Analytical Thinking

A Logical Problem-Solving Method

Definition
• Ability to solve a complicated
issue by evaluating the available
data and analyze the pattern to
find a solution
 Analytical Thinking Process

Identify the Problem

Identify Root Cause

(Temporary) Solution

Recall
Identify The Problem
Analyze Examine information that has been received in a detailed manner
Information

Breaking Down Some complex problems might require some break down to small problems
Problem

Gathering (More) Gather more data related or similar to the problem and find the similarities
Information

Identify the Issue Develop a final problem that needs to be understood to find the root cause
Breaking Down Problem (Decomposition)
Example of Decomposition
Identify Root Cause
5 Whys Technique
- After identifying the problem, we will identify the
cause of the problem
- To identify the root cause, we will use the
technique by Sakichi Toyoda – Founder of Toyota –
of 5 Whys
- Ask the first “why” -> a phrase is preferable rather
than single word or long sentence
- Ask the second “why” towards the answer of the
first “why”
- Repeat the process until a root cause might be
identified

Further Reading:
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_5W.htm
 After identifying the root cause learn from previous
similar case on how to solve one problem that is
similar to your root cause
(temporary)
Some cases could be searched through the internet
Solution search engine

Some cases might need an extra creativity in solving

due to its nature of uniqueness

Language of countermeasure is also introduced to

give the idea that problem will always exist, and
solution is a permanent way to solve it
 If the solution or countermeasure fail, then
we can trace back to whether we took the
wrong solution or countermeasure

Recall- Another way to look is it might be wrong on

Does it the analysis of the root cause or even until
identifying the problem
Work? Even if the problem succeeds, the Recall
process is important to understand the
success way and could provide an insight for
future problems
Student • Form a group consist of 4-5 students
• Find a problem that is around you

Practice • Practice the ‘identify the problem’

method and ‘Identify the Root Cause’