• Kepner and Tregoe: A logical approach to problem-solving starting
with defining and then describing the problem. Possible causes are established, and then probable causes tested and finally the true cause is verified.
• Chronological analysis: This approach sets out all the things that have happened in a timeline. This makes it clearer to see what has happened and allows focus on the critical part of the timeline.
• Brainstorming: Gathering together the key individuals involved with a problem in one place and mapping out all possible causes (and potential corrective activity). Such sessions should be under the control of the
problem manager.
• Pain value analysis: This technique is useful for identifying which
problems should be tackled in which order. Pain to a business can be
defined in a number of different ways, for example the number of users impacted or potential financial loss. Pain value analysis provides a framework for deciding which problems are actually hurting the
organisation most, allowing resources to be allocated where they are
most needed.
• Pareto analysis: The Pareto principle is often referred to as the ‘80–20 Rule’. The rule states that for many events, roughly 80 per cent of the
effects come from only 20 per cent of the causes. This rule can be used in problem management to target those causes (problems) responsible for most of the incidents.