User:Isaacl/Problem resolution process

Overview

The following steps are commonly followed by organizations to resolve problems. Wikipedia could benefit from emulating this process:

1. Define the problem: What is happening, and why is it a problem?
2. Define criteria that establish the scope of the problem. Set up a regular reporting system to monitor the criteria and any trends.
3. Brain storm potential solutions.
4. Identify advantages and disadvantages for the possible solutions. This may require research or experiments.
5. Select one or more solutions to investigate further, and generate additional ideas as necessary. More research or experiments may be needed. Repeat until enough information is known to establish a strategy to address the problem.
6. Identify one or more solutions to implement.
7. Define a target to be met by the implemented solutions.
8. Proceed with implementing solutions.
9. Continue to monitor problem and verify if target is met. Consider if any other conditions have changed such that the target needs to be revisited.
10. If the problem still exists, repeat the process.