...Five steps to problem solving Elena Martinez HUM/115 August 24, 2015 Five steps to problem solving There are five steps to problem solving. The first step in problem solving is to identify the problem. With this step, you must first figure out what the problem actually is so that you can begin to start the process of solving it. The second step to problem solving is discovering the causes as to why you have this problem. Figuring out what is causing the problem will help you figure out where to go from that point. Step three is options. Figure out some options that you can take to solve the problem that you are facing. There are so many options you may have to solving the problem; you would want to narrow it down to the best option. That brings us to number four on the problem-solving list. Evaluating the best option to solve the problem. The very last step you will want to take to solve the problem is to act. Now you have defined what the problem is, figured out what is actually causing the problem, suggested some options and chose the best solution for it, so now all you need to do is apply the option that you chose. In my life my biggest challenge today is finding the time to work out. For the past two years I have steadily worked out at the gym every day. So I know what the problem is, and now I need to figure out what is causing this roadblock in my life. Since moving to a new state, I cannot seem to get focused back to where I once was. The...
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...4 Steps My problem is that my pen does not work. I need to rely on the four steps in order in fix the problem. I will first collect and analyze why it doesn’t work. Then I will ask different people if they have had a similar experience. If possible, I must view it firsthand. At last I must confirm my findings. Collecting and analyzing my problem is my first step. I need to ask myself a bunch of questions and observe the issue. Questions like…… * Is there ink in the pen? * Is the pen in tack? * Has the cap been left off? * How old is the pen? * Was the pen tampered with? * What type of pen is it? * Did someone switch my pen out? While I am asking myself these questions, I need to the observing the pen, checking it and rechecking it. I have now completed my first step by collecting and analyzing the data on the pen. The next thing that I need to do is ask people about this issue. It should be people who have similar experience with the issue. Most people I asked all came up with the same questions I have. It seems that this is a very common issue. A couple of different questions they asked were….. * Does it have a spring? * Would you like to borrow mine? * Does it click when you press it? * Are you pressing hard enough? * Is the ink not coming out on its own? * What if you scribble on the paper until it works? By viewing the problem first hand, I was able to confirm all the information I have received on this problem...
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...Solving Personal Problems: Applying the Five-Step Model J Gonzales April 25, 2016 The objective is to control the problem and not allow the problem to control you. To productively manage a situation you have to practice using the 5-step model. The first step in the 5-step model is pinning the problem. The second step is establish your options. The third step is determine the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The fourth step is electing the solution you feel best suits. The fifth step is evaluating if the solution chosen is effective (John Chaffee, 2014). In week 2, we discussed barriers and learned to identify them to rid ourselves from them. This was a great lesson however, from personal experience I can tell you that it takes more than just identifying the problems to make change. In recent years, I went through a divorce and a change in careers that have forced me to sit and examine my finances. I have set goals, time and time again, to save X amount of money each year for my children's college fund and have created spreadsheets on how I can accomplish this. While it looked great on paper and the system appeared solid, I always came up short on my goals and I realized that other areas of my finances were also being affected. After studying critical thinking and the five-step model the last couple of weeks, I discovered that the first step to fulfill my goal (s) was to identify the problem. The problem is me. I have failed to take full responsibility for my...
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...Building blocks of Problem-Solving Kristopher Polk ITT Technical Institute There are five steps or building blocks to the heuristic approach of problem-solving. These steps are defining the problem, generating solutions, deciding a course of action, implementing a solution, and evaluating a solution. Each of these steps are equally important and are great tools to solving a problem. One cannot solve a problem without first defining the problem; this step can prove to be one of the most difficult. The first and most difficult step of the problem-solving heuristic is defining the problem. This can prove to be very difficult due to the problem not being that obvious at first glance, and can lead to coming back to this step numerous times. Once the real problem is defined a few questions must be asked: Has the problem been solved before? Is it worth solving? Which resources are available to obtain a solution? Determining what resources are available will greatly help with the next step in the problem-solving heuristic, which is generating solutions to the problem. Brainstorming is an important and vital tool to generating solutions to a problem. Brainstorming allows for generating solutions that are and are not possible. Asking others for their ideas of solutions to the problem is a great tool as well; others may see the problem from a different angle. After generating all of these solutions it is then time to decide on a plan of action. This next step is very important...
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...Decision Making and Problem Solving: Benefits and Techniques Defining Problem Solving and Decision Making Definition of a Problem: A problem exists when there is a gap between what you expect to happen and what actually happens. Definition of Decision Making: Decision making is selecting a course of action from among available alternatives. The Difference between Decision Making and Problem Solving While both processes are systematic, problem solving involves defining a problem and creating solutions for it. Decision making is selecting a course of action from among available alternatives. Problem solving always involves decision making. However, not all decision making involves solving a problem. For example, a supervisor may have to make decisions about employees, resources, workload, etc. without having a problem to solve. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Process Problem solving is a process in which we perceive and resolve a gap between a present situation and a desired goal, with the path to the goal blocked by known or unknown obstacles. In general, the situation is one not previously encountered, or where at least a specific solution from past experiences is not known. In contrast, decision making is a selection process where one of two or more possible solutions is chosen to reach a desired goal. The steps in both problem solving and decision making are quite similar. In fact, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Steps in Decision Making...
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...Section 5 INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING Key Points 1 2 3 Army Decision Making The Seven Problem Solving Steps The Leader’s Role e A good leader must sometimes be stubborn. Armed with the courage of his convictions, he must often fight to defend them. When he has come to a decision after thorough analysis—and when he is sure he is right— he must stick to it even to the point of stubbornness. General of the Army Omar Bradley Tactics and Techniques Track Introduction to Problem Solving n 281 Introduction As an Army leader, you will be involved in problem solving daily. Some problems are simple and only require you to use your intuition, experience, and best judgment. At other times, however, you will face problems that are more complex. These require you to follow a systematic approach to define and analyze the problem, develop and analyze possible solutions, choose the best solution, and implement a plan of action. The amount of time and resources you apply to any given problem depends on its complexity, the amount of time available, and your experience as a leader. In this section, you will learn about the Army problem solving process— a systematic, logical approach to problem solving and decision making designed to help leaders make better decisions. As a junior officer, you may not face a decision on the scale of that facing BG John Buford on 30 June 1863. But using this systematic approach to problem solving can help you make decisions as solid as...
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...be based on the problem-solving relations and policing of the proper function of criminal investigations, major and crucial responses to drastic incident dispatches and of the future problem-solving trend. Policing Paper Proper policing and its structure of the policing structure has always been under scrutiny from the past, present and the future. Most professionals in the criminal justice system search for that one specific strategy that will dramatically instill a positive structure for policing. According to (Walker, S., & amp ; Katz, 2011) “ Herman Goldstein’s approach to policing represents a proactive to policing, rather than a reactive approach to policing. Policing is more than just a response to 911 calls policing involves problem solving to identify recurring problems and developing strategies to reduce and eliminate recurring problems.” Structure or Problem- Solving Policing From 1980 Herman Goldstein upstarted a new structure of policing by solving problems and preventing specific crimes. The police officers during the 1980s’ is based on upholding and maintaining order and attaining the ultimate goal of “Protect and Serve”. Herman Goldstein’s problem solving or problem oriented approach...
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...Analyzing the Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Processes Suman Shreshta Byanju BSAD 320 Professor: James young Date: 11/16/2013 In my opinion, decision-making is the process of selecting the right course of action from different alternatives. Decision-making is the final choice and output can be action or an opinion of choice. Problem solving is the process of eradicating problems that are a hindrance to the company objective by finding proper solutions. In other word, problem solving is to eliminate the problem space between the current state and desired state of a company. When there is a gap between desired state and current state in companies, problem exists. Problem solving involves defining the problem and creating solutions for it where as decision-making is selecting a course of action from among available alternatives. Problem solving always involves the decision-making. However, there are many situations where we have to take decision even there is no problem, for example, the relocation of employees or the promotion situation. In my finding, below are the most important steps of problem solving skills, which involves decision-making: 1. Identify and define the problems: First of all, it should be analyzed that it is a problem or just an effects of problems. Diagnose a situation so that the focus is on the real problem, not just on its symptoms. Symptoms become evident before the problem does. This process separate fact from opinion and speculation,...
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...Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper Monique Reed BSHS/435 February 22, 2015 Dora Baker Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper In this paper in will provide details on how scientific methods can be used in the Human services. Explaining the steps of scientific methods, and how it serves as an important key to Human services professionals. Each steps will be included on how they are define and what purpose it serves will scientific methods are applied. Human services professionals use the scientific methods to gain information on the client as well as how to approach the clients issues. Also researching other resources to meet the needs of the client to ensure the client is receiving accurate help. Scientific Method Scientific method is a method that used to research and study that involves investigation and evaluation of present or future problems. Scientific method helps with produce the right answers to questions that cannot be answered with common sense alone. Researchers can use scientific methods to exploit all the facts, evidence, opinions, and records to find the right plan. As a Human service professional using scientific method can help with identifying the solution of the client’s problem and finding a resolution to ensure it will help to rebuild the client’s life. No matter field an individual is in when it concerns Human services, research will always be needed to ensure self-thoughts, bias, and ones on solution is not...
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...There are many ways to solve problems, to determine which approach to use will be contingent solely upon your experience, the information that is available and the problem at hand. Good decision-making requires a combination of skills: first recognizing there is a problem, intuition, reasoning deductive and inductive, critical thinking, select your best solution and make and enforce your decision. As for conflict resolution I choose collaborative negotiation because the people involved work together towards an equally beneficial outcome. Also, with collaborative negotiation there is an enormous concentration on the welfare of the people involved while preserving an optimistic relationship. Plus, because many real-world problems...
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...costs. Management’s first step in the problem solving process is to identify the problems leading to low productivity before working on a solution. To do this the company hired Suzanne Howard to work with veteran employee Donald Peterson a staff member with 39 years of experience across all three staff groups, operations, above ground and below ground. Wanting to work closely with employees Howard and Peterson established a monthly ‘Problem Chat’ for all employees in hope of receiving staff feedback. A few months later lively problem-solving discussions between different groups began to occur. The chat saw that the main problems were limited communication, no relationships or trust in co-workers and unwillingness to work as a team. With the problem chat proving to be a success management’s next step in the problem solving process would be to identify short term and long-term objectives. Short term objectives: commitment from groups through employee motivation and participation, decrease group problems, increase trust throughout the company, clearly inform staff of these objectives. Long Term Objectives: increase productivity and moral, lower total costs, create a positive work environment with teamwork, and eliminate all group-based problems. Now that short and long term goals have been informed to staff, Howard and Peterson aim was to turn these groups into working functional teams by creating solutions to their problems through SPITS (select a problem and implement a tailored...
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...Importance of the Planning Stage Planning is a crucial step to ensuring a successful project. In the planning stage, goals for the project are set. Measurable steps towards the goal are defined. Resources are determined and allocated. How are all these steps accomplished? By asking questions and discovering the answers to those questions. The most important part of any planning stage, or successful project even, is to ask as many questions as can be thought of to uncover all potential needs, problems, and hiccups. Brainstorming The first step to planning is brainstorming. “Brainstorming is a process for developing creative solutions to problems” (Clark, 2010). This is the time to generate as many ideas as possible. No matter how unusual an idea sounds don’t throw the concept away because it may blend with another idea and become the most effective solution. So what are some of the key questions that should be answered while brainstorming? What is the end goal of the project? Will this improve the organization in some way? These questions will help to identify if this is a project that the organization should pursue. “What are all the ingredients necessary for its successful execution? What are all the possible forces or events that could hinder or destroy it” (Army Handbook, 1973)? These two questions will get the creative juices flowing and will help identify what resources will be needed as well as any potential problems that may occur during the project. Detailed Planning ...
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...T E A M S It’s All About Improving Performance Teams work better with expanded problem solving and decision making skills by Helene F. Uhlfelder E VERYONE KNOWS THAT THE PURPOSE OF teams is high performance. In the past it was enough that teams or quality circles got involved in solving problems and sharing some of the decision-making responsibilities. Now the success of organizations hinges on the ability of teams to make tough decisions and solve complex problems on a daily basis. This article’s aim is to provide a better understanding of the factors that influence problem solving and decision making and to provide a seven-step model and procedures to use to improve team performance. improvement cultures or team systems teach their employees tools to use in reaching decisions and solving problems. Whether these tools have four steps or seven steps, they have four basic components: problem definition, data collection to verify the root cause of the problem, solution generation and action planning, including a mechanism for tracking how well the chosen solution works. These tools are sometimes not used at all and sometimes are used religiously for everything. Yet, it is rare to find teams that understand the nature of problems and know how to choose the right tool or technique to use in a A different mind-set particular situation. Most organizations that implement total quality management, continuous Furthermore, team...
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...making it the fifth largest airline in the world (University of Phoenix, 2007). Classic Airlines has grown from a small business to an organization of 32,000 employees and earned $10 million on $8.7 billion in sales (University of Phoenix). A general problem-solving process or framework provides leaders with a way to begin managing and understanding a wide range of decisions to be made, problems that needs attention, and concerns that arise from internal and external customers. According to University of Phoenix Week Three Scenario (2011), “Classical Airlines has seen a 10% decrease in share prices in the past year,” (para 2.) With this decrease in share prices the rising cost (fuel and labor) have hit the organization hard. The employees’ morale is at a low and Classic’s financial strain the corporate culture is under pressure. The board of directors for Classic Airlines has mandated a 15% cost reduction over the next 18 months. This cost reduction brings some challenges for all departments including finance, human resources, marketing, and customer service. From a marketing point of view, Classic is challenged with increasing customer loyalty and satisfaction, while decreasing expenditures. The first step of the problem-solving method is a key question to ask, “Is all the things competing for your attention, which you will deal with at this time?” There are competing issues and all involved parties have a personal vested interest. In Classic Airlines case, decreasing sales...
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...Problem-Solving Mary Callaway, Bridgett Jones, Diane Redmond, and Sandra Solis PSYCH/560 March 19, 2012 Isabelle Ragsdale Problem-Solving Problem-solving requires many components to achieve the result such as identifying the problem, what the problem represents creativity, approach, and many more. A few of the approaches of problem-solving, which aid in uncovering a solution are a few of the following, such as unidentified assessment, procedure, technique, and the arrangement of the problem. Problem-solving occurs in every area of life because problems occur in daily life. Insight and creativity in problem-solving allow the person to use imagination, critical thinking skills, and creativity to develop a solution to his or her problem. Therefore, insight and creativity are two important factors in problem-solving. The constraints of a problem depend upon problem representation to uncover ways to solve the problem. In addition, problem representation forces a person to empower his or her cognitive skills to investigate problems. Analyzing the abilities and functions of reasoning, judgment, and decision-making in problem-solving process occurs to determine the existence of new measures in the decision and reasoning approaches in the search for ethical solutions. The ethical solutions in problem-solving guarantee the results are trustworthy and accurate. Therefore, the need for accurate problem-solving skills is a necessity to find solutions to problems people experience. Approaches...
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