Analysis

An analysis is the breaking down of a problem into smaller problems so they can be solved individually. For example, the System Improvement Process breaks a complex social system problem into these three subproblems:

1. How can we overcome change resistance?

2. Once subproblem 1 is solved, how can we move the system from the present state to the goal state?

3. Once subproblem 2 is solved, how can we keep the system in the goal state so as to prevent problem recurrence?

As another example, system dynamics breaks a problem down into the individual feedback loops that dominant system behavior, and then further breaks the loops down into nodes and relationships. Each node consists of a mathematical equation.

A good analysis uses a formal, well refined process to drive the analysis. A poor analysis does just the opposite: It uses an informal, intuitive process. The former is required for difficult problems. The latter works fine on everyday problems, which is the perfect setup for the Intuitive Process Trap.