In-Depth Notes on Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Introduction

  • Problem solving is a daily activity in modern societies.

  • Workplaces seek individuals capable of non-routine problem solving, particularly in managerial, professional, and technical jobs.

Skills Categories

  • Routine Skills:

    • Involve tasks that are repetitive and can be performed following a straightforward procedure.

    • Can be cognitive (e.g., data entry) or manual (e.g., production tasks).

  • Non-Routine Skills:

    • Require tacit knowledge, difficult to define with strict rules.

    • Split into:

    • Manual Non-Routine Tasks: e.g., cooking, requiring adaptability, social interaction, and recognition skills.

    • Abstract Tasks: Involves problem solving, intuition, persuasion, and creativity (e.g., managing teams, data analysis).

Requirements for Effective Problem Solving

  • Ability to identify problems and opportunities.

  • Mental attitude and emotional resilience.

  • Commitment to understand personal strengths and vulnerabilities.

  • Skills in gathering relevant information and spotting patterns.

  • Relationship building and adaptability.

The Problem Solving Process: Seven Steps

  1. Problem Understanding: Grasping the nature of the problem.

  2. Problem Cause Brainstorming: Generating ideas about possible causes through group collaboration.

  3. Cause Data Collection: Gathering data relevant to the problem.

  4. Cause Data Analysis: Analyzing data from various perspectives.

  5. Root Cause Identification: Identifying the underlying cause(s) of the problem.

  6. Problem Elimination: Creating solutions to remove the root cause.

  7. Solution Implementation: Executing the identified solutions.

Step 1: Problem Understanding Techniques

  • Flow Charts: Visual representation of a process and identifying where issues may occur.

  • Critical Incident Analysis: Evaluating impactful incidents for insights into problem-solving.

  • Spider Charts: Visual tool for comparing multiple aspects.

Flow Charts Types

  • Regular Flow Chart: Documenting sequential steps in a process.

  • Cross-Functional Flow Chart: Depicting interactions across various functions/departments.

Step 2: Problem Cause Brainstorming Tools

  • Brainstorming: Encouraging free thought collaboration.

    • Structured and unstructured formats to generate ideas.

  • Brain Writing: Gathering ideas in writing without verbal pressure.

    • Card Method & Gallery Method.

  • Is-Is Not Matrix: Helps distinguish relevant vs. irrelevant problem aspects.

  • Nominal Group Technique: Structured voting on ideas to prioritize proposals.

  • Paired Comparison Analysis: Comparison of pairs of ideas to find the best solution.

Step 3: Problem Cause Data Collection

  • Sampling: Selecting representative participants for data collection.

    • Probability vs Non-Probability Sampling Methods: Random selection for generalizability vs convenience-based selection.

  • Surveys: Collecting input on opinions and attitudes.

  • Check-Sheets: Tools for recording data during operations to identify errors.

Step 4: Problem Cause Data Analysis

  • Histogram, Scatter Charts, Pareto Charts: Visual tools for analyzing collected data.

  • Cause and Effect Charts: Understanding relationships between problems and causes.

    • Also known as Ishikawa or fishbone diagrams.

Step 5: Root Cause Identification Techniques

  • 5 Whys: Asking successive 'Why?' questions to drill down to root cause.

  • Fault Tree Analysis: Diagrammatic representation showing failures and events leading to a problem.

Step 6: Problem Root Cause Elimination Tools

  • Six Thinking Hats: A method to approach problems from multiple perspectives (facts, creativity, optimism, etc.).

  • Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ): Guidelines for innovative solutions independent of known solutions.

    • Focuses on contradictions and inventive principles across domains.

  • Systematic Inventive Thinking (SIT): Framework for approaching creative problems and generating ideas.

Conclusion

  • Emphasizing flexible and creative thinking is essential in navigating complex and unfamiliar situations to solve problems effectively.

  • Each step in the problem-solving process builds the necessary skills and approaches to tackle both routine and non-routine challenges in professional environments.