Problem Solving

Author Topic: Problem Solving  (Read 2939 times)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Problem Solving
« on: May 22, 2016, 01:12:39 PM »
What is a Problem?

A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary (1995) defines a problem as:
“A doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution”
And
“Something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.”

All problems have two features in common: goals and barriers.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Goals of problem
« Reply #1 on: May 22, 2016, 01:14:19 PM »
Goals of Problem

Problems involve setting out to achieve some objective or desired state of affairs and can include avoiding a situation or event.

Goals can be anything that you wish to achieve, where you want to be. If you are hungry then your goal is probably to eat something, if you are a head of an organization (CEO) then your main goal may be to maximize profits. In the example of the CEO the main goal may need to be split into numerous sub-goals in order to fulfill the ultimate goal of increasing profits.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Barriers of Problem
« Reply #2 on: May 22, 2016, 01:15:17 PM »
Barriers of Problem

If there were no barriers in the way of achieving a goal, then there would be no problem.  Problem solving involves overcoming the barriers or obstacles that prevent the immediate achievement of goals.

Following our examples above, if you feel hungry then your goal is to eat. A barrier to this may be that you have no food available - you take a trip to the supermarket and buy some food, removing the barrier and thus solving the problem. Of course for the CEO wanting to increase profits there may be many more barriers preventing the goal from being reached. The CEO needs to attempt to recognize these barriers and remove them or find other ways to achieve the goals of the organization.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Stages of Problem Solving
« Reply #3 on: May 22, 2016, 01:19:05 PM »
Stages of Problem Solving

Effective problem solving usually involves working through a number of steps or stages, such as those outlined below. For more detail continue to Stages of Problem Solving.

Stage: 1

Problem Identification:
This stage involves: detecting and recognising that there is a problem; identifying the nature of the problem; defining the problem.
The first phase of problem solving may sound obvious but often requires more thought and analysis. Identifying a problem can be a difficult task in itself, is there a problem at all? What is the nature of the problem, are there in fact numerous problems? How can the problem be best defined? - by spending some time defining the problem you will not only understand it more clearly yourself but be able to communicate its nature to others, this leads to the second phase.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Problem Solving
« Reply #4 on: May 22, 2016, 01:20:27 PM »
Stage: 2
Structuring the Problem:

This stage involves: a period of observation, careful inspection, fact-finding and developing a clear picture of the problem.
Following on from problem identification, structuring the problem is all about gaining more information about the problem and increasing understanding. This phase is all about fact finding and analysis, building a more comprehensive picture of both the goal(s) and the barrier(s). This stage may not be necessary for very simple problems but is essential for problems of a more complex nature.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Problem Solving
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2016, 01:21:29 PM »
Stage: 3
Looking for Possible Solutions:

During this stage you will generate a range of possible courses of action, but with little attempt to evaluate them at this stage.

From the information gathered in the first two phases of the problem solving framework it is now time to start thinking about possible solutions to the identified problem. In a group situation this stage is often carried out as a brain-storming session, letting each person in the group express their views on possible solutions (or part solutions). In organisations different people will have different expertise in different areas and it is useful, therefore, to hear the views of each concerned party.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Problem Solving
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2016, 01:22:55 PM »
Stage: 4
Making a Decision:

This stage involves careful analysis of the different possible courses of action and then selecting the best solution for implementation.
This is perhaps the most complex part of the problem solving process. Following on from the previous step it is now time to look at each potential solution and carefully analyse it. Some solutions may not be possible, due to other problems, like time constraints or budgets. It is important at this stage to also consider what might happen if nothing was done to solve the problem - sometimes trying to solve a problem that leads to many more problems requires some very creative thinking and innovative ideas.
Finally, make a decision on which course of action to take - decision making is an important skill in itself and we recommend that you see our pages on decision making.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Problem Solving
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2016, 01:37:46 PM »
Stage: 5
Implementation:

This stage involves accepting and carrying out the chosen course of action.
Implementation means acting on the chosen solution. During implementation more problems may arise especially if identification or structuring of the original problem was not carried out fully.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)

Offline Jannatul Ferdous

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Re: Problem Solving
« Reply #8 on: May 22, 2016, 01:39:15 PM »
Stage: 6
Monitoring/Seeking Feedback:

The last stage is about reviewing the outcomes of problem solving over a period of time, including seeking feedback as to the success of the outcomes of the chosen solution.
The final stage of problem solving is concerned with checking that the process was successful. This can be achieved by monitoring and gaining feedback from people affected by any changes that occurred. It is good practice to keep a record of outcomes and any additional problems that occurred.
Mosammat Jannatul Ferdous Mazumder
Student Counselor (Counseling & Admission)