PROBLEM

Problem

 A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for

people.
 Although many problems turn out to have several solutions (the means to
close the gap or correct the deviation), difficulties arise where such means
are either not obvious or are not immediately available.
A problem is the difference between
what is and what can or should be
What are some of the advantages of
problems?
 Most are solvable or improvable.

 They are opportunities to make some good happen.

 They are challenges that make life interesting and sometimes fun.
Problem Solving

All problems have two features in common :

i. Goals:

ii. Barriers
Stages of Problem Solving

 Effective problem solving usually involves working through a number of steps

or stages.
 Problem Identification
 Structuring the Problem
 Looking for Possible Solutions
 Making a Decision
 Implementation
 Monitoring/Seeking Feedback
Stages of Problem Solving: Problem
Identification
 Involves: detecting and recognizing that there is a problem; identifying the
nature of the problem; defining the problem.
 Requires thoughts and analysis.
 Identifying problem can be a difficult task.
 Is there a problem?
 What is the nature of the problem, are there in fact numerous problems?
 How can the problem be best defined?
Stages of Problem Solving: Structuring
the Problem
 Involves: a period of observation, careful inspection, fact-finding and
developing clear picture of the problem.

 After identifying the problem, structuring is gaining more information about

the problem and increasing understanding.

 This phase is all about fact finding and analysis, building a more
comprehensive picture of both the goals and the barriers.
Stages of Problem Solving: Looking for
Possible Solutions
 Generate a range of possible courses of action, but with little attempt to
evaluate them at this stage.
 Start thinking about possible solutions to the identified problem.
 In group – brainstorm
 Why Brainstorm? – because in organization different people have different
expertise in different areas.
Stages of Problem Solving: Making a
Decision
 Involves: careful analysis of the different possible courses of action and then
selecting the best solution for implementation.
 Complex part of the PSP (problem solving process).
 Careful analysis of each solution.
 Some solutions may not be possible, due to other problems, like time
constraints and budgets.
 Consider what might happen if nothing was done to solve the problem.
 Solving a problem may lead to other problems.
 Needs innovation and creative thinking.
Stages of Problem Solving:
Implementation
 This stage involves accepting and carrying out the chosen course of action.
 Acting on the chosen solution.
 More problems may arise if identification or structuring of the original
problem was not carried out fully.
Stages of Problem Solving:
Monitoring/Seeking Feedback
 The last stage is about reviewing the outcomes of problem solving over a
period of time, including seeking feedback as to the success of the outcomes
of the chosen solution.
 Checking that the process was successful.
 Gained by monitoring and gaining feedback from people affected by any
changes that occurred.
Use of Problem-solving

 Identify the issues.

 Understand everyone's interests.
 List the possible solutions (options)
 Evaluate the options.
 Select an option or options.
 Document the agreement(s).
 Agree on monitoring, and evaluation.
Sources of information

 An information source is a person, thing, or place from

which information comes, arises, or is obtained .
 That source might then inform a person about something or provide
knowledge about it.
 Information sources are divided into separate distinct categories, primary,
secondary, tertiary,
Selection & Implementation of the best
corrective action
1 . Timescale : The time allowed for or taken by a process or sequence of
events. The timescale of an event is the length of time during which it happens
or develops.

2 . Stages : A point, period, or step in a process or development .

3 . Resources : A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets

that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.

4 . Critical path analysis : is a technique that identifies the activities

necessary to complete a task, including identifying the time necessary to finish
each activity and the relationships between the activities.
Evaluation

 An evaluation is an appraisal of something to determine its worth.

 For example, before you start an exercise program, get a medical evaluation,
to make sure you're able to handle the activity.