Problem Solving and Decision Making – PowerPoint PPT Template

BENEFITS OF THIS DOWNLOADABLE POWERPOINT DOCUMENT

1. Framework that has been tested at a top tier consulting firm
2. Examples to help understand key concepts
3. Simple and pragmatic problem solving process

PROBLEM SOLVING PPT TEMPLATE DESCRIPTION

Editor Summary Problem Solving and Decision Making is a 32-slide PowerPoint toolkit by Corporate Finance 101 presenting a 7-step problem-solving cycle used by ex-McKinsey consultants, with the problem statement method shown on page 8. Read more Includes 6 downloadable tools: problem statement template, issue tree model, prioritization matrix, analysis framework, synthesis guide, and recommendation format. Target users include corporate executives, consultants, project managers, and business analysts. Sold as a digital download on Flevy with immediate digital download.

Use this deck when teams face complex strategic questions that require clear definition, structured breakdown, and prioritized action — for example during strategic planning, post-merger design, or high-stakes decision meetings.
  Corporate executives crafting a SMART problem statement to frame strategic priorities and brief stakeholders.
  Management consultants decomposing client issues into hypothesis-driven issue trees and testing sub-hypotheses.
  Project managers building work plans and using a prioritization matrix to allocate limited resources across initiatives.
  Business analysts applying the provided analysis framework to produce evidence that supports recommendations.
The 7-step cycle emphasizes hypothesis generation, issue structuring, and synthesis consistent with McKinsey-style structured problem solving.

Read Presentation Deep Dive

Explore Slides inside the Deck:

Structured Approach to Problem Definition and Decision-Making Integrating MECE Framework with 80/20 Efficiency Principles Strategic Problem Statement Analysis for Oilco Refinery

According to McKinsey, structured problem solving can be used to address almost any complex challenge in business or public policy. Consulting deliverables typically take the form of PowerPoint presentations.

AIM:

1. This document explains how to identify, define and solve problems in a structured manner and communicate findings effectively to the client. It has a strong focus on hypothesis generation techniques utilized by the world's leading consulting firm.
2. It introduces tools that consultants can add to their toolkit of skills and use for many types of problem-solving and is suitable for anyone who is looking for a robust methodology to solve complex problems.

CONTENTS
The Problem Solving and Decision Making deck outlines the following topic:
1. The key principles of the logical problem-solving approach – Impact driven, focused and fact-based
2. The problem-solving cycle – problem definition, problem structuring, prioritization, issue analysis and work plan, analysis, synthesis, and recommendations
3. Problem statement "framework"
4. What is an issue tree and why is it important?
5. Prioritization and methods for prioritizing
6. Synthesis and it's objective

This deck emphasizes the importance of a well-defined problem statement, highlighting characteristics such as specificity, measurability, action orientation, relevance, and time-bound criteria. It guides you through the process of structuring the problem, encouraging disaggregation and hypothesis generation to identify key elements. The issue tree is presented as a crucial tool for breaking down complex problems into manageable sub-issues, facilitating efficient analysis and team collaboration.

The PPT also delves into prioritization, stressing the need to focus on high-impact actions given limited resources. It covers the entire problem-solving cycle, from problem definition to developing actionable recommendations. The distinction between summary and synthesis is clarified, ensuring that your conclusions are not just a collection of facts, but a coherent, actionable strategy. This resource is designed to equip you with a comprehensive framework for tackling intricate business challenges.

Explore Slides inside the Deck: