Simple issues are characterized by the fact that there is exactly one correct answer to a question or exactly one solution to a problem and often exactly one solution path. Tasks involving simple issues can be mastered well by applying “best practice” approaches. Examples of simple issues are administrative processes such as posting documents or entering orders. The handling of such tasks can be described with sufficient clarity in procedural instructions. Once acquired, patterns of thinking and repetitive activities that allow for a high learning curve exploitation and increases in efficiency through automation and direct performance measurement lead to success. Clerks and skilled workers are typically used to solve tasks involving simple issues.
The next level is complicated issues.