文档介绍：Session 2: Problem Structuring
Theory of problem structuring
Practical application by “building a case” for multiple possible uses such as
A proposal you make
An answer you give
A position you take
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Theory: Steps in Problem Structuring
First: how did you arrive at this position and why is it of interest to me? Four distinct sub-steps here:
Business as usual: Things are normal
A problem plication arises
An obvious question then arises: . “What to do about it?”
In response to this question you develop an answer (or a proposition or mendation)
Complication
Question
Something went wrong
What do we do?
Something could go wrong
How can we prevent it?
Something changed
What should we do?
Something could change
How should we react?
Here’s what you might expect to find in it
Do we find it?
Here’s someone with a different point of view
Who is right?
In this situation we have three alternatives
Which one should we take?
From: B. Minto, The Pyramid Principle
Steps in Problem Structuring (2)
Second: capture attention of reader or develop depth of argument
Establish a question, answer it, move to the next level of refinement. Vertical linkages
Pigs should be kept as pets
Steps in Problem Structuring (3)
Third: convince the reader or develop support for argument
Inductive or deductive logic. Horizontal linkages
Typical problems
Overlaps (not mutually exclusive)
Gaps (not collectively exhaustive)
monly accepted logic of ordering
Temporal (A before B before C)
Structural (US Division, European Division)
Other basic relationship:
Part / whole Opposition Similarity Importance
The problem with ACME Bottle
“ACME Bottle” has been losing money. “Diversified”, owner of 49% of ACME, has received an offer to sell ACME for $97 million. You have been hired to advise Diversified’s Management on what to do. Outline the report you will write. On a single sheet of paper:
Define accurately and clearly the pr