The purpose of this assignment is to review the root causes of the problem and all of the previously tried and new solutions you researched to address the problem. From that information, potential solutions should be ranked based upon how well they meet the needs of the business and address the identified problem. Once this process is completed, the best solution for solving the problem within your organization can be selected.

Complete the “Problem Solutions Matrix” spreadsheet using data and information you collected through research and completion of the Stakeholder Analysis in Topics 2 and 3. Select the top three solutions for addressing the problem within your organization. Be sure to consider the “Solutions Score” column number when selecting the top three solutions. Additionally, you must also consider the timeline for implementation, costs and benefits to key stakeholders and the greater good, potential roadblocks to implementation, and how you will measure and validate whether or not a solution is successful in addressing the problem. All of this must be considered prior to selecting your final solution.

Problem Solutions Matrix

Directions:  You will use this matrix to record previous attempts to address the problem and proposed problem solutions. Complete the columns on the matrix as directed. For the “Previous Problem Solution/Proposed Problem Solution” column, include a detailed description of the solution, including the source of the solution. In the case of a previous solution, the source could be a manager interview, while the source for a proposed solution could be a link to an online reference article or resource.  All other columns must rank the specified element as it relates to the solution using a 1, 3, or 5, with 5 being the highest ranking. Note that the “Customer Importance” column is weighted at twice the value of the other categories, since the impact of a solution on customers if of utmost importance. For example, if the solution was very important to the customer experience, it would earn a 5.  If that same solution was only a 1 in efficiency and quality, then a 1 would be used in those two columns. If employees were somewhat satisfied with the solution and it was in the middle in terms of cost-effectiveness, then both of those columns would be ranked as a 3. When calculated, the overall solution score would be 18. This number could then be used to compare the solution to other solutions as a means of determining whether or not it should receive further consideration for implementation as a problem-solving strategy.

Customer Importance

Efficiency

Quality

Employee Satisfaction

Cost-Effectiveness

Solutions Score

Previous Problem Solution

Rank each item as a 1, 3, or 5, with 5 as highest ranking.                          Note: Customer Importance is weighted more heavily than other categories.

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Proposed Problem Solution

Rank each item as a 1, 3, or 5, with 5 as highest ranking.                                  Note: Customer Importance is weighted more heavily than other categories.

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