Wahala!

“Sense is not common” is something my Dad use to say very often. He made this statement to help emphasize the idea that though our brains are the same we cannot all think or analyze issue in the same way. In business one needs a higher kind of thought process often refered to as critical thinking. This would help any manager navigate the business landscape effectively. Critical thinking is the intellectual thinking process of analyzing information gathered from observation, reasoning or reflection. Critical thinking involves analysis, interpretation and problem solving, asking yourself questions and reconstruction of one’s thinking. Clarifying one’s thinking by breaking down points and explaining them, using examples you can relate to and easily understand. Sticking to the point, being reasonable that is being sensible, fair and open minded and always question every question. Sounds crazy right, well the important question, “what problem are we trying to solve as a person or organization?” Analysis of Business Problem served as an eye opener to the critical method of thinking; as a way to make sense of the various challenges that stare in the face. 
  Organizations are faced with problems, there should be a way of resolving these every day problems. Analysis of business problems provides a guide on the process of handling these problems to arrive at a reasonable conclusion. Below is a step-by-step process. 

Understanding the Situation. 

Identify and define the problems 

Define your Objective. 

Generate Alternatives 

Identify Criteria Considerations/ Limitation. 

Analysis the alternative and decide 

Develop an action 

Understanding the situation. 

This is the point you identify and collect relevant information, you ask a question to determine the What, Where, When, Who, and How. This is when you have a full understanding of the problem confronting the organization. This stage enables us to determine relevant and irrelevant information. 

Identify and define the problems.

We can see a problem as an opportunity or a deficiency. Identifying the right problem is key, as this will enable you to develop the right approach to solving it. Avoid confusing symptoms with the problem. 

Define your objectives 

The goal to be achieved must be clear, this will help eliminate any conflict that may arise from different perspectives. 

Generate Alternatives 

Holding a brainstorming session provides a useful source of alternative. Having a group discussion brings about different opinions, which can be fine-tuned to suit the defined objective. 

Identify Criteria Considerations / Limitation. 

These are the conditions that the alternatives must meet to attain establish objectives. Most time criteria are not always financial, the context of the problem gives an indicator on the likelihood of the source problem.  

Analysis of the alternatives and decide. 

Evaluate the alternatives using the established criteria. You establish the qualitative and quantitative issues

Develop an action plan. 

Solutions begins after a decision has been taken, a proper implementation process is also key to implement the action plan.