Analysis of the current state
Situation analysis
This article will describe the situation analysis that is the first step in the problem solving cycle (PSC). The method comprises a systematic analysis of the situation and are used to formulate goals and to search for solution within projects. It can be divided into a task analysis, analysis of the current state, analysis of the future and at last, an identification of the problem and actions that needs to be taken. The primary focus in this article will be on analysis of the current state by using methods to get an overview of the environment and connections within the environment. The basic rule is to get an overview and thereafter it is possible to demarcate the system from its environment.
When a system demarcation are used during a project, it can be marked into following six over-lapping areas to identify the most important parts of the system:
- Intervention System
- Surrounding System
- Environment
- Area of investigation
- Area of effect
- Area of Solution
The different areas are used to demarcate the project. This is important to use the resources right and ensure the project group are working on the real problem in the right direction. If the situa-tion is not known, the problem cannot be found nor can any solution to the problem.
This tool can be used to view different connections and flows of resources such as information, energy or physical parts between stakeholders, organizations, persons, machines etc. depending on the situation and project it is used in. The tool can have a great influence on the problem solving process in the future project.
Furthermore, the system can be designed to comprise different levels of details in a hierarchy. Where the widest S(0) uses a block box within the system. The black box are then shown in de-tails in another system illustrated in S(-1) and maybe one part are shown even more detailed in S(-2).
