Problem Analysis™ | Problem-Solving Training Activity

• To develop problem-solving strategies
• To organise themselves and brainstorm ideas
• To think logically and analytically (risk analysis)
• To identify problems and critical information

Rainbow Textiles has suspended production and losses are mounting. Can you trace the cause of the mysterious mark on many of the clothes - and save the business?

You have a full brief and details of the factory. A Databank managed by the facilitator holds all the relevant data about the factory, the staff, possible causes. Teams can only access it via written request. What should you ask for? As the data builds, you gain a clearer picture, but there are plenty of red herrings along the way! You’ll develop a problem-solving strategy; a step-by-step logic or brainstorming or both. Can you use your problem analysis skills to pinpoint the problem?

The exercise looks at the pros and cons of different strategies as well as examining the way groups organise themselves, resolve conflict, communicate and retrieve data. It highlights the need to obtain full details, think logically and to ask the right questions.

1. Introduce the activity.
2. Divide participants into teams and issue copies of the Briefing Sheet.
3. Set times when the Databank is open and accept up to 10 questions from each syndicate. Hand groups the appropriate Datacards that answer the questions asked.
4. Allow time for analysis and then take another round of questions, up to a maximum of three rounds.
5. Call upon each group to make a presentation – of the problem and how best it can be rectified.
6. Lead a discussion on how the teams worked and how they might have improved performance.

Full guidance supplied in the Trainer’s Notes.

• Trainer’s Notes
• Team Briefs
• Sets of 36 Cards
• Data Request Form
• Card Index
• Card Log
• Handout - Teamwork & Problem-Solving

This activity is for face-to-face classroom use. It is supplied as a hard copy pack and the digital files are supplied via the Northgate Trainerhub.

Our licence offering is designed to provide exceptional value and flexibility for your organisational training needs.

Upon purchase, each Northgate activity includes a five-year licence for repeat use, with up to a maximum number of delegates per training session. The maximum number of delegates for this activity is 24 per licence. This grants you the freedom to use the activity repeatedly, with the specified maximum number of delegates, for five years.

All Learning and Development (L&D) professionals based at the same site (or
‘remote hub’) as you are granted access to these resources, including to the digital files on the Trainerhub via your site-specific Trainer Dashboard, fostering a collaborative spirit within your immediate team.

Should you wish to make this activity available to a wider audience within your organisation, additional licences are required. We understand the varying needs of different organisations and aim to provide flexible options to suit your requirements.

For further information on our licence terms, please contact us. We are here to assist you in enhancing your training initiatives and ensuring a seamless and hassle-free licensing experience.