Anticlue

Analyzing a business problem

In order for there to be a problem, something has to be out of synch somewhere. Here are some key steps to take as a part of analyzing a problem.

First, it is good practice to identify what is occurring incorrectly and how this is an obstacle to obtaining the objective.

Next it is a good idea to obtain the frequency of the problem.

Next one has to determine impact. Impact is the where it occurs, in what processes. Are there contributing technological factors? Most important consider assessing the impact in dollars, resources, opportunity cost, customer service and as an obstacle to the organizational goals.

As a next step identify any other dependent processes that are affected by the problem.

Finally if possible, validate the problem in hard stats covering who, what, where, when, and how must time and cost.

Once analysis is complete, its time to come up with solutions. As a part of the process one need to consider the cost to implement and monitor the solution, also what business processes will be affected. Reveal any value that the solution will add such as increasing revenue, lowering costs, improving turn around times. Identify the costs for any technologies to be acquired, changed or improved for supporting the solution. Also it is a good idea to identify how to measure the solutions effectiveness.