Analytical Tools
Coaches are able to use a variety of analytical tools to help clients to explore and develop their critical thinking. There are a vast range of tools and techniques that can be used to analyse and define problems including:
Diagnostic/
Analytical Tool |
Purpose |
Systems Diagrams | To explore the relationship between different parts of an organisation or process |
SWOT | To analyse strengths, weaknesses, opportSessionies and threats |
Porter’s Five Forces | To explore the balance of power in a situation |
USP Analysis | To define and understand competitive advantage |
Value Chain Analysis | To help achieve excellence and added value through a process |
5 Whys | To identify the root case of a problem |
Affinity Diagrams | To organise ideas into common themes |
The Ansoff Matrix | To explore the different risks of different options of market and product growth |
Chunking | To group information into an easy to understood order |
Critical Success Factors | To identify critical factors underpinning a successful outcome |
Ishikawa Charts | To identify likely causes of problems |
Benchmarking | To compare existing performance to another internal or external source |
Process Mapping | To map the flow of activities that make up a process and to identify potential weaknesses |
Scatter Diagrams | To show the relationship between two variables and understanding how one impacts on the other |
Force Field Analysis | To identify the forces that impact on an issue or problem |
Six Honest Serving Men | To provide a framework for identifying the root cause of a problem |
Three of these problem-solving techniques are described below and links to the others are provided in the Compendium of Tools.
Root Cause Analysis Technique – Ishikawa Charts
The purpose of Ishikawa Charts (often referred to as Fish Bone Diagrams or Cause and Effect Charts) is to examine an issue or problem to find out the possible causes and to identify potential areas for improvement or further investigation.
An Ishikawa Chart
Ishikawa Charts provide a systematic way of identifying and understanding the effects of a problem and the causes that create or contribute to those effects. The tool is useful in structuring both a broad and detailed investigation, enabling coaches and clients to explore and understand the problem and to consider potential solutions.
To use the Ishikawa Chart, follow the steps listed below:
Step 1: Brainstorm or list all possible causes of the problem or effect selected for analysis
Step 2: Classify the problem as either Materials, Methods, Machinery or Manpower (or use your own categories)
Step 3: Draw the solution effect diagram
Step 4: Write the effects on the diagram under the classifications chosen
Root Cause Analysis Technique: Five Why’s
An Example of the Five Why’s Technique
Although deceptively simple the Five Why’s technique provides a powerful framework for identifying the root cause of a problem. It simply involves asking five times, why the problem exists in order to get to the root cause of the problem.
The Five Why’s Chart
The Five Why’s chart shown here demonstrates the level of analysis that can be generated by working through five levels of why.
Each answer generates a potential source of further investigation, enabling coaches and clients to drill down deep into the root cause of a problem.
This tool is particularly effective when working with teams as often their knowledge and experience of a process provides a level of insight that would otherwise not be accessible.
Root Cause Analysis Technique: Six Honest Serving Men
I keep six honest serving-men,
(They taught me all I know);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
Rudyard Kipling
Six Honest Serving Men
Irrespective of the problem, a good starting point is to make use of Kipling’s Six Honest Serving Men. The six men to which he referred are:
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- Why?
- How?
These questions can be used to provide a quick and structured analysis of most problems.
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