A decision is a choice between different options or possibilities, which are made to solve problems or take advantage of opportunities. "Problem", "Opportunities for Improvement", "Problematic", "Process", refer in any case to what we are going to analyze and decide. To simplify understanding, we will call it "Project" under the "Problem-Solution" approach. We recommend following a process:
Define: Formulate the Project.
It involves defining the project objectives based on a preliminary model of the problem that includes the following activities:
- Define the Work team.
- Collect needs and expectations of those involved.
- Identify problems or opportunities for improvement.
- Establish preliminary objectives, deadlines and cost activities.
Recommended tools:
- Project Sheet, to consolidate Objectives, Deadlines, Costs.
- Two-Dimensional Chart, to Rank Importance Level vs. Satisfaction Level.
- Characterization diagram, for a general understanding of the system.
- Brainstorm combined with Affinity Diagrams and Nominal Group, to select more important ideas.
Measure: Establish Measurement System
Measure the frequency and possibilities of errors to establish goals based on the collection of internal numerical information and the competition. Suggested activities:
- Establish the Process Flow.
- Establish key elements of the problem.
- Define relevant indicators.
- Collect numerical information.
- Validate the Measurement System to use it in subsequent phases.
Recommended tools
- Indicator sheets to specify the measurements and their sources
- Process Flowchart, to Identify key elements.
- Benchmarking, to define realistic and relevant goals.
Analyze: Structure Problem and Solutions
Delve into the causes that determine errors and define opportunities for improvement prioritizing them. Suggested activities:
- Analyze relationships Cause - Effect
- Validate relationships based on the Indicators
- Define solution alternatives.
Recommended tools
- Cause-Effect Diagrams to identify determining elements of the outputs.
- Brainstorm combined with Affinity Diagrams and Nominal Group to select more important ideas
Implement: Select and Apply Solutions
Define the specific elements that will be changed and the final goals. Develop the change project. Suggested activities:
- Select alternatives to implement
- Definitive project plan
- Implement solutions
Recommended tools:
- Management Report to systematically monitor the project.
- Pareto diagram to select the solutions that provide greater value
Control: Ensure Continuous Improvement
Implement a Monitoring System to prevent the return of previous practices and identify additional problems.
- Monitor the process to identify attempts to "go back in time"
- Identification of additional problems
Recommended tools
- Dashboard, to establish incentive systems for those involved.
- Benchmarking, to keep the process within competitive parameters.
- Define roles and responsibilities in improvement activities.
For making decisions in environments of certainty, risk and uncertainty, the fundamental raw material is formal information.
