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Management Research Review
ISSN : 2040-8269
Article publication date: 4 February 2020
Issue publication date: 31 August 2020
This study aims at determining the factors that favor a systematic approach to deal with complex operational and strategic problems. Management literature on problem-solving makes a clear distinction between either fixing a problem temporarily by eliminating its symptoms or solving it by diagnosing and altering underlying causes. Adopting a cognitive perspective of the dual-processing theory, this study labels these two approaches intuitive problem-solving and systematic problem-solving (SPS). While the superior effectiveness of SPS in fostering organizational learning is widely documented, existing literature fails to provide an overview of the conditions that support the adoption of SPS.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a systematic literature review to shed light on the main supporting factors of SPS in operational as well as strategic domains.
Seven supporting factors of SPS (namely, nature of the problem, time availability, information availability, collaborative culture, transformational leadership, organizational learning infrastructure and environmental dynamism) are first identified and then discussed in an integrative model.
Originality/value
This work is an original attempt to inclusively address organizational, environmental and problem nature-related factors that favor SPS adoption. By determining the SPS supporting factors, this study highlights why many organizations fail or struggle to implement and sustain SPS over time.
- Organizational behavior
- Co-citation analysis
- Systematic literature review
- Dual-process theory
- Intuitive problem-solving
- Systematic problem-solving
Mohaghegh, M. and Furlan, A. (2020), "Systematic problem-solving and its antecedents: a synthesis of the literature", Management Research Review , Vol. 43 No. 9, pp. 1033-1062. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-06-2019-0284
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Let’s look at each step in detail. Step 1: RECOGNIZE THAT A PROBLEM EXISTS. In order to recognize that a problem exists, you must have some "knowledge" of the situation, the job, the equipment, the product. It is possible to know so little, that you do not know that there is a problem to begin with.
Identify the people, information (data), and things needed to resolve the problem. Step. Description. Step 3: Select an Alternative. After you have evaluated each alternative, select the alternative that comes closest to solving the problem with the most advantages and fewest disadvantages.
have probably already engaged in solving problems, you have probably used many different approaches in order to achieve a solution. Issues and operational problems in a committee can be solved more easily and with better results by using a problem solving model, i.e. a structured, systematic approach to solving problems and making improvements.
In the Lean Operating System, we achieve operational excellence by: Defining our standards. Continuously compare our operations against those standards. Engaging in aggressive and rigorous problem-solving when there is any deviation from the standard. Step 1: Identify the Problem. Step 2: Set the Target.
Generally, the TRIZ’s problem solving process is to define a specific problem, formalize it, identify the contradictions, find examples of how others have solved the contradiction or utilized the principles, and finally, apply those general solutions to the particular problem. Figure 1 shows the steps of the TRIZ’s problem solving.
Problem Solving as the sum of its parts: Creative means having an element of newness and innovation, and relevance. Problem encompasses any situation that presents a challenge, offers an opportunity or is a concern. Solving means devising ways to answer, to meet or satisfy the problem. It can also mean adapting yourself to the situation or ...
problem solving promotes deep thinking through questioning, and can be adapted quickly and applied to most problems.4 Most obviously and directly, the Five Whys technique relates to the principle of systematic problem-solving: without the intent of the principle, the technique can only be a shell of the process.
Systematic methods: One example is the TRIZ methodology. TRIZ is a Russian Acronym for the theory of inventive problem solving. Genrikh Altshuller 16,17 and his colleagues studied over two million patents and identified the main principles and knowledge that define the process for solving inventive problems.
cated problem-solving techniques until it captures all that can be learned from the simple ones. The main objective is to uncover problems, ask the right questions, engage everyone in the problem-solving effort, and develop the organization’s problem-solving muscles. An effective process for identifying and solving problems involves five ...
Purpose. This study aims at determining the factors that favor a systematic approach to deal with complex operational and strategic problems. Management literature on problem-solving makes a clear distinction between either fixing a problem temporarily by eliminating its symptoms or solving it by diagnosing and altering underlying causes.