TRIZ in project management

a problems-solving approach, TRIZ, started in the Soviet Union [1], is gaining traction at corporations, including Samsung. It is still not widely known in the west, but has apparently led to over 50 patent filings by Samsung and a mandatory 2 week training course for all engineers [2].

The acronym, translated from Russian, stands for The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving.

The core of the method is addressing contradictions arising from inherent properties in a product, service or process. For example, increased delivery time when improving quality.  The TRIZ diagram on wikipedia (huge image) is a fascinating schematic 

Applying the principle of Assymetry, changing the mechanics, to the following problem: Inexperienced developers are cheap, but unreliable, experienced developers are reliable but expensive, would offer the following solution: Have one experienced developer lead a team of juniors. A known simple solution that does however illustrate the application of TRIZ.

If we take a broader view, a framework is better than no framework. This system is broad enough to allow for creative approach and allows for collaborative processes with self-inspection and iteration, i.e. a valid approach to complexity.

Sources:

[1] Integrating TRIZ in Project Management Processes: An ARIZ Contribution https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.381

[2] What Makes Samsung Such An Innovative Company?  https://www.forbes.com/sites/haydnshaughnessy/2013/03/07/why-is-samsung-such-an-innovative-company/