An integrated approach is the use of an appropriate process to break down a problem into elements needed to solve a problem. Each element becomes a smaller and simpler task to represent the entire system in a complex. It follows that the use of inappropriate technologies or algorithms cannot divide the problem into the constituent elements necessary to solve it. Since this was not done or the execution was performed incorrectly, the problem cannot be resolved.
This article describes why it is necessary to apply an integrated approach, how it works, and in which areas it has spread. And also about what caused the change of intuitive approach to decision making to a structured one.
The birth of a question
Problem solving is a puzzle solution. Every little problem is a little piece of the puzzle to find.
Connecting puzzle pieces involves understanding how an integrated approach works. As soon as all the key elements are found and understood, the riddle as a whole “connects”.
The key word in the above definition is “complex”. If the technology for solving the problem does not correspond to the existing problem, then you can perform the process with the highest quality, but at the same time not solve the problem. For this reason, most people cannot solve complex problems. They use a knowingly inappropriate method without realizing it. In this case, the selected algorithm will not solve the problem. You can look around, look into every detail, but if you do not use the appropriate integrated approach, then you will never be able to find sufficient puzzle pieces to solve a complex problem. Even the most incredible and heroic efforts will lead to zero if you use the wrong technology to solve the problem.
The lack of technology that would be consistent with this problem leads, for example, to the fact that the alchemists were not able to turn lead into gold. That is why so many people and organizations, as well as social movements, cannot transform opportunities into success.
System versus complex
When interrelated phenomena are analyzed and regularly compared with each other for observation and analysis, they lose the characteristic dynamics of their interrelated relationships.
The premise of an integrated approach is that the whole is different from the sum of its parts. The systematic approach that has dominated the scientific world for decades has made everything excessively “systematic”, which makes it difficult to present insoluble complex phenomena and their dynamics.
The complex can be understood, but not formulated. Understanding the complex cannot be reduced to computational and digital analysis. An integrated approach allows you to have multiple systems. Where the relationship of systems can be formulated, systematic observations can be made.
Most phenomena are complex. Having disassembled part of the complex into parts and isolating it from circumstances, you can get a controlled system. However, the created system can influence circumstances affecting the rest of the complex. For example, the systematic felling of trees in a forest can lead to erosion, floods, drought, and loss of habitat for many species of animals that inhabit the area.
Not only numbers and calculations
An integrated approach is “structuring the analysis”. What does it mean? The word "analysis" refers to the breakdown of the problem into its constituent elements. This reduces the complex question to the simplest terms.
With an instinctive approach, the mind usually remains closed to the consideration of alternatives, preferring instead the first satisfactory solution. Consequently, the result is often erroneous, or at least less effective.
In a structured approach, the mind is open to the study of alternative options, which allows us to consider each element of the solution or problem separately, systematically and sufficiently, ensuring that all alternatives are considered. Moreover, the output result is always more effective than with the instinctive approach.
An integrated approach provides a deep solution to problems. In the process of analysis, the problem is divided into smaller ones that can be solved autonomously. The analysis is based on technology for its implementation. The process is an ordered sequence of iterations aimed at achieving the goal, for example, preparing a salad “Herring under a fur coat” according to the recipe. For a process to work, it must be appropriate to the problem and run correctly.
Solutions
An integrated approach is the formal use of analytical activities to solve problems. The first rules of formal reasoning were invented by Aristotle (from 384 to 322 BC). A competent course of reasoning includes the presentation of constituent elements (factors) with intermediate and final conclusions.
With an integrated approach, the existing problem is divided into constituent elements for understanding the issue. Then the paths representing the solution are examined.
Grounds
The reason why an integrated approach to evaluating any tasks is needed is because the systems become too complex to carry out the analysis intuitively, because intelligence has a limit on the amount of data processing. Each element should be presented formally: an accurate written description or equations so that the task performer can repeatedly analyze. Complex problems contain hundreds of elements and thousands of relationships between them.
Scientific studies
Before the invention of the scientific method in the 17th century, science was based on tradition and speculation. An integrated approach was subsequently developed. This is an important change, science has moved to a new, productive way of thinking that led to the industrial revolution. Science does not know another method that would provide reliable knowledge. This should be sufficient evidence that an integrated approach is needed to solve complex problems.
Complex problems require analysis, because finding a solution in the optimal way requires a rigorous, structured approach. Correct analysis requires a reliable understanding, that is, reliable knowledge. The only way to obtain reliable or true knowledge is through the scientific method. Since it is analytical, the integrated approach process is one of the main ways to solve complex problems.
Education
An important goal in the education and upbringing of children is the timely provision of the physical, personal and intellectual development of a teenager. To solve this issue, it is necessary to comprehensively outline the tasks and solutions. According to the standards introduced by state services in the field of education, a system of grades is in place in educational institutions, which is an integrated approach to assessing the educational outcomes of students (subjects, meta-subjects, personal achievements).
The assessment system used in schools is aimed at impartial assessment of students' knowledge, at the formation of constructive and adequate self-esteem in children, at encouraging them to achieve special personal results. At the same time, students are allowed to show curiosity and ask the teacher questions in order to obtain a greater amount of knowledge and skills.
Security
Considering the complex systems of the organization as a whole, analysts find out whether the individual elements fulfill the main task of the subsystem. Otherwise, does the integration of the functions of the leader and various departments take place to ensure optimal collective productivity and efficiency at the lowest cost.
Some organizations use a system-integrated approach to safety assessment to eliminate the high probability of a project correction and an undesirable increase in costs. This allows you to identify critical deficiencies at any stage of the project life cycle. What is it for? A complete picture is needed to protect the working group from the appearance of gross errors and errors in the final phases of the project.
Currently, the most common security techniques are Veracode, OWASP, Cisco, Microsoft SDL.
Control
Over the past few years, there has been a tendency to use computer technology to solve automation and process control problems. Modern computer control systems should be user-friendly, flexible and easily customizable. Conducting a complete system analysis is a lengthy and expensive process for the organization. The organization’s integrated approach, implemented by analysts in the company, will bring their systems to an adapted and user-friendly view.
In the current environment, organizations are constantly making changes in response to internal and external transformations. Some of these changes are focused on processes, the second on technology, and the third on the structure of the organization. Each of these transformations, regardless of type, affects how individual employees perform their work. The success of change depends on advances in change management.
The influence of external factors
The economic conditions of the country and the world affect the income of most small enterprises. Politics, socio-cultural trends also affect the environment in which companies operate. For example, a logging company sells more lumber when the economy is developed and strong and houses are being built. Nevertheless, timber companies are under increasing pressure from environmentalists and government regulations: they want to produce sawn timber in an environmentally friendly way. The company's stakeholders - owners, employees, suppliers, customers - also indicate their requirements: profitability, stable production of lumber. To continue the business, the timber industry organization should use a system-integrated approach to analyze all internal and external factors.
The influence of internal factors
For a company to achieve organizational integration, it must bring the strategy, culture, staff skills, technology, structure and management style of its company into line with its goals. It is assumed here that each department and employee understands the strategic direction of the company. This also includes informing stakeholders about why the company is investing in certain projects and why the costs of products or services are rising. An integrated approach is the training of employees, the use of public relations to inform stakeholders and maintain communication systems. It is used in management, marketing, design, information protection, training, education, organization management, quality and risk.
Solutions
An integrated approach to assessing results includes three main strategies for achieving successful organizational change. They are not mutually exclusive, that is, all three can be used simultaneously to ensure systemic changes.
Behavioral strategy
It takes an approach to employee training and development. It is expected that employee training will lead to necessary organizational changes. Classes will consist of the acquisition of knowledge, skills and new approaches that will lead to new behaviors that can significantly improve quality and performance indicators.
Structural strategy
Uses organizational design approach. This means that the organizational structure and design must be coordinated (or structured) in accordance with the vision, direction, mission and goals of the organization. A structural strategy will include changes in organizational structure. Employees, units, and departments can be reallocated to optimize resources. For example, the hierarchy can be simplified, and the decision-making process closer to the performer.
Technical strategy
The approach of continuous improvement is used. This means that processes in the areas of customer orientation, product and service delivery, support, as well as suppliers and partnerships can be improved. This strategy also provides for continuous updating of technologies in line with production and service processes. So the company's activities become more efficient and effective.