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Simple & Pragmatic Problem Solving
#99Chapter 7: Option Selection, Execution & Control• Selection, Execution and ControlLogical, hierarchical and operational tree (Decomposition & Execution) ThinkingIndividual and group Mode45-75 Minutes(Fast to moderate)

How-How Diagram

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

Reverse engineering technique of solution implementation; Writing the general solution on the left and repeatedly asking the question "how?" in several successive layers to break down an abstract idea into fully concrete tasks and actions, wisdom and implementation.

Operational Parameters & Specifications

Category
Selection, Execution and Control
Dominant Thinking
Logical, hierarchical and operational tree (Decomposition & Execution)
Participation
Individual and group
Estimated TimeFast to moderate
45-75 Minutes
Workshop
Input Format
Selected solution or general goal, logical thinking of members step by step
Output Format
Idea analysis and detailed tree of executive actions
Key Application
Project management and WBS formulation, reduction of factory production waste, formulation of product launch implementation plans and improvement of operational processes.
Core Differentiator:

reverse movement to the "why-why" diagram; Instead of rooting for the past, this diagram breaks down the future step by step and derives the work breakdown structure (WBS) directly from the heart of the solution.

Quick Field Example:

A factory asks how to 'reduce component defects'? -> by improving the skills of operators; how -> with virtual reality simulator; how -> By buying 2 educational headsets and compiling a 30-minute scenario.

Operational Benefits & Implementation Risks

Advantages & Value Creation:

Transforming unattainable goals into everyday activities, ensuring comprehensiveness and discovering all implementation prerequisites, clarity in assigning tasks to people.

Risks & Potential Trade-offs:

possibility of exploding branches and extreme complexity if the tree depth is not controlled by the facilitator.

Real-World Organizational & Industry Scenarios

Industrial quality management: Decomposing the assembly error rate reduction strategy into micro-measures of calibration and training.
Marketing and Sales: Break the goal of '30% increase in website leads' into specific SEO tasks, click ads and webinars.
Improve HR processes: translate the goal of 'reducing staff turnover' into onboarding and performance reward processes.

Strategic Rationale & Why to Apply

1Dreams come true in the details: A brilliant idea remains a wish if it is not broken down into concrete tasks.
2Discover obstacles before you start: By repeatedly asking 'how?' Hidden technical and financial prerequisites are immediately revealed.
3Clarity of Responsibilities: The last branches of the tree are exactly the tasks that can be written next to the name of an official and a deadline.
4Logically connecting the micro to the macro: Every employee understands how turning a screw is connected to the realization of the company's strategic goal.

Conceptual Framework & Book Method Description

"How-How Diagram" (How-How Diagram) is the operational counterpart of the famous fishbone diagram and the 5 Whys technique. In this method, the accepted macro solution is written on the left side of the board. The facilitator asks: 'How can this solution be achieved?' And the answers are written in the first level branches on the right. Then for each answer it is asked again 'How?' to reach the second and third levels. This logical chain continues until it ends in objective, measurable and unambiguous actions.

Step-by-Step Real-World Implementation Scenario

Reducing Parts Defects in an Auto Parts Production Line with a How-How Diagram
1
Step 1: Registering the big goal on the left side of the boardthe phrase 'reducing the defects of production parts to below 0.5%' was written at the root of the left side.
2
Step 2: The question 'how?' The first levelanswers blossomed into 3 branches: 1. Improving the calibration of devices, 2. Improving the quality control of incoming raw materials, 3. Reducing the human error of operators.
3
Step 3: Question 'How?' Second levelfor human error branch asked how? -> Answer: "Ergonomic training and standardization of mold replacement checklist".
4
Step 4: Question 'How?' Third level (operational)How to standardize the checklist? -> "Installation of a visual fault finding panel on top of each device and installation of barcode scanning before starting".
5
Step 5: Extraction of the final action planThe branches of the third level were converted into 12 executive actions with a specific budget and responsible; Within 3 months, the waste rate dropped to 0.3%.

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