...Scientific Method and the Problem-Solving Approach The term "environment" refers to the sum total of our surroundings, including biotic and abiotic factors. Environmentalism is a social movement dedicated to protecting the natural world from undesirable changes brought about by human choices. In contrast, Environmental Science refers to the pursuit of knowledge about the workings of the environment and our interactions with it. It incorporates the study of both "hard" science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and ecology and social sciences, such as economics and policy. In this paper, I will review an environmental situation and attempt to apply methods of study from both the "hard" and social sciences. Consider this. A dairy farmer in Wisconsin loves to fish in a tiny lake adjacent to his property. In recent weeks, he has had terrible luck, catching few or no fish every time he goes out. He also notices that the lake has an unusually high amount of algae in it. Clearly, the reason for a short supply of fish and an increased amount of algae in the lake is contributed to algae blooms. These blooms are caused by “loads” of nitrogen flowing into the canal. Based on this information, I predict large amounts of chemical fertilizers are being applied on nearby farms and subsequent run-off enters the lake (Withgott & Laposata, p. 9). This occurrence then produces massive algae growth which not only obstructs sunlight, but also starves the water of oxygen, resulting in...
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...Using Chaffee’s (2012) problem-solving approach, I first need to understand the problem. The first step would be obtaining a very specific explanation of the quality issues to ensure the problem is manufacturing. In order for the customer to have determined there is an issue, they will most likely have formally tracked the issue. This information should be obtained and reviews and ideally the customer will supply specific units that have had the problem. Next, alternatives should be identified and evaluated. Is it possible that the issue is not related to manufacturing? I would take my tracking list and defective devices and meet with Engineering and Quality in an effort to ensure that the problem is manufacturing. One alternative to consider might be the customer’s use of the device. Are the devices being used and troubleshooted properly? Assuming the issue comes down to manufacturing, we’ll need to work with Engineering to tweak development in an effort to resolve any defects. A control group of upgraded devices needs to be tracked in order to ensure the issue is solved. If there’s still an issue, we need to continue to find solutions in development and put them into action. Frequent communication with the customer is crucial in ensuring their satisfaction with the solution. If the customer is still discussing an alternative vendor after the problem is corrected, a revision in the service level agreement may be considered whereby a nominal financial penalty is involved...
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...decision making and possible approach methods that individuals and organization can choose to be used in problem solving depending on the nature of the issue. The first part will sum up the main ideas of the article, including main theories and practical advises that the authors are recommending. The second part of the essay will present some criticism towards the article and its theoretical framework and arguments. Main ideas and a summary of the theory Decision Making is a traditional area of interest in every business school and company. How are decisions actually made? Are they rational or just products of individuals’ personal opinions? Should they even be based on what is called as rational thinking? Henry Mintzberg and Frances Westley tried to tackle this problem of how decisions should be made in their essay Decision Making: It’s Not What You Think, published in MIT Sloan Management Review (2001). They challenge the traditional approach of logical problems followed by step-by-step solutions. The researchers argue that there are a whole bunch of different types of problems in need of different approaches. The common type of decision making follows a clear pattern. First step would be defining the problem. Secondly, one needs to diagnose the causes of the problem. Third step is deciding the best approach or treatment to it. Finally, there should be implementation according to the solution reached. This kind of approach is suitable for solving problems that are clear and structured...
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...involves the philosophy of approaching a problem in a subjective manner. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 2 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: scientific approach 2) Management science techniques can be applied only to business and military organizations. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 2 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: scientific approach, problem solving 3) Once management scientist makes his or her decision and recommendation to management, then typically, his or her involvement with the problem is finished. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 6 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: management science, management scientist 4) A variable is a value that is usually a coefficient of a parameter in an equation. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 3 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: variable 5) Parameters are known, constant values that are usually coefficients of variables in equations. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 4 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: parameter 6) Data are pieces of information from the problem environment. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 4 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: data 7) A model is a mathematical representation of a problem situation including variables, parameters...
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...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 is based...
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...Creative problem solving From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Creative problem solving is the mental process of creating a solution to a problem. It is a special form of problem solving in which the solution is independently created rather than learned with assistance. Creative problem solving always involves creativity. However, creativity often does not involve creative problem solving, especially in fields such as music, poetry, and art. Creativity requires newness or novelty as a characteristic of what is created, but creativity does not necessarily imply that what is created has value or is appreciated by other people. To qualify as creative problem solving the solution must either have value, clearly solve the stated problem, or be appreciated by someone for whom the situation improves.[1] The situation prior to the solution does not need to be labeled as a problem. Alternate labels include a challenge, an opportunity, or a situation in which there is room for improvement.[1] Solving school-assigned homework problems does not usually involve creative problem solving because such problems typically have well-known solutions.[1] If a created solution becomes widely used, the solution becomes an innovation and the word innovation also refers to the process of creating that innovation. A widespread and long-lived innovation typically becomes a new tradition. "All innovations [begin] as creative solutions, but not all creative solutions become innovations."[1] Some...
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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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...systems transforming business and what is their relationship to globalization? • Why are information systems so essential for running and managing a business today? • What exactly is an information system? How does it work? What are its people, organization, and technology components? 1.2 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall Essentials of Management Information Systems Chapter 1 Business Information Systems in Your Career STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES • How will a four-step method for business problem solving help you solve information systemrelated problems? • How will information systems affect business careers and what information systems skills and knowledge are essential? 1.3 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall Essentials of Management Information Systems Chapter 1 Business Information Systems in Your Career The New Yankee Stadium Looks to the Future • Problem: Escalating salaries, travel costs, and ticket prices, more competing entertainment options. • Solutions: Enhance fan experience by building state-of-the-art new stadium. 1.4 Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. publishing as Prentice Hall Essentials of Management Information Systems Chapter 1 Business Information Systems in Your Career The New Yankee Stadium Looks to the Future • Cisco Systems supplied the technology for the new Yankee Stadium, including 1,100 highdefinition monitors and videoconferencing equipment...
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...Problem Solving Skills Problem solving skills are a necessity in order to make effective decisions and manage a team. Without problem solving skills it is impossible for one to be credible and make reliable decisions each and every time. While some may believe that problem solving skills are a gift, they are actually a set of skills that can be learned and continually enhanced in order to manage in the most effective way possible. In order to be an adept problem solver one must possess the following skills: having the ability to identify a problem, analyze the problem, gather information, generate potential solutions (brainstorm), select and test the solution, and analyze/evaluate the results. Problem-solving is a mental process that is used to discover, analyze, and solve problems. When problem solving, the ultimate goal is to conquer hurdles and come up with the best solution. Discovering and identifying the Problem can be complicated process. People often mistakenly identify the wrong source of a problem, which will make attempts to solve it inefficient or even useless. After the problem has been discovered, it is important to completely define the problem so that a solution can be achieved. Developing a strategy to solve the problem is the next approach. This step varies depending upon the situation and the individual's unique preferences. Before arriving at a solution, it’s important to organize the available information. A problem solver needs to ask questions like: What...
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...Problem Solving and Decision Making: Consideration of Individual Differences Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator William G. Huitt Citation: Huitt, W. (1992). Problem solving and decision making: Consideration of individual differences using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Journal of Psychological Type, 24, 33-44. Retrieved from [date] http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/papers/prbsmbti.html Return to: | Readings in Educational Psychology | Educational Psychology Interactive | Abstract Improving individuals' and groups' abilities to solve problems and make decisions is recognized as an important issue in education, industry, and government. Recent research has identified a prescriptive model of problem solving, although there is less agreement as to appropriate techniques. Separate research on personality and cognitive styles has identified important individual differences in how people approach and solve problems and make decisions. This paper relates a model of the problem-solving process to Jung's theory of personality types (as measured by the MBTI) and identifies specific techniques to support individual differences. The recent transition to the information age has focused attention on the processes of problem solving and decision making and their improvement (e.g., Nickerson, Perkins, & Smith, 1985; Stice, 1987; Whimbey & Lochhead, 1982). In fact, Gagne (1974, 1984) considers the strategies used in these processes to be a primary outcome of modern education...
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...involves the philosophy of approaching a problem in a subjective manner. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 2 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: scientific approach 2) Management science techniques can be applied only to business and military organizations. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 2 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: scientific approach, problem solving 3) Once management scientist makes his or her decision and recommendation to management, then typically, his or her involvement with the problem is finished. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Page Ref: 6 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: management science, management scientist 4) A variable is a value that is usually a coefficient of a parameter in an equation. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 3 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: variable 5) Parameters are known, constant values that are usually coefficients of variables in equations. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 4 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: parameter 6) Data are pieces of information from the problem environment. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Page Ref: 4 Main Heading: The Management Science Approach to Problem Solving Key words: data 7) A model is a mathematical representation of a problem situation including variables, parameters...
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...Problem Solving-Based Scenarios: An Approach to Identify Opportunities to Create Value for the Business Introduction Today’s realities of leadership include increasing competition and intensity, reducing cycle times and costs, and improving productivity while at the same time growing the business and meeting increasing customer and Wall Street expectations. These pressures require leaders to redefine and redesign how to think, how to lead, and how to act. These shifts in the very nature of leadership and of work demand that the leader spend more time figuring out what to do next and how best to do it to add value to the corporation and the stakeholders. Problem solving is a core capability required to realize these opportunities. Leadership can be seen as a process of identifying opportunities and solving problems. Some problems are important; some are not important. Some problems are easy to define; others are complex. Some problems are easy to solve; others are difficult. Some are solved alone; many are solved with others, often under tremendous political and organizational pressures. Sometimes there is a problem; sometimes there is not a problem. All problem solving and solution development methods follow a process that may be adapted by the user and to the particular scenario or situation. As human beings, we tend to look to preserve the status quo and see the world as it has been. We look for patterns or approaches that have been successful in the past. These...
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...Charles Kettering, the famed US electrical engineer and inventor said “A problem well-stated is half-solved.” One of the key capabilities in Consulting is to develop a good understanding of the problem situation from a number of different perspectives. This stage in the consulting process is known as ‘problem structuring’. The capabilities in Consulting have no limits with extraordinary growth in which is capable to handle and bring solutions for all business problems. Consulting is currently not well defined; however, it may refer to as giving advice to companies provided by trained professionals who help managers solve operational and strategic problems through the use of their knowledge and systematic analysis of facts and experience. Many specialised practitioners from all industry sectors often refer to themselves as ‘consultants’, in which roles they share knowledge and proffer advice to clients. The teaching of consulting begins its teaching by introducing the art and science of consulting. The reason being is that when coming up with any problems within a business, everything can be approached scientifically and everything can become art (Vidal R. 2006). The message given here believes to indicate that in complex situations to problem solving, it is advisable to use both the scientific and artistic attitudes for a more satisfying result to achieve with the risk of failure been minimized, all the participants been empowered and everybody to have given the chance...
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...The benefit of creative problem solving skills Creative problem-solving skill is not just a brainstorming, but it is a distinct process that can help us from problem definition to applying new solutions to a problems or approach a problem in imaginative way. Creative problem solving skills help us to flex our minds, redefine the problems that we faced, find path-breaking ideas and take suitable solutions after that. It’s all about overcoming our mind’s conceptual blocks and finding numerous solutions to solve problems that we face. Everybody can get advantages from having creative problem solving skills whether for individual or organization. When we all facing problems on daily, some of these problems are more severe or complicated than others. It would be delightful to have the competence to solve all problems efficiently without trouble, unfortunately there is no only one way that can solved all problems. One of the most significant characteristics of the creative problem solving process is turns a problem into an occasion to improve the organization. Rather than just depend on on out-of-date ideas to overcome a problem, the creative approach inspires people to join in a dynamic setting which encourages new ideas and methods. Creative problem solving skills is very significant in an organization because it can uses for attaining excellent performance in most of the jobs. The term of “problem" simply refers to any incongruity between the current situation and a desired future...
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...Problem Solving-Based Scenarios: An Approach to Identify Opportunities to Create Value for the Business Introduction Today’s realities of leadership include increasing competition and intensity, reducing cycle times and costs, and improving productivity while at the same time growing the business and meeting increasing customer and Wall Street expectations. These pressures require leaders to redefine and redesign how to think, how to lead, and how to act. These shifts in the very nature of leadership and of work demand that the leader spend more time figuring out what to do next and how best to do it to add value to the corporation and the stakeholders. Problem solving is a core capability required to realize these opportunities. Leadership can be seen as a process of identifying opportunities and solving problems. Some problems are important; some are not important. Some problems are easy to define; others are complex. Some problems are easy to solve; others are difficult. Some are solved alone; many are solved with others, often under tremendous political and organizational pressures. Sometimes there is a problem; sometimes there is not a problem. All problem solving and solution development methods follow a process that may be adapted by the user and to the particular scenario or situation. As human beings, we tend to look to preserve the status quo and see the world as it has been. We look for patterns or approaches that have been successful in the past. These...
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