Problem Solving

Problem Solving Dandi Daley Mackall Reviewed by- Dr. Atiqul Haq Mazumder

Thinking is a process and thought is the product output

Problem Solving A systematic approach to define problem and create many possible solutions without judging them.

It is a cognitive process directed at a goal where no solution method is obvious to the problem solver.

“ It's not a problem that we have a problem. It's a problem if we don't deal with the problem.” --Mary Kay Utech

The “Pop-Up” principle suggests that solutions yield problems of their own. Problem 1 Problem 3 Problem 4 Problem 2 Problem 5 Solution to Problem 2 Solution to Problem 1

“ The problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem.” --Theodore Ruskin

Problem Solving Skill We use problem solving skill in everyday live without our conscious awareness:

Thinking Creatively Thinking logically Analyzing the problem By research

Forming a hypothesis Troubleshooting

“ Confident of your problem solving skills, you can turn each problem in to an opportunity”

Left Brain Right Brain Analytic thought Step by step process Holistic thought Seeing “big” picture before understanding details

Logic Conclusions based upon a logical or consecutive order Intuition Insight based upon incomplete patterns or “hunches”

Language Using words to name/describe/define Creativity Demonstrative with minimal word use, understanding relationship s

Math & Science Number use, awareness of time, symbols, facts & linear reasoning Art & Music Putting pieces together to form “wholes”

Scientific Thinking Creative Thinking Logical, Critical, Analytical, Convergent, Predictable, Straight-liner thinking Insightful, Inspirational, Exploratory, Divergent, Generative, Unpredictable, Lateral thinking

One right answer Probability Right brain Judgment New answer to old problems Possibility Left brain Suspended

Focused Objective Verbal Linear Yes, But Reasoning Diffused Subjective Visual Associated Yes, And Novelty

Problem Solving Skill Development of the left brain led to greater attention to critical thinking

Problem Solving Skill Optimal use of the mind requires both critical and creative thinking

Four Steps of Critical Thinking Identifying the problem Brainstorming many options Negotiating Selecting the best option

Six Steps of Creative Thinking Identifying idea requirement Idea generation Idea assessment

Idea development Idea evaluation Idea utilization

of 21 Thinking Inside the Box (Thesis) Thinking Outside the Box (Antithesis) Praise success and praise failure Praise success and punish failure

Example of Flows of Ideas; New Terms Tournament of mind Mutation of ideas Idea engineering

Mind mapping Idea sensing Idea accounting Idea transferring Idea pooling

Creative Thinking Requires: Creative ability Creative attitude Power of imagination

Myths About Creative Thinking : Comes out in a flush It’s natural , can’t be acquired Born genius

Techniques for Creative Thinking Brainstorming

Don’t Accept Everything at Face value. Challenge Assumptions .

Keep a Notebook to Synthesize ideas “ Chance favours the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur

Potholes and Pitfalls Logical Fallacies “ Not So Fast” Rush to judgment

Hasty Generalization Poisoning the Well Car Washing in the Rain “ You Just Gotta”

Techniques for Brainstorming Brainstorming by Word Association Book Study Success

Techniques for Brainstorming Brainstorming by Clustering/ Mapping Library Exam Stress Meditation Teachers Impression Books New Market Home

Brainstorming by free writing OK So I need to write about brainstorming. Usually its done in a group but not always sometimes individual. Works best in a group though people feed off each others creativity especially if they have different backgrounds – social professional – etc. So how does it work as a group - get people together for a time period ½ to 1 hour - anything goes. no criticism – insane crazy ideas are ok - need to ensure nobody gets censored though so need a group leader to facilitate stuff. should also record - Also good to later sort out ideas by being critical and further exploring them But the biggest point is to make sure there is no criticism & that people can come up with all sorts of ideas. Should also be fun laughing – sort of like a creative party with stuff written on the blackboard

Dos of Brainstorming Don’ts of Brainstorming Speak/Write Fast Set a Time limit Say the First Thing that Comes to Mind Be Vulnerable Think Censure Yourself Analyze Make Judgment Slow Down

People Problems Lack of Training Own Unhappiness Disillusionment with the Job Personal Conflict

Unhealthy Competition Customer Conflict Ineffective Team Factions Discrimination

Organizational Problems Inability to Get the Resources Unclear Chain of Command Changes in the Economy Changes in the Marketplace Overlapping Responsibilities

Mechanical Problems Computers Telephones Fax Copiers

Analyzing the Problem The Six Ws The SWOT Test Who? Strength What? Weaknesses When? Opportunities

4.Where? Threats-Seasonal 5.Why? Cost, Number etc 6.What if? Possibilities

Dos of Setting Goals Don’ts of Setting Goals Get the Root Cause Be Specific Relate Goal to Overall Purpose Include a Timeframe Visualize the End Settle for the Effect Be General Be Uniformed Make a Wish and hope Lump Goals and Objectives Together

Setting Objectives Objectives are Bite-size Measurable goals “ The way to achieve success is first to have a definite, clear, practical idea- a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends-wisdom, money, materials, methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end.” -Aristotle

A Plan of Action includes- A Clear Statement of the plan Clear-cut Goals and Objectives Step by Step Strategy A Schedule with deadlines

“ If you fail to meet your deadline, you could single-handedly derail your company’s action plan”

Allocation of Resources Delegation of Jobs Contingency Plans An Internal Review System

Follow Through Anticipation Saves on Frustration “ If Your Plan A Fails Apart, Do You Have a Plan B?"

Troubleshooting “ Good Working Teams Try to Troubleshoot Problems Before They Happen.”

Flexibility Persistence “ Some men give up their design when they have almost reached their goals; while others, on the contrary, obtain a vigorous efforts than before.” -Polybius

Follow Through with Celebration At one week point-When an objective is reached At one month point-When you arrive at the end

3.With every individual success -When you overcome an obstacle 4.At positive feedback on the plan- Before moving on

1. Study the problem and focus on the goal. Some Tricks for Creativity

2.Build on others' ideas. Brainstorm.

3.Organize a hotshot team. Build teamwork.

4.Break down a complex solution

Phrases that Kill Creativity We tried that before. It costs too much. It’s too radical a change. Let’s get back to reality. You’re right, but . . . . Not that again. We did all right without it. Let’s form a committee.

It can’t be done. Quit dreaming. NO! Why me? What now? Not my problem! Don’t ask me!

“ You can’t depend upon your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain “ Computer are useless. They can only give you answers.” – Pablo Picasso “ To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” – Thomas Edison

“ The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” – Albert Einstein “ No great discovery is ever made without a bold guess.” – Sir Isaac Newton

Problem Solving

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