Kepner-Tregoe Method (PowerPoint PPT)

The Kepner-Tregoe Method, developed by social scientists Charles Kepner and Benjamin Tregoe, is a Problem Solving and Decision Making framework. It is also referred to as the Kepner-Tregoe Matrix, KT Method, and PSDM (Problem Solving and Decision Making).

The Kepner-Tregoe approach is based on the premise that the end goal of any decision is to make the "best possible" choice—not the "perfect" choice. In other words, the decision maker must accept some risk. This model thus helps evaluate and mitigate the risks of our decision. It is comprised of 4 rational process areas:

1. Situation Appraisal
2. Problem Analysis
3. Decision Analysis
4. Potential Problem Analysis

The Kepner-Tregoe Method defines a process of setting objectives, exploring and prioritizing alternatives, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the top alternatives, and of choosing the final "best" alternative. Then, it prompts us to generate ways to control the potential problems result from the decision.

The Kepner-Tregoe Method has been deployed at global organizations, such as NASA, IBM, Sun Microsystems and Siemens.