Unit 5 problem solving

Hetauda School of ManagementDepartment of BIM

Problem Solving

Shiva Shrestha, HSM, Hetauda

21 December 20141 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

TOPICS

21 December 20142

Critical thinking of problem identification

and formulation

Cognitive processes involved in problem

recognition

Forces affecting problem formulation

Formulating an effective problem

statement using comparative methods

Problems and decision, problem solving

processes and methods of problem

solvingSHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

Introduction

21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda3

Problem solving is an important managerial skill. It

involves person’s ability to integrate organizational

goals with available organizational resources. The

coordination of these various responsibilities in turn

requires and the ability to understand, communicate

and cooperate with people. Without these various

abilities and skills, problem solving is difficult.

Problems come in many types and forms.

Managers face these problems requiring decisions.

Some of these problems are routine type. Others

are less predictable and are more complex. The

process of analyzing a problem to determine its

source and developing possible solution is the key

to making good decisions.

Definition of Problem.


‘A problem is a question to be answered.’

‘A problem is deviations between the actual and the

desired performance.’

Types of problems

Problems can be classified on the basis of the

followings:

1. Frequency

2. Urgency

3. Impact

4. Source

Problem Identification

Problem identification is the first strategy

of solving a problem.

Problem Identification refers to seeing a

problem before you can try solving it.

Problem identification means to

investigate, to identify and to solve the

problem in a critical way like match the

problem solving and decision making

goals, make use of available resources.


Problem identification

The initial step of problem solving

process is to understand the real

problem exactly.

People involved in problem identification

should have sufficient knowledge and

should have the ability to make the use

of available resources.


Improving Problem

Identification

Identify the situation :

The problem solver should be full aware of

the situation in which problem occurs.

Conversation with people :

Conversation with the people who are

familiar with the problem helps to get

additional information about the problem.21 December 20147 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

Discover source of problem :

If we discover the real source of the

problem, we can identify the actual

problem.

Asking Questions :

Asking questions related to the problem

and taking advices from experts helps in

successful problem identification.


Turn the problem :Turning the problem helps to improve

problem identification by making the

strange familiar to the situation and

familiar to strange. It helps to twist and

turn our understanding of the current

situation.


Problem Formulation

Problem formulation is a creative and

one of the most important step in an

entire problem solving process.

It is a model building process in which

the relevant data are discriminated from

the irrelevant ones.


Types of Problem Formulation

Model

Physical model :It is a schematic or tangible representation of

the real thing to solve the problem.

For example : Model of sun and planet housed

in a planetarium

Symbolic model:It is a representation in which letter, numbers

and other types of symbols are used to solve

the problem.

For example : Solving the LPP model21 December 201411 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

Cognitive Process

Cognitive process are the mental

process involved in knowing, thinking,

reasoning, problem solving and

decision making approach that differs

from individual to individual.


Cognitive Process Involved in

Problem Recognition

Thinking :

It is cognitive assignment. It is

manipulation of both information from

the environment and the symbol stored

in long term memory.

Conceptualization :

It is important language symbols used

in thinking about the solving the problem

that we face.21 December 201413 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

21 December 201414

• Problem Solving :

It is an ability to solve the problem

which may differ from individual to

individual because of differences in

linguistic habit.

• Decision Making:

It is a kind of problem solving process

in which the decision maker generates

several alternatives and choose the best

among them.SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

Perception:

It is a process by which individual

organize and interpret their sensory

impression in order to keep meaning to

their environment.


Factors affecting problem formulation

21 December 201416

Personal

Emotional Immediate

Economic

Contextual

Emergent

organizational

SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

Formulating an effective problem

statement using comparative

methods

21 December 201417

This methods are strategies usually based on

past experience with problems that are likely to

lead to a solution but do not guarantee success.

In this method the present problem is compared

with previous problem and then solution to the

problem is brought.

Because we do not have algorithm for must of the

problem we encountered therefore we must use

comparative method like heuristics rule.

Example: Three pegs problem.


Problem solving processes

21 December 201418

Step 1: Identification of problem.

Step 2:Generate the possible solution.

Step 3: Evaluate the possible solution.

Step 4: Implement the preferred solution.


Problem solving methods

21 December 201419

A commonly used problem solving methods is

the SARA model. The SARA model contain the

following elements:

Scanning: Identifying the problem.

Analysis: Learning the problem’s causes, scope and

effects.

Response: Acting to alleviate the problem.

Assessment: Determining whether the response

worked.


21 December 201420

The SARA Mode (Method of problem

solving)

A commonly used problem-solving method is the

SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response and

Assessment). The SARA model contains the

following elements:



Scanning

It is the technique for scanning the environment to identify problem. It includes:

Identifying recurring problems of concern to the public and the police.

Identifying the consequences of the problem for the community and the police.

Prioritizing those problems.

Developing broad goals.

Confirming that the problems exist.

Determining how frequently the problem occurs and how long it has been taking place.

Selecting problems for closer examination.


Analysis

It helps to Analysis the problem or issues. It includes:

Identifying and understanding the events and conditions that precede and accompany the problem.

Identifying relevant data to be collected.

Researching what is known about the problem type.

Taking inventory of how the problem is currently addressed and the strengths and limitations of the current response.

Narrowing the scope of the problem as specifically as possible.

Identifying a variety of resources that may be of assistance in developing a deeper understanding of the problem.


Response

It helps to response the analyzed alternatives. It

includes:

Brainstorming for new interventions.

Searching for what other communities with

similar problems have done.

Choosing among the alternative interventions.

Outlining a response plan and identifying

responsible parties.

Stating the specific objectives for the response

plan.

Carrying out the planned activities.


Assessment

It helps to assessment of response to evaluate the impact of the police effort. It includes:

Determining whether the plan was implemented (a process evaluation).

Collecting pre- and post-response qualitative and quantitative data.

Determining whether broad goals and specific objectives were attained.

Identifying any new strategies needed to augment the original plan.

Conducting ongoing assessment to ensure continued effectiveness.


Conclusion

Thus in conclusion we came to know that a problem

is a difficulty or an obstacle existing in a situation. It

indicates a perceived gap between what is and

what should be.

The gap is a problem to the organization. Solving

problems effectively requires an understanding of

the nature and types of problem. Problems can be

classified on the basis of frequency, impact, source

and urgency. The success of a manager depends

on his or her ability to get the job done. This needs

problem solving skills. Problems not handled

properly and in time lead to a crisis situation. A

crisis situation has serious implications for the

organization.


Thank you very much

Education

Unit 5 problem solving