Cynefin-Framework as a Guide to Agile Leadership

Which Project Management Method for Which Type of Project? - Waterfall, Scrum, Kanban?

Charles E. Stuart

• Publisher: Books on Demand
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9783752647969
• eBook ISBN: 9783743120112
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Management
• Index: Business

The Cynefin framework is used to provide a compass for decision makers and business experts to better assess a situation or problem and derive appropriate actions from this assessment.An important aspect is the choice of the right method or framework. The author, a successful project manager for several decades, relates the findings of the Cynefin framework to the introduction and implementation of agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban. He points out that not every method fits every task to the same extent and that it makes sense to choose the right approaches - instead of using a general standard that always fits halfway.As a basis for a suitable decision, he offers an introduction to agility and the importance of agile working for companies and organizations. It enables managers to use effective approaches and thus to implement successful and low-risk projects.

The five categories of the Cynefin
Framework

Cynefin allows you to assign situations or problems to exactly one of five categories. The categories are called:

• Obvious (formerly Simple)
• Complicated
• Complex
• Chaotic
• Disorder

Obviously

Obviously (formerly known as Simple) is the category of best practices. We speak of "obvious" because there is a clearly recognizable relationship between cause and effect, which is also recognized. Thus, we find ourselves in a context where challenges are met quasi by applying existing, tested recipes.

Characteristics for obvious situations:

• An obvious cause-and-effect relationship exists
• There is only one correct answer
• A fact-based approach is required
• The problem is understood, and the best solution is obvious
• Simple problem-solving methods can be applied
• The situation requires only minimal expertise to solve it
• High potential for an automated procedure depending on the question

Dealing with obvious problems: (Sense - categorize - respond)

1. problems are known

2. establishing the facts and data on the situation

3. categorize the facts into known groups

4. implementing known solution approaches and best practices and their verification

Examples:

• Boiling water
• Go shopping
• Cleaning windows

Complicated

Complicated questions and problems can be solved by proven procedures. However, there are various possible approaches and further analysis is necessary to find the best approach.

Characteristics of complicated situations:

• There are several correct answers available and the best choice is not obvious
• A general idea of the known unknowns
• You know the questions you need to answer
• The solution/the correct answer is not obvious
• The situation tends to be perceived as a challenge
• The problem is more predictable than unforeseeable
• The cause-and-effect relationship is not immediately known, but can be discovered if enough time is allowed

Dealing with complicated problems: (Sense - Analyze - Respond)

1. assessing the situation and perceiving the problem

2. examining possible options for action

3. on demand analysis of large amounts of data

4. use expert knowledge to identify regularities

5. use metrics to control the situation

6. use of best practices

7. defining a process model

8. implement plan according to CIP approach

Examples:

• Building a piece of furniture
• Mending a flat tire
• Prepare and serve a three-course menu for 100 event participants

Complex

Complex problems are usually characterized by a large number of dependencies and connections. Processes and connections cannot be divided into one-dimensional cause-and-effect relationships. Causes can have a multitude of effects, effects can depend on a multitude of causes and triggers. Coherences can often only be clarified by developing and conducting experiments. Only with detailed experiments, inspections and results we can make decisions. The current results can then be used to define the next step towards a solution. The ability to recognize complex relationships and to develop experiments and make them transparent is crucial to understand complex systems.

Characteristics of complex situations:

• The size and complexity of the system is not known in advance. It is not clear from the beginning how many elements and connections exist.
• Experiments are necessary
• The right questions are not obvious a priori
• The solution is only visible once it has been discovered
• connections develop and show up only with the time
• Standard solutions and procedures are hardly applicable
• A higher level of interaction and communication is essential
• Untangling the system requires skills and knowledge from different domains

Dealing with complex problems (Probe - Sense - Respond):

1. get more information about the problem

2. development of theories of solutions and their experimental verification

3. conducting further experiments ...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• What is the Cynefin framework?
• The five categories of the Cynefin Framework
• Methods and project management approaches for different cynefin categories
• The New New Product Development Game - 1986
• The Agile Manifesto
• The different categories and the appropriate methods
• Bibliography
• Copyright