L-Timer · Project Creation and its Stabilization · B6

Problem Solving Management

PBM 12:00

Overview

What is this chapter about?

Sooner or later, every project encounters a serious technical or organizational problem that exceeds routine decision-making capabilities and the planned budget. Problem solving management enables the project to be systematically brought back on track.

To whom is this chapter primarily addressed?

Problem solving is one of the tasks of the project manager. The task may be assigned to a member of the project team or to a specialist from outside the project. In any case, it is advisable to involve those who are directly related to the cause of the problem or affected by its consequences.

What is the significance of the process discussed in the chapter?

Problems cause deviations from the planned course of the project, increase costs and lead to delays. This can have a demotivating effect on the project team, lead to project termination, and even have legal and financial consequences.

How does the process work in practice?

The starting point is to correctly identify the problem and its causes and to pre-cicely describe the target situation. A systematic analysis of possible solutions and the associated risks lead to the selection of the most appropriate solution. Alternatively, in the case of unclear problems, a heuristic approach supported by artificial intelligence may be more effective. The process ends with the initiation of the implementation of the adopted solution.

What are the main challenges?

Reliable identification and assessment of the causes of problems help to prevent them in the future. The optimal solution considers alternative options and potential risks.

What are the key success factors in this process?

Early recognition of the first symptoms of potential problems is essential. Creativity and in-depth knowledge of the product, its environment, and the available technical and organizational capabilities form the foundation for success. Identifying the causes of problems and initiating corrective actions should be carried out with the full involvement of the project team and the support of experts. Half-hearted solutions do more harm than good to the project.

Goal

The objective of the problem-solving management process (PSM) is to permanently eliminate technical and organizational problems within the accepted costs and time frame of the project. This process is carried out cyclically throughout the duration of the project. PSM involves raising the team’s awareness of problem symptoms, identifying problems and developing possible solutions. Effective procedures have been proposed for two classes of problems—well-defined and ill-defined problems, which may also be methodically supported by artificial intelligence. Monitoring and controlling the implementation of the adopted solution are the subject of other relevant processes, depending on the nature of the problem.

Process

In the problem management process, all technical and organizational problems arising in the project are solved in accordance with the project objectives, using appropriate methods and techniques. The knowledge gained during problem solving, recorded in the Knowledge Management process, helps to avoid the same difficulties in the further course of the project.

Lecture notes

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