Real-life quality problems are conundrums. Dorian Shainin realized that recognizing the distinctive characteristics of a problem was critical. He also knew that applying the right tactics was the key to the solution; however, many of the analysis tools of his time were not effective.
Further complicating problem-solving, not unlike today, was the lack of structure. The conditions in which challenging problems must be evaluated and solved is often unclear from the start. Added to that, problem-solvers generally work under stressful conditions.