Problem solving and
decision making
Session 1.4.1
Problem solving and
decision making
Apply a systematic approach to problem solving and
decision making to create practical solutions to
challenges within humanitarian projects.
Your problem solving tools?
• What problem solving tools do you use in
your work?
• How would they be useful in humanitarian
work?
Steps to Problem Solving
1. Define
- what is the problem?
2. Analyse
- causes? impact?
3. Possible solutions
4. Select the best
5. Implement
6. Evaluate
- brainstorming
- decision making
- action plan
- effectiveness of solution?
The problem….
“In the last 2 weeks,
almost no women and children
have been using the latrines
at any time of day or night,
and the alternatives are causing health
hazards.”
Steps to Problem Solving
1. Define
- what is the problem?
2. Analyse
- causes? impact?
3. Possible solutions
4. Select the best
5. Implement
6. Evaluate
- brainstorming
- decision making
- action plan and steps to take?
- effectiveness of solution?
Problem Solving Techniques
•
•
•
•
Appreciation
‘5 why’ method
Drilling down
Cause-Effect diagram
Steps to Problem Solving
1. Define
- what is the problem?
2. Analyse
- causes? impact?
3. Possible solutions
4. Select the best
5. Implement
6. Evaluate
- brainstorming
- decision making
- action plan and steps to take?
- effectiveness of solution?
Groundrules for Brainstorming
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
There are no stupid ideas
Don’t criticise other people’s ideas
Build on other people’s ideas
Get as many ideas as possible
Be energetic and enthusiastic….write
fast; engage and involve all
Steps to Problem Solving
1. Define
- what is the problem?
2. Analyse
- causes? impact?
3. Possible solutions
4. Select the best
5. Implement
6. Evaluate
- brainstorming
- decision making
- action plan and steps to take?
- effectiveness of solution?
Decision making tools
• Vote
• Pros and cons of each option
• Consensus
• Optional slides to use if a visual aid is
needed
5 Why’s Worksheet
Define the Problem:
Why is it happening?
1.
Why is
that?
2.
Why is
that?
3.
Why is
that?
4.
Why is
that?
5.
Cause-Effect Fishbone
Contributing factor
Cause
Problem: