Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Problem SolvingAgenda

Review day’s schedule Define problem solving Discuss problem solving Cycle Designing problem statements Problem solving from the solution

Problem Solving Warm up exercise

– definition of a problem Think of an easy problem

that you handled this morning Think about how you went

about handling the problem Write down the steps you

used 1 1 ?

Problem Solving

3,658.7 X 12 XNow think of a complicated problem. The more complicatedthe better

y 2 1

Problem- Solving CycleProblemProblemStatementStatement

CollectCollectDataData

Identify Identify CausesCauses

Identify Identify SolutionsSolutions

Implement Implement SolutionsSolutions

EvaluateEvaluateAdjustAdjustFollow-upFollow-up

Problem statement

What is a problem?What is a cause?What is a solution?

Problem Statement• As we saw the real

problem often gets lost in the– symptoms– effects– results– consequences

• When the dust settles what what is the real problem?

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Problem SolvingProblem Statement Exercise

• Jim can’t put anything up on the wall since it’s made out of brick and there are no holes in it. So the frames we’re trying to promote aren’t up yet. He needs a drill and some masonry bits, Why hasn’t marketing done anything about it yet?

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Problem Solving Tools

• Brainstorming• Data Collection• Benchmarking• Working backwards• Generalizing• Decomposing and

recombining

Bag of TricksTools

Problem SolvingBrainstorming

• Brainstorming is used to get lots of ideas.

• It gets the creative juices flowing and people work off each other’s energy

• It allows everyone to participate

Problem SolvingBrainstorming

• In order for brainstorming to work:– clearly identify the topic of the session– ensure everyone participates– use visual or word association games to help

the process along (A Whack On The Side Of The Head, ..R von Oech)

– use games to stimulate– write your ideas down as they are stated

Problem SolvingData Collection

• Reality vs assumptions• What really happened vs

what you think happened• Ensures that pertinent

solutions get implemented• Sets a benchmark for

measuring progress

So are camel hair brushes made out of camel hair or

squirrel hair

Problem Solving Benchmarking

• Benchmarking is finding out how others have successfully resolved a situation– saves time– don’t make the same

mistakes they did – don’t have to reinvent the

wheel

Ok Buddy, so just what did YOU! do to solvethe problem

Problem SolvingBenchmarking

• Look outside of you industry to get a different perspective

• Plan what you are going to ask and be clear and concise

• Keep it short , don’t overstay your welcome

• Be prepared to reciprocate or offer something in return

Problem SolvingWorking backwards

• Allows you to plan your strategy or your task from its outcome rather than from its current situation

• Allows you to pinpoint, in many situations, just exactly where the situation began and sometimes why it even occurred

Problem SolvingEvaluating the ideas

Problem Solvingimplementation