Metaphors for problem solving

Three generic metaphors describe three problem solving/improvement methods - a "learning cycle", a "journey", a "search". See also B822 - problem solving as cultivation, search etc.

Best known learning cycle is "PDCA" - plan-do-check-act. This is similar to Kolb's learning cycle and often called the Deming wheel or the Shewart cycle. Diagram b1 p41

Oakland and Marosszeky call this the DRIVE modle for continuous improvement - Define, Review, Investigate, Verify, Execute.

The cycle delivers continuous improvement. It is a cycle because it does not end.

The journey metaphor allows you to think of PS&I as a way to move from where you are now to where you want to be. As with any journey differing routes are often possible, and each will have its advantages and disadvantages. See figure 1.5 p44

Stage 1 - where are you now
Stage 2 - where would you like to get to and what is stopping you
Stage 3 - how do you know when you have arrived
Stage 4 - how could you get there
Stage 5 - how can you tell the outcomes
Stage 6 - what are the outcomes
Stage 7 - choose the best route
Stage 8 - OK, go ahead.

Stage 3 is where you establish how to measure performance, so you need to make sure you state what those measures are, what the targets are, what the timescales are and what are the acceptable deviations from those targets (think SMART objectives). All objectives identified during stage 2 need to be included.

For example, three measures that could be use to manage the performance of a purchasing department include money saved, purchase order processing time, and customer satisfaction (accuracy) (time, cost, quality).

For stage 7 - the 5W+H can be useful - what, why, where, when, how, who?

Problem solving as search is similar to the journey metaphor - see B1 Page 46.