ITC 200 – Exam 3 Study Guide

A set of 50 vocabulary flashcards designed to help students review key terms and concepts from their ITC 200 course on problem-solving frameworks.

Problem-Solving Process

Achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles in personal, business, technical, and social contexts.

Steps of Problem-Solving

1. Identify the problem 2. Gather information 3. Clarify the problem 4. Consider possible solutions 5. Select the best option 6. Implement and monitor.

Root Cause Analysis

Focusing on effects versus unknown causes; targeting root causes rather than surface symptoms.

Divergent Thinking

A thinking process aimed at generating many ideas in the early stages of problem-solving.

Convergent Thinking

A thinking process focused on analyzing and selecting the best ideas later in the problem-solving process.

Weighted Analysis Scoring

A decision-making tool where criteria are identified, assigned weights, scored, and summed to determine the best option.

Problem Statement

A concise definition of the issue that includes current situation, desired situation, gap, and impact.

Primary Research

Data collected directly from sources such as surveys, experiments, and interviews.

Secondary Research

Data obtained from existing sources like published articles, reports, and government data.

Credibility Factors

Accuracy, reliability, relevance, and ethical methods are essential to evaluate information sources.

Provenance Framework

A framework for evaluating online sources based on originality, source credibility, date, location, and motivation.

Divergent Techniques

Methods such as brainstorming, reverse brainstorming, and mind mapping used to generate ideas.

Decision-Making

Effective decision-making balances context, intuition, and analytical approaches.

5 Whys

A root cause analysis tool that explores the reasons behind a problem by asking 'why' multiple times.

Fishbone Diagram

A visual tool used to identify root causes of a problem by categorizing potential factors.

Pareto Principle (80/20)

A principle stating that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes, used in decision-making.

Weighted Matrix

A tool to score options against weighted criteria for better decision-making.

Pugh Matrix

A matrix used to compare alternatives against a baseline option.

SWOT Analysis

A strategic analysis tool evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

MoSCoW Method

A prioritization technique for requirements—Must, Should, Could, Won't.

Eisenhower Matrix

A decision-making tool that categorizes tasks based on urgency and importance.

Delphi Method

A forecasting method that derives consensus from a panel of experts through iterative feedback.

8-Step Implementation Framework

A formal method to roll out solutions; includes defining objectives, planning resources, and continuous evaluation.

Objectives

Define the goals, success metrics, and scope in the implementation framework.

Risks & Mitigation

Analyzing potential risks and creating contingency plans to address them.

Resource Planning

Identifying teams, tools, and budget necessary for successful project execution.

Timeline & Milestones

Establishing phases and a roadmap for the implementation process.

Support & Training

Providing helpdesk support and training materials for users during implementation.

Obtain Resources

Securing necessary funding, labor, and facilities for project execution.

Deployment Phase

The final rollout process, beginning with a pilot followed by full implementation.

Continuity

Monitoring, iterating, and updating processes post-implementation.

Focus on Effects

In problem-solving, prioritize understanding the effects rather than only targeting causes.

Current Situation

The existing state of a problem as defined in the problem statement.

Desired Situation

The target state that one aims to achieve when addressing a problem.

Gap

The difference between the current situation and the desired situation in a problem statement.

Impact

The potential costs, risks, or consequences of a problem as identified in research.

Research Evaluation

The process of assessing the credibility of information sources based on various factors.

Quality-Focused

An aspect of convergent thinking that emphasizes the importance of selecting the best ideas.

Ideation Stage

The early phase of problem-solving where divergent thinking is primarily utilized.

Evaluation Stage

The later phase in problem-solving where convergent thinking takes place to refine ideas.

Specific Problem Statement

A quality of problem statements that ensures clarity and focus in defining issues.

Implementation Success Metrics

Criteria used to measure the success of an implemented solution.

Adjust as Needed

The iterative process of monitoring and modifying approaches during implementation.