Day 1: Diagnosing Problems and Understanding Causes

Defining Administrative Problems

• Symptom separated from problem
• Clear boundaries for problem scope
• Impact that can be measured
• Clear and analyzable problem statement

Analyzing Root Causes

• Direct and underlying causes
• Evidence supporting causal link
• Separating cause from symptoms
• Causes that can be addressed

Developing Solution Alternatives

• Expected risks associated with option
• More than one viable path
• Alternatives reflecting currently available resources
• Solutions addressing actual root cause

Day 2: Comparing Alternatives and Selecting Solutions

Criteria for Comparing Alternatives

• Criteria linked to decision objective
• Weights reflecting real priorities
• Common scale for rating options
• Sensitivity test of decision ranking

Executive Decision Brief and Analysis

• Clear alternatives presented to decision-maker
• Expected consequences for each alternative
• Recommendation supported by clear rationale
• Concise information relevant to decision

Analyzing Decision Alternative Risks

• Implementation risks and control options
• Failure likelihood of each alternative
• Decision impact on office operations
• Controls reducing decision execution risks

Day 3: Implementing Solutions and Tracking Progress

Turning Decisions into Action

• Monitoring reveals implementation delays early
• Clear steps following final decision
• Ownership assigned to each step
• Realistic timeline for completing actions

Following Up Decisions and Tasks

• Single log for open commitments
• Reminder sent before due date
• Escalation when actions are delayed
• Documented closure after successful completion

Continuous Administrative Improvement

• Selecting improvements according to impact
• Testing solution on small sample
• Scaling solutions that demonstrated success
• Development opportunities arising during work

• Recommendation presentation simulation to a decision owner
• Implementation plan with ownership and tracking measures
• Problem-framing workshop separating symptoms from causes
• Root-cause analysis applied to an administrative case