The Basic Problem Solving Model.

Authors Avatar

There are many approaches to problem solving, depending on the nature of the problem and the people involved in the problem. The more traditional, rational approach is typically used and involves, eg, clarifying description of the problem, analyzing causes, identifying alternatives, assessing each alternative, choosing one, implementing it, and evaluating whether the problem was solved or not.

Another, more state-of-the-art approach is appreciative inquiry. That approach asserts that "problems" are often the result of our own perspectives on a phenomena, eg, if we look at it as a "problem," then it will become one and we'll probably get very stuck on the "problem." Appreciative inquiry includes identification of our best times about the situation in the past, wishing and thinking about what worked best then, visioning what we want in the future, and building from our strengths to work toward our vision.

I.  The Basic Problem Solving Model

 

  1. A.    Recognizing and defining the problem should include:

 

1.  Recognizing there is a problem

 

2.  Information collection:  Identifying the information needed to understand the problem; collecting information from multiple souces; identifying missing pieces of information.

 

  1. 3.   Information sorting:  Distinguishing between information relevant to understanding and defining  the problem irrelevant or tangential information; distinguishing between viewpoints/opinions and facts;

Identifying the biases and assumptions of each viewpoint.

 

4. Diagnosing the problem:  identifying the discrepancy between actual  and desired performance; understanding the causes and effects of the problem; understanding the components of the problem and related problems

 

  1. B.    Generating alternative solutions should include:

 

  1. 1.      Openmindedness:  requires avoidance of biases, avoidance of premature evaluation of alternatives, and acceptance of multiple viewpoints

 

  1. 2.      Quantity:  requires a persistent, wide search for possible solutions

and creative ways of generating solutions

 

  1. 3.      Quality:  requires innovation solutions as well as standard solutions, clear statement of the solutions, and information pertinent to each alternative solution

 

C.  Evaluating the alternatives and selecting one should include:

 

  1. 1.      Screening alternatives according to whether they meet absolute requirements

 

  1. 2.       Criteria specification, including identifying important dimensions; the relative importance of each (e.g., weightings); and how these dimensions and weights will be combined to get a final decision
Join now!

 

3.   Evaluation:  Measurement of each alternative on these absolute requirements and other dimensions

                                                           

  1. 4.     Knowledge of boundaries:  The collection of information on boundaries/constraints/risks for each alternative such as political and cultural pressures, ethical and resource constraints, and additional problems the solution might create

 

  1. 5.     Comparison:  The comparison of all alternatives on the dimensions in steps 2 and 3, e.g., using ...

This is a preview of the whole essay