Key Business Solutions

Essential problem-solving tools and techniques that every manager needs to know

This book explains how to resolve every challenge faced on a day-to-day basis in your business by presenting an unbeatable inventory of proven problem solving tools and techniques to help you tackle your toughest business dilemmas effectively.

You will learn how to:

· Overcome any business challenge with robust logic and structure

· How to break down problems and make your workload lighter

· Deliver the ‘killer’ recommendations

· Discover how to successfully implement change in people and organisations

· How to keep yourself, your team, and your stakeholders happy

· How to use an effective hypothesis-driven approach to problem solving

Using case studies, a ‘best practice example’ and at least one figurative table or figure, every dilemma is bought to life equipping you with the very best tools to confront any problem your business may face.

Table of Contents

About the author

Acknowledgements

Publisher's acknowledgements

Introduction

PART 1: THE OBTAIN PROBLEM-SOLVING PROCESS

1. Outline the question

2. Break down the issues

3. Test the hypothesis

4. Analyse the problem

5. Imagine the solution

6. Notify the stakeholders

7. Managing the stakeholders

8. Managing the team

PART 2: CRITICAL BUSINESS TOOLS AND FRAMEWORKS

4Ps of marketing

5Cs of strategy

Ansoff matrix

BCG growth-share matrix

Benchmarking

Brainstorming

De Bono’s six thinking hats

Drill-down analysis

Kano analysis

McClelland’s theory of needs

McKinsey 7S framework

PESTEL

Porter’s five forces

SWOT

Value chain analysis

Appendix: How the tools and techniques fit into the OBTAIN process

KEY BUSINESS SOLUTIONS ESSENTIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

WEISS A. / THAT EVERY MANAGER NEEDS TO KNOW

Key Business Solutions