Developing and Selecting Solutions
Graham Parker’s Structured Problem Solving Guide describes the problem solving process in four phases, one of which is Developing and Selecting Solutions (Phase 4). The other phases are not summarized here, however, it is noteworthy to mention that Phase 4 is the entering into solution development, whereas during the first three Phases of the process, specific problems of study have already been defined, a selection process is undertaken to decide which problems to address, and finally the problem to be studied is characterized by the collection and analysis of the data to be studied. We then pick up the process of developing solutions for addressing the problems identified in the previous phases, as we enter Phase 4.
This particular stage of the Creative Problem Solving process is regarded as the primary decision-making stage. The function of implementing solutions hinges on two basic ideas: (1) consideration of the possible solutions by studying the results of the previous stages and the ideas they generated; and (2) development of evaluation criteria.
A simplified approach to solution development is the "in-house" search for solutions on the presumption that there are no new problems, only unsolved ones. This simply suggests the research team ask, "has anyone else had this problem?" Consideration would be given to a problem of similar circumstances, how they solved the problem previously, if the solution was successful, and if any disadvantages resulted from the solutions implemented. This method simply uses history to our advantage so that don’t find ourselves re-creating a solution that perhaps has already been developed that would serve current needs.
A second consideration would be to find out if anyone else is looking at the same, or a similar, problem. We could determine what, if anything, they have learned to date, determine if we can be of help to each other, and perhaps pool resources to broaden the prospects of ideas and solutions.
In-house efforts can quickly bring solutions to common problems, that are frequently dealt with which minimizes effort in coming to a successful solution. Parker explains that sometimes solutions can be found simply by restating the problem, so by examining other problems/solutions with a view toward solving current problems, a solution from previous events, can potentially be redesigned to fit an existing event.
When causes of particular problems have been identified, the problem solving process can be directed in several directions, but we concern ourselves with elimination of causes.
Problem solving is the process of following a series of steps to obtain the solution
This paper discusses the effectiveness, challenges, and application of the 9-Step Problem Solving Model with respect to the scenario involving USAuto and AutoMex. The effectiveness of USAuto's attempt demonstrates the importance of correctly following each step of the model to obtain maximum success. Effectively applying the 9-step model shows faults that USAuto made during their initial problem-solving attempt. We also discuss challenges that USAuto dealt with during their negotiation with AutoMex, and what things to avoid in overcoming those challenges. Lastly we cover the application of the 9-step model in real-world situations, and compare it with events team members experience at work.
A sequence of steps must be following in the decision-making process (Dunn, 2010). These include defining the problem, analyzing the problem, developing alternatives, evaluating the alternative and choosing the best, and finally taking action and following up (Dunn, 2010). According to Dunn (2010), the problem cannot be addressed until the true root of the problem has been defined. Once the source has been defined the next step is to gather
Identify and sort out and summarize the problem(s). Decide which is the most important problem.
Berg, Herman A. Van Den (2013) ‘Adding Value to the Problem-Solving Perspective’ Strategic Management Revie, 7(1), pp 17-26 .
According to Nichols (2013), the techniques of solution-focused therapy are organized around developing well-focused goals and generating solutions based on exceptions. The first step of this therapy is to obtain a brief description of the presenting problem and also what they have done thus far to resolve their issues. Once all the issues have been addressed, the next step is to create precise and concrete goals to fix the problem. In this therapy, there is an emphasis on the importance o...
In attempting to fix one problem, another problem could be worsened. Similarly, there are times when 2 problems are simultaneously solved, but the gamble is what lessens the potency of working out issues. An example can be taken from the issue of the nation’s recession. A proposed solution could be to simply print more money from the U.S. Mint, but this decreases the value of the dollar. So while problems, canonically, have simple solutions, they're more complicated than they seem.
To be able to recognize things that will help the interdisciplinary team to collaborate and communicate with each other.
Once the idea has been defined it is time to start into the research needed to explain everything in further detail. The best place to start is by researching what the main idea or concept is about and describing how things changed based on the main concept. This is where new ideas as well as problems and complications will arise and need to be addressed. When a problem with some detail comes up or a new idea develops it will need to be addressed. The first step is to document the idea and determine if it can be addressed within the scope of the initial project. If this concept will exceed the limits that are in place for this project then the idea will need to be placed aside and it can be addressed later when the time and resources can be devoted to its development. There have been times that a simple project lead into something far more complicated and well developed than it was meant to be initially.
the experience of several people with different backgrounds. Also one individuals problem might have already been solved by another group member and can be suggested.
Define the current situation - break down problem into component parts, identify major problem areas, develop a target improvement goal
Problem solving refers to the ability of an individual to apply knowledge and innovative ideas effectively, in order to identify, analyze, and frame solutions to problematic issues and challenges (Carson, 2007). The central role of problem solving in program management is that it drives an individual’s mental cognition to provide solutions that result in the making of decisions. Problem solving is not an exclusive responsibility of those occupying the executive suite. Many organizations seek to strengthen their position and competitive advantage, by cultivating problem solving skills in their workforce. Every individual in an organization needs to be prepared and equipped to meet the problem solving challenge (Marone, & Blauth, 2004). Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the problem solving abilities of program managers has been relatively underexplored. Relatively limited research has been conducted to help develop managers in project-oriented organizations (Smith, 2007; Bodea & Buchman, 2012). In the following sections, I classify different types of problems and problem solving abilities, and indicate how personality traits and problem solving ability may be related.
As previously mentioned, potential problem analysis or potential opportunity analysis was developed and introduced by Charles H. Kepner and Benjamin B. Tregoe as part of their initiatives to identify a suitable approach for problem-solving initiatives. Their work culminated in the publication of a book containing the problem-solving approach they had created, which included the
Taylor, J. and Ortega, D. The Application of Goldratt's Thinking Processes to problem Solving. Allied Academic international Conference. Las Vegas. 2003
Design thinking process has eight generation stages: observation or analysis, framework, imperative or facts, solutions or alternatives, alternative evaluation and concept selection, implementation, construction, and post occupancy evaluation.