Revision as of 13:50, 28 February 2021

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.

Introduction

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 ^[1], ^[2]. 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

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.

1:

What comes first is the Initial hypothesis. This hypothesis not only lays a foundation for further exploration within the problem owners’ area of solution, but also provides a solution to the problem from the get-go. That's right - you answer the problem before you have even done any analysis or research!^[3] The arguments for this this statement are presented in Logic-Tree fashion below.

2:

A paramount facet of dealing with business problems, and one of which the success of the project according to PMI standards [PMI Project standard] is contingent on, is communicating them to stakeholders and the project team. The elevator test ^[4]