"Decomposition-normalization"-PMBOK's Problem Solving Philosophy

Looking at PMBOK, all tools, technologies, and methods used in project management are often not complex. If we show them one by one, we will often feel familiar, and even some of them are already in use. However, under the guidance of the entire PMBOK system framework, we can use many familiar tools and methods to raise the management level of our projects to a higher level. This is what makes PMBOK powerful and one of the cornerstones of PMI's project management technology that can be quickly spread and accepted worldwide.

 

Recently, when training some new project managers in the company, we often emphasize that when learning the PMBOK architecture, tools, technologies, and methods, we must understand the core solution of PMI to a complex problem: "decomposition-normalization ". This approach is very helpful for us to handle problems, cope with emergencies, and improve individual performance. Whether it is from the five Process Groups of PMBOK project management, 9 fields of knowledge, 42 process decomposition; or the application of WBS, all reflect this core idea.

 

The first is decomposition. In this process, we need to brainstorm and divergent thinking. We need to tap into complicated external representations of things and turn big problems into a combination of a series of small problems. In order to achieve a clear goal, global control, that is, not to miss a detail, nor to lose the basic goal of the subject because of a complex surface phenomenon.

 

Second, normalization. With the results of decomposition, the next step is to classify and sort these issues. This is the process of refining and sublimation. Sort out the list of problems obtained by "decomposition", extract public content, analyze the problems, and find a solution, in order to find the optimal solution.

These two steps are not isolated and executed sequentially, but a cyclical process. Especially in the face of complicated problems, we can often grasp the essence of the problem as soon as possible, focus on 80% of core issues, improve work output, and improve personal performance. So it is worth trying, learning, and understanding in our practical work.