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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#22Chapter 3: Problem Identification Techniques• Problem IdentificationCreative ThinkingIndividual and group Mode45-90 min(Medium)

Squeeze and Stretch

From the book "Advanced Problem-Solving Toolbox: 115 Creative Plays" | Compiled & Edited by: Mojtaba Goudarzi, Open translation: Mehrshid Goudarzi
Executive Synopsis & Core Logic:

Examining the problem from two opposite poles: compression and shredding into microscopic components versus stretching and examining macro and environmental variables.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Problem Identification
Dominant Thinking
Creative
Participation
Individual and group
Estimated TimeMedium
45-90 min
Medium
Input Format
information and dimensions of the problem
Output Format
Idea generation
Key Application
Solving chronic business challenges that are both internal technical failures and affected by external market transformations.
Core Differentiator:

Combining the micro-dissection approach with the systemic macro-picture approach in an integrated framework.

Quick Field Example:

An autopsy of a retail store's sales decline by simultaneously examining shelf arrangement (compression) and online shopping trends (pull).

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

comprehensive 360-degree view, preventing myopia or pure abstraction, discovering internal and external hidden roots.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

High volume of production data and the need to spend enough time to separate the interconnections.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Retail and physical stores: An analysis of the reasons for the decline of face-to-face visits versus e-commerce.
Digital Product Design: Exploring UI/UX Bugs (Micro) Alongside AI Technology Changes in the Market (Macro).
Supply chain management: Review of internal warehousing and packaging in line with inflation and macro customs regulations.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Avoid myopic error: not focusing solely on minor internal errors when large environmental changes occur.
2Avoiding environmental projection: not blaming macro market conditions only when the internal arrangement is faulty.
3Discovering synergistic linkages: understanding how a small internal defect multiplies the effect of a large external threat.
4Elaboration of tactical and strategic solutions: design of immediate intra-organizational measures along with macro strategy change.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

In the "Squeeze and Stretch" technique, the problem is treated twice:

In the first phase (Squeeze), we break down the problem: small components, personnel behavior, layout, pricing, and processes. In the second phase (Stretch), we open the camera angle: the macroeconomic situation, emerging competitors, technological developments and changing lifestyles of society. The combination of these two views reveals the truth of the matter.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Scenario: Saving a retail store from the crisis of declining sales with the compression and stretching model
1
Step 1: Compressing the problem and dissecting the sub-componentsDividing the problem into 5 sub-components: store layout, clothing variety basket, checkout personnel training, local advertising and parking location.
2
Step 2: Scrutiny analysis of internal componentsexamination of individual parts; Discovering that shelf layout blocks access to best-selling items and cashiers are slow.
3
Step 3: Stretching the problem and examining macro environmental factorsExpanding the view to macro variables: the boom of online shopping platforms and their discounts, the growth of competing specialty stores in the same area and the reduction of customers' cash purchasing power.
4
Step 4: Micro-Macro Cross-Link AnalysisSpot the Junction: Customers who are highly price sensitive due to inflation will easily migrate to online competitors if they are delayed in the fund.
5
Step 5: Designing a dual package of measuresintensive measures (improving the layout and speeding up the payment process) along with stretching measures (launching online ordering with free local delivery).

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Previous Play (#21)
Rewrite Objectives in Different Ways
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What Do You Know?
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