Flowcharts Help with Root Cause Analysis for Business Problem Solving

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” –Mark Twain

Causation represents a range of triggers that can set events in motion and cast far-reaching impact in a variety of scenarios. A survey of economic and political history informs us causes can arise from multiple roots and conditions – all of these merit close examination and analysis. In this context, root cause analysis is a method that identifies and unearths the root causes of faults, problems, situations, and outcomes and represents a cornerstone of Business Problem Solving. This is valid in a variety of domains, including telecommunications, industrial process control, IT processes, accident analysis, medicine, healthcare industry, among others. Some observers in the domain of modern commerce aver flowcharts represent an ideal framework to conduct root cause analysis in the interests of Business Problem Solving. These diagrams can describe the various interactions between varieties of factors, thus helping to advance the cause of such analysis.

A straightforward representation of a flowchart diagram can take the shape of a linear illustration, also known as a flowchart. The initial stages of this diagram must define the problem at hand; this can emerge in the form of a cluster of sub-stages. Each of these units contributes to problem definition, thereby reinforcing the fundamentals of an attempt to fashion a blueprint for Business Problem Solving. The subsequent stages to the primary stage may depict the collection of information and data. This stage, when powered by multiple sources of information, represents another cluster of sub-stages. Further to this, the root cause analysis illustration may depict attempts to identify possible causal factors that triggered the original problem, a refinement of these causes to a single cause or two crucial causes. The final stage of the illustration may feature recommendations and the outlines of a solution that will resolve the original problem. We note this attempt at Business Problem Solving proceeds through multiple stages, thereby reinforcing the impression that flowcharts present the ideal analytical framework to solve different business issues and problems.

Disruptions in workflow can prove fatal for the fortunes of the modern enterprise. Therefore, investigators tasked with the task of Business Problem Solving can fashion flowcharts that that seek to address the roots of such disruption and apply remedies forthwith. The contours of such an illustration, when designed with zest and a disregard for the norms of flowchart design, could emerge as an open-ended diagram. The outline of successive arrow heads can present the visual form of this illustration. Each arrow head can be depict minor events that add up to create a full-blown disruption in workflow. Hence, a raft of factors such as delayed decisions, delays in batching activities, the challenges of speculative market demand, dis-engagement on the part of business associates, ambiguity on the part of business actors such as suppliers and vendors can be positioned along the various arrow heads. These elements of causation can trigger an attempt at Business Problem Solving through the auspices of said diagram. In a certain sense, this illustration is a reversal of the traditional ideas that power a linear depiction of various causative factors. Further, resolution of the said problem may emerge in iterative stages inside a different illustration clearly positioned apart from the above blueprint.

The cyclical shape, when mated to a judicious deployment of colors, could assist designers to create a visual depiction of Business Problem Solving methods that hinge on the use of (evolved) flowchart diagrams. Cause and effect must feature prominently inside such a diagram, while the agents of resolution may find representation on an outer track that mirrors the core cyclical image. We note such an illustration, when complete, poses dual lines of information; the inner circle represents a graded act of Business Problem Solving, while multiple elements of resolution feature on the outer wheel. Observers have noted such diagrams represent a coded message that describes both the problem and resolution through a visual singularity. Students of business studies may use this template to refine their understanding of acts pertaining to Business Problem Solving. Similarly, the purveyors of business strategy can deploy such wheels of information to refine the concept of the modern flowchart. In essence, the circular representation finds new meaning and fresh heft in furthering the cause of solving the problems faced by modern businesses.

Weightages, when assigned to the various agents of causation inside a flowchart, help evacuate new meaning from diagrams designed for the express purpose of Business Problem Solving. In line with this, business analysts may assign a variety of appropriate weightages to the what, the how, the who, the when, and the why positioned across such an illustration. The visual that emerges from such efforts transmits a clear message to the minds of readers and reviewers. Color codes can be deployed to reinforce the emerging message, and present a clear justification of actions that comprise a proposed solution. We note said weightages must be applied after an analysis of the problem at hand; such actions may prompt the creation of a graded response in terms of Business Problem Solving. In addition, weightages can help business operators to refine the planks of existing policy, and assist with devising priorities when solving a certain problem. This technique generate a visual, which admittedly, represents a certain departure from the traditional norms of designing inter-linked diagrams. This assertion, however, in no manner takes away from validity of deploying said technique.

Granularity certainly contributes to the development of visually dense images, but its intelligent application may boost the mission of Business Problem Solving through flowchart diagrams. For instance, a business operator may position a certain problem upfront inside a flowchart; the subsequent lines of analyses can be depicted through a series of vertically stacked stages that emerge from said problem. To the eyes of the casual observer, the developing image may represent text enclosed in separate vertical stages, but the analyst can discern clear meaning in this graphical representation of Business Problem Solving. This illustration may also feature parallel sequences of stages that depict twin causation leading to the primary problem at the top of this diagram. In addition, small depictions of an essential flowchart may emerge as the master illustration takes shape; these depictions may describe the genesis of problems within a localized context. Therefore, creation of this illustration can aid the sponsor business describe all manner of causation, the factors that feed into the primary problem, and delineate possible efforts that will fuel the subsequent actions of Business Problem Solving.

These attempts at studying the use of flowcharts in the cause of Business Problem Solving present a diversity of methods and techniques useful for the average business operator. A freestyle approach to designing flowcharts, when complemented by the careful study of manifest information, can assist designers navigate business problems and arrive at unique solutions on behalf of business operators. These illustrations also represent a powerful medium that can help advance the methodologies deployed for root cause analysis in a variety of modern contexts. A special thrust on the quality of information positioned inside these flowcharts can elevate the nature of the subsequent solutions; therefore, analysts and designers must remain careful in such matters. Information of lesser relevance may dilute any attempt at Business Problem Solving, and may prove counter-productive in the long term.

Develop interactive decision trees for troubleshooting, cold calling scripts, medical appointments, or process automation. Enhance sales performance and customer retention across your call centers. Lower costs with customer self-service.

Interactive Decision Tree