Dear Fred
You are correct in your assumption about the KT process. However problem
solving is just that, solving problems. Although the problem might not be
a deterioration but a positive change, in KT +ve deviation or -ve
deviation.
In cybernetics, if the problem is the main cause of any major bottleneck
it is imperative that it is release or solved and all energies focused on
it. This is the basis of EKS Energy Cybernetic Systems, Complex systems
approach. Many German mittlestand companies use this approach.
Winterhalter Gastronom being the most renowned. This stuff is not well
known in the English speaking world.
A systems approach is really not problem solving in my view but rather
having better responses to situations. In cybernetics it is called the law
of Requisite Variety. Situational Leader is one such approach based on
this premise.
Fred Nickols wrote:
> The K-T problem solving method is recognizable for what it is -- a fault
> isolation or troubleshooting methodology -- and, when something goes
> wrong, employing such a methodology is a smart thing to do.
> Unfortunately, in complex systems such as organizations and the work
> processes found therein, many problems are not amenable to treatment using
> a fault isolation methodology. Moreover, even when "causes" can be found
> it might not be possible to simply undo them and thus restore previously
> acceptable conditions.
>
> So, my own view of the K-T process is that it is a dandy technical
> troubleshooting approach but not at all an engineering approach.
--Gavin Ritz <garritz@xtra.co.nz>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>