The document outlines Karon Bowman's consulting methods for problem solving, which involves a multi-step process including framing the problem, identifying goals and alternatives, evaluating risks, making a decision, implementing solutions, and evaluating results. The process focuses on understanding the current situation, defining the desired end state, considering various solutions and risks, selecting optimal solutions aligned with goals, implementing and measuring outcomes, and engaging in continuous improvement.

1. KARON BOWMAN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES CONSULTING METHODS

2. PROBLEM SOLVING DESCRIBE THE SITUATION What is the situation of the company or department? What challenges exist in this operation? What opportunities exist in this operation?

3. PROBLEM SOLVING FRAME THE RIGHT PROBLEM What is the problem—identify the “right problem”? Is there a problem? Is it worth solving—What are the risks what is the cost? Who are the stakeholders?

4. PROBLEM SOLVING DESCRIBE THE END STATE GOAL What does the idea end state look like—What is the desired state? What are the goals that define the desired state?

5. PROBLEM SOLVING IDENTIFY THE ALTERNATIVES What are some possible solutions to the identified issues? What are my assumptions and constraints to the possible solutions? Can I overlook these constraints and consumptions? What are best case solutions or best practices that have worked in similar situations?

6. PROBLEM SOLVING EVALUATE THE ALTERNATIVES How to the alternatives stack up against the goals ? Are there goals that if not met, would eliminate the solution?

7. PROBLEM SOLVING IDENTIFY AND ASSESS RISKS What are the risks of the alternatives selected? What are the consequences (positive and negative) of these risks? Are the potential consequences worth the risks?

8. PROBLEM SOLVING MAKE THE DECISION—OPTIMAL SOLUTIONS How do the solutions selected line up with the goals of the company or department? Have the risk been assessed and mitigated?

9. PROBLEM SOLVING IMPLEMENTATION THE SOLUTIONS Cost Action Item Timeline Who, is Responsible, For What? When?

10. PROBLEM SOLVING EVALUATE THE RESULTS Gap Analysis Estimated Implementation costs/actual End State Goal—Measures and Metrics Set Measures/Metric Timelines, Reporting, Goals /

11. Continuous Improvement After issues have been solved and solutions have been implemented and the results are a success, It is imperative to be proactive. How? Revisit the solutions, processes and changes Research trends in the industry and seek to make improvements when necessary Keep abreast of competitors, loss of market share Red flag all decreases in sales or other areas of concern Red Flag re-occurring issues Seek solutions immediately—Always seek ways to improves even when things look great

12. For additional Information or to use this presentation contact: Karon Bowman. Management Consultant Yvettebow5aol.com @copyright 2008 All rights reserved • UNLOCK EXCELLENCE • KARON BOWMAN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES