CC BY
11DOI: 10.24412/cl-37100-2023-12-65-73
M.S. Rubin, A.V. Kulakov, A.S. Kharitonov, A.V. Trantin
Characteristics Dissonance Analysis as a Methodology for Statement of Tasks
SUMMARY
In the present work, the authors disclose the essence of the method developed by them, which got the name of Characteristics dissonance analysis. This is a method for analysis of different characteristics of one system, which are interconnected by one model or another, or of similar characteristics of different systems. This method found extensive use in practical activity of the team of authors and is directed predominantly at identification of problem situation and statement of «correct» problems. The novelty of the work consists in the complex research of the nature of dissonances, as well as in the algorithmizing of work with the emerging dissonances for the sake of formulating the tasks for future projects. The article will contain the analysis of such aspects, which prove the efficiency of the authors' developments, will show the actual examples of using the method for stating the tasks at manufacturing plants of various branches of metallurgy. Also, further steps for developing and using of this method will be briefly described.
INTRODUCTION
The development of science and technology leads to the appearance of still more approaches to solving the problems of various level of complicacy and corresponding methodologies. However, with the development of solving tools the issue of «What problems should be solved? » becomes more acute. As the practice shows, the identification and statement of «correct» is often more important than the ability to solve these problems. S. Litvin writes: «According to our statistics, vast majority of source, target-oriented problems need not be solved at all». [1]. The basic problem consists in the fact that in practice it often happens that the effect of solving the problem, even if the solution does not cause questions, is significantly lower than the resources consumed for obtain-ment of this solution.
Currently there are such TRIZ tools, which enable to identify and state the problems. There are tools, which are both more known and widely spread in practice, like, for example, value engineering analysis (VEA) [2, 3], Flow analysis [4, 5], Failure anticipation analysis, and less known: Modeling the scheme of causality of interactions (SCI), TRIZ-analysis of social-and-technical systems [6] etc. The method of Main Parameters of Value (MPV) Analysis [7, 8, 9] is used for statement of problems with regard to the requirements of the market. However, the use of above-listed tools, from the viewpoint of the authors, does not always enable to attain the required result - to identify and to state the «correct» problem.
The method for Characteristics dissonance analysis is, on the one hand, the generalization of existing methods for identification and statement of problems and on the other hand, the widening of the area of using analytical tools and approaches of TRIZ beyond the limits of exclusively technical systems.
This method started to develop based on quite a number of existing tools, directions and methodologies. In the analysis of dissonance of system characteristics, it is possible to find the elements of theory of cognitive dissonance of Leon Foestinger [10], the elements of above-mentioned value engineering analysis [2, 3] and parametrical analysis, sociometry, etc.
Thus, having amalgamated many useful features of different methodologies, the analysis of dissonance of system characteristics could be considered to be all-embracing for identifying possible problem directions, which is expressed in the fact that on the whole the method could work with absolutely any system (all-purpose character according to the object), thereby using the same algo-rithmized steps (all-purpose character according to method). The advantages of this methodology also include its relative simplicity in application as part of problem statement, when it is not required of the manager to have deep and detailed knowledge of specific features of system functioning, which was several times checked by the authors based on actual business cases.
Significance of the issue of problem statement
According to the opinion and experience of the authors many managers often encountered such situations, when the solution of the stated problem did not bring desired results, or the expended effort was much greater than the effect from solving the problem. Nevertheless, as part of the present article the authors think it to be necessary to quote the examples of such situations in order to supply additional illustrations of the idea, what incorrectly stated problem could lead to.
Example 1. To begin with, let us consider the situation, when a problem stated on one system level did not take into account the supersystem requirements. A project team at one enterprise faced the problem of increasing the productive capacity of the equipment. The problem is important and did not cause doubts with anybody. According to the results of project performance, it became possible to increase productive capacity by 9.7%, which was a good result for this category. However, the growth of productive capacity did not entail the increase in demand for products of the manufacturing plant and, consequently, the profits from selling these products. This example shows that in stating the problems it is necessary to focus not only on the system being changed, but also on what surrounds this system.
Example 2. Another example is dedicated to the search of methods for reduction of costs in producing metallurgic products. The project team performed the analysis of electric energy consumption and the analysis showed that one of the highest parameters of consumption per ton of product is concentrated at the section of anodizing. Preliminary economic effect from decrease of electric energy expenditure in this section appears to be rather significant and the project team directed their effort exactly in this way. The technological chain of this section was analyzed in greater detail, problems and losses of electric energy were identified, concepts for eliminating them were implemented. However, only in calculation of actual economic effect it became clear that the area is significantly underloaded because of the absence of orders, it operates 1 day a week. Many consumers did not buy anodized products and nobody expected that «breakthrough» solutions would lead to the increase in the number of orders particularly for anodized products.
Example 3. Let us analyze the situation, when the economic (or any other) effect of solving the stated problem is dramatically less than the number of resources expended on solving it. A problem of reduction of product cost had been solving at an industrial enterprise. The project team contracted for solving this problem consisted of 7 persons. Eight months later the problem was completely solved and the concepts obtained were implemented with the production process. However, after the analysis of the solution it appeared that the direct economic effect from the solution of this problem was more than two times lower than the salaries of the project team during this period. I.e., the resources spent on solving this problem appeared to be greater than the result obtained.
Encountering such negative results of work, when time and resources are spent and even there is an implemented solution, but the actual effect is not attained, the team started to develop methodology, which would be able to assist in significant simplification of search and selection of «correct» problem,
thereby retaining its simplicity and all-purpose character for broad range of application in different systems (from complicated social-and-technical ones to purely utilitarian ones).
As a result, the work on identification of problems in different systems, which are located at different system levels, rich experience was accumulated, which enabled to pass over to formalizing of achievements, which finally found its reflection in the generation of such a method as Characteristics dissonance analysis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE METHOD «CHARACTERISTICS DISSONANCE ANALYSIS»
Characteristics dissonance analysis is a method for analysis of different characteristics of one system interconnected by one and the same model or similar characteristics of different systems for the purpose of identifying problem situation and stating the tasks. In order to perform the Characteristics dissonance analysis, it is possible to use the same characteristic of one and the same system, but measured at different time or at various stages of the system lifecycle. Dissonance in TRIZ is a violation of concord (harmony) in interconnected characteristics of one or several similar systems. The wording of characteristics could be different - from "good/bad" to graphic rendering of functioning range. At any rate these are certain evaluations of behavior or state of object/process/system [11]. Characteristics dissonance analysis is the generalization of a complex of types of analysis, connected by a similar approach: value engineering analysis (VEA), sociometry, analysis of limits of development, theory of cognitive dissonance, function analysis, etc. These kinds of analysis can be considered as a private case of dissonance of system characteristics.
Characteristics dissonance analysis enables to identify the most general and often non-obvious problems in the systems. The method could be applied to any systems: material and non-material. The identified problems could also have a large spectrum of variety: from purely technical to financial-and-economic and organizational problems but the approach in the analysis will be the same.
It is possible to identify the following sources for analysis of characteristics:
• Different source data;
• Distorted model;
• Distorted image;
• Incorrect comparison;
• Wrong evaluation of comparison;
• Dissonance in the object proper;
• etc.
In graphic form the dissonance of characteristics of the system could be presented in the form of the model developed by the authors (Fig. 1), reflecting the main essence of the dissonance.
Figure 1
In spite of the commonness and in contrast to other methods for search and statement of tasks, characteristics dissonance analysis of system immediately leads us to those measurable characteristics and parameters, which enable to transfer the identified dissonances to objective contradictions of requirements of supersystems and the features of system elements. Thus, Characteristics dissonance analysis could be a kind of «start» before the transition to the classic triad of contradictions (figure 2), which was many times verified by the authors in different cases.
In order to formalize the work and to structure the information the authors developed and currently offer for use the morphological box of obtained «dissonances». The authors propose the following definitions and abbreviations for working with the morphological box:
• Characteristic 1 and characteristic 2 are different analyzed characteristics, however, one and the same characteristic should be similarly understood within different systems or at different time;
• System 1 and system 2 are, respectively, analyzed systems (objects or processes); at that it is important to understand
that System 2 is not a System 1 or a subsystem (supersystem) of a system;
• Symbols -1, 0, +1 is a specific feature of analyzing the system in the past, present and future respectively.
Figure 2
-\
Analysis of dissonance of characteristics
Administrative contradiction, inventive situation, original problem
Contradiction of requirements, technical contradiction
■--"N,
Contradiction of attribute, physical contradiction
Table 1 contains a possible form of a matrix of such a visualization.
Table 1. Morphological box of dissonance of characteristics.
Past Present
Future
l/l 03 Q.
C
a; i/i a;
a;
D
4-J =3
X1C1 -1 X2C1 -1 X1C2 -1 X2C2 -1 X1C1 0 X2C1 0 X1C2 0 X2C2 0 X1C1 +1 X2C1 +1 X1C2 +1 X2C2 +1
X1C1 -1
X2C1 -1
X1C2 -1
X2C2 -1
X1C1 0
X2C1 0
X1C2 0
X2C2 0
X1C1 +1
X2C1 +1
X1C2 +1
X2C2_+1
For example, X1C1_0 will mean that the Characteristic 1 of the System 1 at present is being analyzed and it can be compared with X1C1_+1 - the same Characteristic 1 of System 1 in future. Or this characteristic is compared with System 1 on the one hand and System 2 on the other hand, etc. Based on the results obtained from the results of analysis, it will be possible to speak about the possible problem directions, in which it is possible to find the problems to be stated.
In order to search for more complicated dissonances, it is possible to analyze the cases, when a system or its supersystem or subsystem is used for comparison, which enables to observe the existing process or technology in greater detail, however, within the frames of this templates such variants are not reflected.
It is obvious that the morphological box can be increased in proportion to inclusion of new systems and characteristics with the analysis, however, based on the experience of the authors, it is sufficient to use no more than 2-3 systems and 2-3 characteristics for attainment of the goal concerning quick search and selection of potentially vital problem.
In order to work with the Characteristics dissonance analysis, the authors developed the following algorithm, which they currently use:
• Select a complex of systems (objects, elements or processes) for analysis. For example, equipment or technological process of a particular plant is selected.
• Define the goal of analysis: search for problem directions for future projects; ranking objects or processes or identification of the problems and statement of tasks. For example, reduce gas consumption, enhance product capacity, etc.
• Select the characteristics, which could be characterized by dissonances. For example, expenditures and productive capacity could be selected, of labor payment fund (LPF) and added value, number of processing operations and their cost, quality and rate of processes, etc. It is allowed to quote characteristics of derived values, obtaining two characteristics instead of one or forming complicated characteristics. For example, LPF and cost for an operation could be presented as one derived characteristic, which is numerically expressed as the ratio of LPF to operation.
• Define the time periods needed for the search of dissonance in system characteristics. It could be the data characterizing preceding periods, which are compared with the present period or between themselves, etc.
• Process the information in a convenient way: in the form of sector diagrams, linear charts, tables, etc.
• Define the identified dissonances. As a rule, from the very beginning, it is possible to discover dissonances, if necessary, it is possible to pass over to item 3.
• Analyze the results from the viewpoint of correspondence to goals, stated in item 2. If the goals are not attained, pass over to item 1.
The identified dissonance of characteristics is an important element for stating cause/effect relations, which lead to identified dissonance. In its turn, it enables to formulate the contradictions of requirements and to find methods for eliminating them.
EXAMPLES OF USING THIS METHOD
4 examples are presented in this section, selected by the authors from the set of resolved cases dated 2021.
Example 1. As a first example let us analyze the technical system at the level of an enterprise. Of course, there is no expecting a certain particular formulated task at such a high system level. This example is an illustration of how the analysis of characteristics helps to decrease the area of search for problems and tasks.
Added value, formed during the alteration, was taken as the first characteristic. The second characteristic is the labor payment fund. The dissonance is visible at figure 3. Calcination complex forms the minimum added value, however, in this case the expenditures on labor payment fund are maximum. A conclusion can be drawn therefrom that first of all one should solve the problems as-
sociated with the calcinations complex. These disproportionately high expenditures could be associated with:
- manual work of low productive capacity;
- complicated and labor-intensive operations;
- large number of alterations;
- highly skilled unique personnel.
Added value \ Labor payment fund
15 000
10 000
5 000
13469
4 294 6822
657 298 485
Calcination complex Mixing and pressing complex Roasting complex
■ Added value 2020 ■ Labor payment fund per 1 MT
Figure 3
And each of these reasons could contain a contradiction. Which of these reasons (or a set of several reasons) are a ground for the emerging dissonance is an object for further research of TRIZ specialist at the enterprise? However, at this stage the operational zone of search for problems became at least 3 times narrower.
Example 2. The next example is destined to demonstrate the applicability of Characteristics dissonance analysis in non-technical systems. An inquiry was carried out in a certain social group. The participants were asked only one question: with whom out of the members of the group would they like to perform a common project and with whom would they like to go to the pub in the evening? After processing the results, a diagram was obtained, which is presented in figure 4.
Figure 4
In the diagram it is possible to identify the dissonance of characteristics with the participants «1, 2, 9, 10, 11». In forming a project team out of the participants of this social group the leader will encounter a number of contradictions. For example, the colleagues would prefer business contacts with the first participant, however, at the same time they don't want to establish informal relationships, though all kinds of connections are equally important for an efficient team work.
Example 3. In order to analyze example 3, we propose to address allied methodologes.
Introducing of lean production, TPM, 6 sigma, TQM and other methodologies offers valuable data to TRIZ specialist, which are at bottom characteristics of certain production systems.
Figure 5 presents diagrams of productivity coefficients and quality coefficients of a casting aggregate built based on the data of production systems.
1,000 0,980 0,960 0,940 0,920 0,900 0,880 0,860 0,840 0,820 0,800
2018 Mar May Jul Sep Nov 2019 Mar May Jul Sep Nov 2020 Mar May Jul Sep Nov Jail Jan Jail
Productivity Quality
Figure 5
The dissonance dated January 2019 catches the eye first. The increase of productivity is accompanied by the decrease in quality at the given casting aggregate. What is this non-desirable effect associated with? This is an object of a separate research. However, at this stage the image of the would-be important task is quite understandable.
Example. 4. One more proposed example is the case, which was put into effect in the course of a project session for leaders at one of the big enterprises of non-ferrous metallurgy.
In the course of preparation an inquiry was sent to the manufacturing plant asking for information, which could be generalized in the form of 5 topical groups: Structure of the enterprise, financial characteristics, Competitors, Problems (quality), Implemented projects.
Several dissonances were identified as a result of the work performed:
Dissonance 1: Productive capacity/marginality according to fractional composition. High productive capacity with large fractions combined with their relatively low marginality (Fig. 6) Dissonance of the type (X1C10) -(X1C2 0).
Figure 6
Dissonance 2: Additional alteration «3» adds less value than «1» and «2» (figures 7 and 8). Dissonance of the type (Х1С1_0) - ^^^
Figure 7
Figure 8
According to the results of work with identified dissonances, potential direction was defined for further penetration into the world market. After several months, the idea found its implementation in placed contracts and plans for further cooperation.
CONCLUSION
Stating problems is an important topic and, according to the opinion of the authors, exactly the statement of the problem, not its solution in many respects predetermines the future result of the project.
The method «Characteristics dissonance analysis» developed by the authors embraced the approaches of several TRIZ tools: parametrical approach, comparison of numeric characteristics of process/product with itself and with analogous processes/products, etc. and generalized them for the sake of joint use. Besides, due to generalization the analysis of dissonance of characteristics enables to work almost with any system (technical, social, organizational), which, by all means, makes it one of the universal methods in TRIZ.
As of today, Characteristics dissonance analysis is used in manufacturing companies of various technological orientation.
The plans for the future of the authors' team are as follows:
• Use of the method for statement of tasks at the enterprises of various sectors of economy;
• Generalizing of experience for applying this method and identification of «grey» zones for using this method;
• Correcting/augmentation of algorithm for using the Characteristics dissonance analysis.
The authors will be thankful for a feedback and criticisms regarding the use of method «Char-
acteristics dissonance analysis».
REFERENCE
1. S.Litvin, GEN3 Partners. «Main directions for development of "technical" TRIZ», (https://www.metodolog.ru/00527/00527l.html)
2. V.M.Gerassimov; V.S.Kalish; M.G.Karpunin, A.M.Kuzmin, S.S.Litvin. Main provisions of the methodology for performance of value engineering analysis: Methodological recommendations. - M.: Inform - VEA, 1991. -40 p.
3. Value Engineering Analysis (VEA). Short information for leaders of manufacturing plants. Samara, 2004. R.Kh.Sharipov (http://metodolog.ru/00940/00940.html)
4. Alexander G.Kashkarov. «TRIZ Master» thesis on the topic: substance-and-energy transformations in a technical system. Methodology of creation and analysis of models. Scientific director: TRIZ Master Yu.I.Fedosov. July, 2008, Saint-Petersburg (https://matriz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Dissertation-Kashkarov.pdf)
5. Ju.V.Lebedev, S.A.Logvinov. Integration of flow and function analysis, TRIZ Summit 2014 (https://r1.nubex.ru/s828-c8b/f2170_2a/Lebedev-Logvinov%20TRIZ-Summit%202014%20ENG.pdf)
6. M.S.Rubin. TRIZ-analysis of Tulom Hydro power plants / M.S.Rubin // Short information, 1993 - http://www.temm.ru/ru/section.php?docId=3643.
7. S. Litvin "Business to Technology - New Stage of TRIZ Development". TRIZ Future 2005 ETRIA Conference, Graz, Austria, November 2005.
8. L. Malinin "The Method for Transforming a Business Goal into a Set of engineering Problems". TRIZ Future 2006 ETRIA Conference, Kortrijk, Belgium, October 2006.
9. A.W.Yefimov. Methodology of MPV analysis, 2008 (https://www.metodolog.ru/01472/01472.html)
10. L.Festinger. A theory of cognitive dissonance. - SPb.: Juventa, 1999. - 318 p.
11. https://www.samosudov.ru/post/parametr-pokazatel-indikator-harakteristika.
