Category:Problem-solving
From Eurêka
Problem-solving
Issue Specific problem that requires solution.
- Issues register List of issues to which responsibility for solution is documented.
- Showstopper (infl) Issue that cannot be resolved within the cost parameters of the project.
- Red flag (infl) Sign that something is wrong.
Shortfall Amount by which something fails to meet a target or standard.
Shakedown Dry run to assess quality and spot problems before commencing normal production or service.
In-basket situation Problem that has arrived for consideration but upon which no action has yet been taken.
Troubleshoot v To solve a problem by eliminating its source.
SWOT analysis Examination of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in a situation or market.
Scattershot approach Method of approaching a problem by taking a wide variety of random, hopeful approaches, rather than taking one specific, worked out approach.
Scanning Process of examining the elements of a problem in a patterned way, which varies from individual to individual.
- Simultaneous scanning Problem-solving characterized by a tendency to take an overall view of the situation rather than focus on any one element.
- Successive scanning Problem-solving characterized by a tendency to start with an overall view of a situation and then narrow one’s focus to those elements that appear to confirm one’s theory.
- Focus gambling Process of focusing on alternative solutions to a problem or on alternative strategies for solving a problem.
- Conservative focus Problem-solving characterized by a tendency to identify alternative solutions to a problem one at a time and alter one’s views accordingly.
Task Short-term assignment.
Task force Committee or group charged with a specific, short-term assignment.
Restructure v To make an organization more competitive and efficient by focusing on operational strengths and eliminating or selling off weaknesses.
Clean up v To solve the problems resulting from another person’s mistake.
Shakeup Sudden and significant change designed to redirect an organization’s style of action.
Risky-shift phenomenon Tendency to venture a more hazardous solution to a problem when the responsibility for its consequences is shared with others.
Negotiation
Target Focus on objectives.
Gambit Initial action or statement in a negotiation.
Negotiate v To settle the specific details of an agreement after both parties have agreed what the major outcome will be.
Mediator Third party who helps to negotiate a resolution to a dispute, but does not have the power to impose a solution on the parties involved.
- Middleman Person who delivers messages or performs other services between two parties.
- Intermediary Person who comes between two others, usually to settle an argument.
Issues analysis To determine what the major issues are in a given situation and to offer solutions for compromise between groups.
Deal breaker Negotiating point considered so important by one party that failure to accept it will terminate further negotiations.
Settlement Negotiated agreement.
Terms Conditions of an agreement.
- Sweetener Feature added to a deal to make it more desirable, usually on a onetime basis.
Arbitration
Arbitration Legal settlement of a dispute using a professional third party.
- Binding arbitration Settlement made by a third party which is binding on both parties.
- Nonbinding arbitration Settlement made by a third party which is not binding on either party.
Arbiter (Arbitrator) Court-appointed professional who specializes in settling conflicts.
