Problem Tree Analysis enables you to uncover the root of a problem by mapping out the causes and effects. This enables a problem to be broken down into manageable and definable pieces, and provides a clearer understanding of the context .
Use the following steps to guide you.
Write your challenge in the center of a flip chart or whiteboard. This becomes the ‘trunk’ of the tree and the focal problem. The wording does not need to be exact; the roots (causes) and branches (effects) will define further it.
As a group, discuss the causes of this problem and write them underneath the problem. These become the “roots” of the tree.
Then discuss the effects or consequences of this problem and write them above the problem. These become the “branches” of the tree.
For each cause, ask what causes it. For each effect, ask what the consequences are. Continue this process until no further causes and effects are mentioned. You may not have all the answers at this point, so make notes of any assumptions, questions, conflicts, or gaps in knowledge.