May 2018

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There is a difference between critical, analytical and
strategic thinking in the context of solving a problem.
Take this article as Part One in a series. We will try to
unbundle and define popularly used terms yet largely
mis-understood in the business world. Fundamental
understanding of a subject is critical to succeeding at
it. The article will examine the above topic.
- By Emmanuel Tarfa
Critical Thinking is the ability to generate an exhaustive
potential LIST of the most relevant and possible
assumptions or options – to explaining or solving a given
problem. This LIST is usually arranged from the most relevant to
the least relevant assumptions/options.
A concept called Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive
(MECE), popularly used by strategy consultants, can be used to
arrange/organise the list. Success is measured here by the length
and quality/variety of ideas on the list.
Here is an illustration and application: Why is the quality of
education poor in Nigeria and how can it be improved? Critical
thinking will require the subject involved to generate a list of
points to answer the first part of the question and will include
points such as:
• Lack of a clear education strategy and policy framework,
• Poor quality of teacher training and compensation
• Low level of investment in infrastructure, etc.
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Fundamental Thought
Processes
The length of the list (number of ideas/points generated) and
quality of each answer (i.e. coming up with the most likely
accurate points) will require critical thinking.
Analytical Thinking is the use of quantitative and qualitative
parameters/tools (size, average, cost, comparison etc.) to
determine or measure which of the assumption/points are
most accurate and relevant to solving the problem/validating
the solution. Success here is measured when there is a logic or
outright evidence to confirm the above points outlined through
“critical thinking” are TRUE and relevant to answering the
question or solving the problem. This has moved from a “guess”
i.e. assumptions, to confirmed points.
Here is the application using the example above – Why the
quality of education in Nigeria is poor. Analytical thinking will
take each answer above and test if true and required to answer the key
question or solve the problem. Let us take one of the answers – poor
quality of teacher training and compensation. Analytical thinking will strive
to ask and answer several questions and sometimes compare Nigeria with
other countries in its development league and other advanced economies
– to confirm the points/assumptions generated with critical thinking.
Here are some questions that could be used to conduct the analysis:
• What is the average student to teacher ratio in Nigeria?
• What is the average pay per teacher in a public school?
• What is the minimum qualification of a teacher and frequency of
training?
All these will be compared with best practices to confirm Nigeria’s position
and hence answer the question – why the quality of education is poor.
Analytical thinking will subsequently show the link between the answers
(the situation in Nigeria) – indicating that Nigerian teachers are not very
qualified and poorly compensated. Do note that these are simply basic
examples. Much deeper analysis is actually used in strategy.
Strategic Thinking is the ability to DECIDE and prioritize (due to limited
resources) which validated/true options above should be considered,
presented or pursued – with the aim of achieving a pre-determined
objective or goal. Success here is measured when there is a conversion
of the knowledge/data of the truth “analyzed” above into profit/benefit/
competitive advantage through good decision making. The above
example will be applicable if there is an objective to solve the challenge of
quality education, for instance.
Let us again look at the point – quality of teacher training and compensation
as a way to improve the quality education in Nigeria. Strategic thinking
will recommend how to improve Nigeria’s current state (which was
determined using critical and analytical thinking). It will outline a set of
ideas, using the benchmarks of other countries with higher educational
standards – and recommend how to close the gap in Nigeria.
To improve in all three, read more Newspapers, which are usually filled
with analysis and listen to commentary from experts. Take note of their
approach and thinking. A good knowledge of Mathematics is also helpful
in becoming more analytical. We will look at the difference between
Vision, Mission and Core Values in our next article.
A good knowledge of
Mathematics is helpful in
“becoming more analytical
“
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