Reflection - What is the difference between Problem Solving and Project Management? How does it relate to photography

Have you wondered the difference between Problem Solving and Project Management? Through my career across different industries, I have seen few who truly see the difference between the two. One of the reason is because the approach in problem solving and project management are used together by people in different roles ( Project manager , Six Sigma Blackbelt.

 One of the clearest way to see the difference is through a problem vs solution perspective. Project Management is great when problem is known and solution is known.  For example, you have specific solution (migrate system X to Y) with specific timeline (6 month). You then may use classic waterfall approach like PMI 5 phases (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitor and Control and Closing) or SDLC 7 Stages. Problem solving is great when problem is known but solution is unknown. For example, you have a target to reduce cycle time by 1hour (say 50%). However, how to reduce the time (solution) has to be discovered systematically.  You then may use problem solving which may include   using classically Deming Cycle (PDCA – Plan Do Check and Act) or more contemporary Six Sigma approach ( DMAIC – Define Measure Analyze Improve Control).

Typically, a Lean Six Sigma/Operational Excellence person/ Master blackbelt/Blackbelt will be an expert in Problem Solving approaches.  The confusion comes when you will still practice Project Management in the journey of problem solving ( say through DMAIC). At the same time, a good project manager will often practice problem solving approach within the bound of project management. He/She while mandated with clear deliverables and timeline, will need to lead and drive problem solving.  For example, there was issue found during User Acceptance Test ( UAT) of the project. The project manager will need to lead the team to find the root cause ( as opposed to simple management of schedule and getting the team to come out with solution automatically

The issue happens when Project Managers (in the role) are not formally trained or skilled  in problem solving.  He/She may jump into solutions when issue happened without a proper problem-solving approach. There are further confusions when hybrid approach in project management ( like Agile approach) is used contemporary setting.

Life does have its choices on how we can equip people with problem solving skills. One choice is for people to learn through mistake and experience. However, often people repeats the same mistake and never learn. It may also be too costly for someone to learn by mistake. The other choice is to make sure everyone in the company is trained and norm in problem solving. It is important to note that there is no practical need for everyone to be trained in problem solving knowledge and skill at blackbelt/master blackbelt  level. There is practical value if everyone is norm in basic problem solving. This allows common way and expectation to discover solution systematically. This is the reason why I am passionate about sharing problem solving approach and techniques whether at or outside work.

Photography in its essential is problem solving. It is not a simple project management (problem – get 10 photos. Solution – Give 10 photos). It is about understanding the goal (of capturing), finding opportunities and discovering the solutions to the solution. Will find time to write and share further reflection how photography helped to develop my problem solving skills and vice versa. While I am may be busy, there is always 15minutes for anyone. Open to share in more details for friends and associate who are interested – whether problem solving or photography.

SDLC  - Software Development Life Cycle

PMI – Project Management Institute.