Problem Tree and System Thinking

What is the purpose of a Problem Tree Analysis?

To identify major problems and their main causal relationships.

What is the main output of a Problem Tree Analysis?

A problem tree showing causes and effects.

How should problems be stated when identifying them in a Problem Tree Analysis?

Problems should be stated in a negative manner.

What is the first step in creating a Problem Tree?

Identify the major problems that the project will address.

After identifying problems, what should you do next in a Problem Tree Analysis?

Group problems by similarity of concerns.

How do you select the focal problem in a Problem Tree?

Choose one key problem from the list that connects to other issues.

In a Problem Tree, where should causes of the focal problem be placed?

Below the focal problem.

In a Problem Tree, where should effects of the focal problem be placed?

Above the focal problem.

What is the goal of transforming a Problem Tree into an Objective Tree?

To restate problems as positive objectives.

How are problem statements transformed in an Objective Tree?

They are converted into positive statements.

What does the top of an Objective Tree represent?

The end or overall objective that is desired.

What do the lower levels of an Objective Tree represent?

The means to achieving the end objective.

What thinking technique should be used to find innovative solutions beyond logic?

Divergent creativity techniques.

In the Vallegrande example, what was the main regional background?

A peasant region far from large urban centers with small farming communities.

What were some of the main causes of the income decrease for Vallegrande farmers?

High production costs, expensive inputs, inefficient use of resources, few suppliers, and inflation.

Why were harvests in Vallegrande increasingly scarce?

Losses due to pests, inadequate production techniques, soil depletion, and water scarcity.

Why were selling prices of products low in Vallegrande?

Farmers sold to intermediaries who set prices, had poor market knowledge, bad communications, and faced oversupply and competition.

What were some effects of the Vallegrande problems?

Land abandonment, youth migration to cities, and general demoralization.

What does the Objective Tree in Vallegrande aim to show?

How goals (ends) can be achieved through specific actions (means).

What does the Palmira City example illustrate?

How causes, consequences, means, and ends relate in a problem and objective tree.

In the System Thinking case, what happens when bus fares increase?

CPA revenue rises, enabling fleet renewal and better service quality.

How does a renewed fleet affect service quality and the Mayor’s veto?

Improved service reduces the chance of a veto, which helps maintain balanced fares.

How does better service impact demand and CPA revenue?

Better service increases demand, which further raises CPA revenue.

What does System Thinking emphasize in problem analysis?

Understanding feedback dynamics and interconnections within a system.

What is briefly mentioned as another example of System Thinking?

The case of Neuro Diverse Cultur