Problem Solving

‘Problem Solving’ is the process of working through details of a problem to reach a solution. Problem solving may include mathematical or systematic operations and can be a gauge of an individual’s critical thinking skills. Problems get solved depending on the skills which the managers possess – their proactivity, responsiveness, and their management style. There is no definite problem-solving model that works in all given situations and with all management styles. Problem statement refers to the issues that need immediate attention from the decision-making team. Before the team tries to achieve a particular purpose, they should be provided with a defined problem statement.

•What is the scope and limitations (in time, money, resources, technologies) that can be used to solve the problem?

•Does the client want a white paper?

•A web-tool?

•A new feature for a product?

•A brainstorming on a topic?

The primary purpose of a problem statement is to focus the attention of the problem solving team.  A research-worthy problem statement is the description of an active challenge. The research-worthy problem statement should address all six questions: what, how, where, when, why, and who. On the other hand, a statement of the problem is one or two sentences that outlines the problem that is being addressed. Majority of root causes of problems are hidden in the system, can be found through research, can be controlled by management and can be removed through improvements.

•This is the most important step in the process because it drives the analysis

•Deal with facts, what is known to be true about the problem you are dealing with

•Challenge assumptions

•Separate symptoms from actual problems•

•Develop a main question•

•Questions are most useful way to structure problems