysis.

	= References =		= References =
	<references />		<references />