Problem solving in business analysis

Problem solving is one of the core competencies of an effective business analyst.

They describe and solve problems to ensure that the root cause of a problem is well understood by all stakeholders and resolved by the solution.

Describing the problem involves ensuring that the type of problem and any underlying issues connected to the problem are clearly understood by all stakeholders.

In order to do this the stakeholders viewpoints need to be understood and well communicated to avoid any conflicts between the goals and objectives of the different stakeholders groups.

Assumptions also need to be recognized and confirmed.

The goals and objectives which are to be met by the solution needs to be explicitly stated, and alternative solutions need to be considered and possibly developed.

There are some performance measures of effective problem solving which include the following:

1. The confidence of the stakeholders in the problem solving process.

2. The selected solutions must meet the defined enterprise objectives and solve the root cause of the problem.

3. The new solution options must be effectively evaluated effectively using the problem solving process which avoids making decisions based on invalidated assumptions, preconceived notions, or other traps that may cause the wrong solution to be selected.