problem solving panther prep north central high school
TRANSCRIPT
Problem Solving
Panther Prep
North Central High School
Quote
“Shall we flip a coin?”
Maybe not—50% of the time you may lose!
Heuristics
A heuristic is a general guide to solving a problem.Heuristics are rules of thumb, not guaranteed to work perfectly but will often dramatically increase the odds of a successful solution.Example: the process one goes through when buying a car.
A Six-Step Problem Solving Heuristic
Research and define the problem
Determine the cause(s) of the problem
Generate solutions for the problem
Decide on the best solution
Implement the solution
Evaluate the solution
Step 1: Research and Define the Problem
Thoroughly familiarize oneself with the situation and its possible causes
Ask questions: have we encountered this problem before?
Research using the Internet, local news sources, and personal interviews.
Present State/Desired State
Present State
I weigh 170 lbs.
Desired State
I weigh 150 lbs (stated in present tense)
Step 2: Determine the Cause(s) of the Problem
A Trouble-Shooting Analysis (TSA) can sharpen the determination of causes. What is or what is not causing the problem?Once the problem-solver decides on the cause of the problem, he/she needs to check her conclusions against the TSA questions.
Step 3: Generating Solutions
Research is the best way to generate solutionsTry brainstorming: use the “brain” to create a “storm” of ideas” – Alex Osborne, early 1900sTry “random simulation”: break out of linear thinking by thinking of related ideas to randomly generated words
Step 3: Generating Solutions (cont’d)
Try “futuring”: imagine that you are in the future, where anything is possible. It may yield impossible-sounding ideas that are indeed possible.Try Other People’s Views (OPV): Think about the problem from another person’s Point of View.Try a Graphic Organizer: a graphic method for organizing and displaying a list of possibilities
4. Decide on the Best Solution
The alternatives to solve the problem must be analyzed in detail to determine the best solutionReconsider some of the ideas generated in defining the problem and identifying its causesTry the Wants/Needs Analysis (WNA): defining the key criteria for your choices and then measuring the alternatives against the criteria
4. Decide on the Best Solution
WNA– List key criteria or measures of
effectiveness• Generate a short list of “must” criteria
• For an alternative to pass through the “must” filter—it must meet or exceed requirements
– Ex. Buying a new house—list essential qualities house must have
4. Decide on the Best Solution
WNA– Then generate a list of desirable but not
essential features— “want” criteria • Desirable, but not a deal breaker if absent
• Grading scale that permits comparison
MUSTS 1316 Elm St.
7623 Hardy
4723 Main Ave.
2149 Dunlap Ave.
5272 E. Hens-ridge
1. The house must cost less than $200,000
Yes Yes No Yes Yes
2. The house must have at least 4 bed rooms
Yes Yes Yes Yes
3. The house must have at least a 2-car garage
Yes No Yes Yes
4. House must have at least 2 full bathrooms
Yes Yes No
WantsImportance= ISatisfaction = S
I 1-10
S0-101316 Elm St.
I x S= pts S0-102149 Dunlap Av
I x S = pts
1. Jacuzzi 7 8 56 6 42
2. Fireplace 3 7 21 0 0
3. Swimming Pool
9 8 72 8 72
4. Picket Fence 7 0 0 9 63
5. Friendly neighbors
8 6 48 8 64
6. Park nearby 5 3 15 2 10
Total (I x S) score
221 251
4. Decide on the Best Solution
Choose the best alternative that you can live with!– You can decide differently than a heuristic
recommends
Next, be ready to follow through with your decision…
5. Implement the Solution
An essential part of solving the problem is listing the series of specific steps to make it happen and then carrying them out– Flowcharts can help depict the sequence
of steps
5. Implement the Solution
The Contingency Plan– Helps you anticipate what might go wrong
in the implementation process– List all possible problems, their causes,
and possible effects– Develop a Plan A and a Plan B for fallback
measures
6. Evaluate the Solution
Have I really solved the original problem, and I have done so in the best way?
Seek feedback to help with this process
Develop a check-up schedule to inspect and monitor the problem solution