PROBLEM-SOLVING BASICS
This is defined as using a logical, systematic process to identify and resolve issues that affect mission performance.
What is problem-solving?
These four words make up Colonel John Boyd's decision-making model.
What are Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act?
This Air Force model is designed primarily for long-term process improvement.
What is the 8-Step Practical Problem-Solving Method (PPSM)?
This philosophy encourages leaders to leave the office and observe work where it actually occurs.
What is Go and See?
A commander notices paperwork errors but first walks through the office to observe how work is actually performed.
Which PPSM tool is being used?
What is Go and See?
The Air Force emphasizes solving problems at this level instead of simply treating symptoms.
What is the root cause level?
According to Boyd, this is the most important phase because it shapes observation, decisions, and actions.
What is Orient?
Step 1 of PPSM requires leaders to do this before solving anything.
What is Clarify and Validate the Problem?
This tool identifies what customers believe adds value and what does not.
What is Voice of the Customer?
A team develops solutions before clearly defining the problem.
Which PPSM step was skipped?
What is Clarify and Validate the Problem?
The objective of the PPSM is to improve these three areas.
What are the mission, work centers, and people?
The OODA Loop is best suited for these types of situations.
What are rapidly changing, high-tempo situations requiring quick decisions?
Step 2 requires teams to identify this difference.
What is the performance gap?
This tool ensures everyone works toward the same organizational priorities.
What is Strategic Alignment and Deployment (SA&D)?
A unit repeatedly fixes late reports by sending reminder emails, but the reports continue arriving late because the reporting software crashes every Monday morning.
What mistake is the unit making?
They are treating symptoms instead of identifying the root cause.
True or False:
The Air Force encourages solving every problem immediately without gathering data.
What is False?
The final step of the OODA Loop requires implementing this.
What is the chosen course of action (Act)?
Which comes first?
A. Implement Countermeasures
B. Identify Root Cause
What is Identify Root Cause?
True or False:
Assumptions are preferred over firsthand observation when determining root causes.
What is False?
A logistics squadron wants to permanently reduce processing time over the next year using a structured team approach.
Which model is most appropriate?
What is the 8-Step Practical Problem-Solving Method (PPSM)?
This is the primary reason continuous problem-solving is important in an organization.
What is improving mission effectiveness and organizational performance through continuous process improvement?
A flight commander must react immediately to a rapidly changing aircraft emergency with little time for detailed planning.
Which problem-solving model is most appropriate?
What is the OODA Loop?
Place the first four PPSM steps in order.
Your squadron notices increasing customer complaints but immediately purchases new software without investigating the cause.
Which PPSM principle was ignored?
What is determining the root cause before implementing countermeasures?
During a combat deployment, intelligence changes every few minutes. The commander must continuously reassess information, make decisions, act, and immediately begin reassessing again.
Which feature of the OODA Loop makes it especially effective?
Its continuous, cyclical nature that allows rapid adaptation to changing conditions.