Problem-Solving Methods
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1. Introduction
Why manage the process?
What are you managing?
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–
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Problem definition (D)
Brainstorming ideas/solutions (B)
Setting criteria (C)
Evaluating ideas/solutions (E)
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2. Agenda Systems
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
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Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Model
Ross 4-step
“Wright 494” Agenda
Brilhart-Jochem Ideation Criteria
Maier’s Decision-making Formula
Group’s Own Agenda
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A. Dewey’s Reflective Thinking
Define & delineate the problem
Analyze the problem
Suggest solutions
Develop proposed solutions
Further verify and test solutions
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B. Ross 4-Step Agenda
Definition & limitation
Analysis
– Puzzles – Questions of fact
– Probabilities
– Values, beliefs, attitudes
Establish criteria (Standards to judge solutions)
– Min/max limits
– Ranking of hierarchical importance
Solutions
Suggested solutions
– Evaluation in terms of criteria
– Decision & Implementation
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C. “Wright 494” Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Ventilation
Clarification of problem/establish group goals
Analyze the problem
Establish general criteria
Suggest general solutions
Evaluate solutions according to steps 3 & 4
Develop situational criteria
Evaluate solutions according to step 7 criteria
Select solutions
Implement solutions
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D. Brilhart-Jochem Ideation Criteria
What is the nature of the problem facing us
– Present state
– Obstacles
– Goals
What might be done to solve the problem or the first
sub-problem?
By what specific criteria shall we judge among our
possible solutions?
What are the relative merits of our possible solutions?
How will we put our decision into effect?
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E. Maier’s Decision-Making Formula
Decision Making = Idea Getting +
Idea Evaluation
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2. Specific Discussion Techniques
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
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Brainstorming
Nominal Group
Delphi Technique
Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz Groups
Single Question Form
Ideal Solution
PERT
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A. Brainstorming
Principles
Steps
– All evaluation & criticism
is forbidden
– Crazy ideas are
encouraged
– Seek new combinations
– Quantity trumps quality
– Hitchhiking is encouraged
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– Warm-up
– Brainstorm
– Eliminate duplicated
ideas
– Clarify, order, and
evaluate
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B. Buzzzzzzzzzzz Groups
Identify the question
Assign duties of designated leaders
Actualize the assembly’s ideas
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C. Delphi technique
Collect participant’s ideas
Synthesize list of ideas (classify by importance)
Develop an integrated list and manageable
questionnaire
Vote on the issues
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D. Nominal Group
Rationale
Steps
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Silently list ideas
Create master idea list (round-robin recording)
Clarify ideas
Straw vote
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E. Single Question Form
What is the single question, the answer to which is all
the group needs to know to accomplish its purpose?
What sub-questions must be answered before we can
answer the single question?
Do we have sufficient info to confidently answer them?
If yes, answer them. If not, continue below.
What are the most reasonable answers to the subquestions?
Assuming that our answers are correct, what is the best
solution to the problem?
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F. Ideal Solution Form
Are we all agreed on the nature of the problem?
What would be the ideal solution from the point
of view of all the parties involved?
What conditions within the problem could be
changed so that the ideal solution might be
achieved?
Of the solutions available to us, which one best
approximates the ideal solution?
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G. PERT
Steps
Background
– Program Evaluation &
Review Technique
– Developed by Navy to
launch Polaris missile
program (1958)
– Work backward
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– State final project event or goal
– List events that must happen
before final event
– Assess the order of events
– Make a chronological diagram
of events
– State specific activities that
occur between events
– Specify time needed
– Are deadlines feasible?
– Determine the critical path
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