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Problem Solving Notes

The document discusses problem solving and provides details on: 1) The problem solving process which involves defining the problem, generating alternative solutions, evaluating and selecting a solution, and implementing and following up on the solution. 2) Different levels of problem solving including entry, intermediate, and expert levels. 3) Factors that can affect problem solving such as poor intelligence, lack of concepts, and prejudices. 4) Skills useful for problem solving like decision making, motivation, and communication. 5) An overview of SWOT analysis and how it can be used to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within a company.

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Abhimanyu Chatterjee
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58 views

Problem Solving Notes

The document discusses problem solving and provides details on: 1) The problem solving process which involves defining the problem, generating alternative solutions, evaluating and selecting a solution, and implementing and following up on the solution. 2) Different levels of problem solving including entry, intermediate, and expert levels. 3) Factors that can affect problem solving such as poor intelligence, lack of concepts, and prejudices. 4) Skills useful for problem solving like decision making, motivation, and communication. 5) An overview of SWOT analysis and how it can be used to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within a company.

Uploaded by

Abhimanyu Chatterjee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Soft Skills Training

Problem Solving

What is Problem Solving?

Problem-solving is the act of defining a problem; determining the


cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting
alternatives for a solution; and implementing a solution. The
problem-solving process. Problem-solving resources.

Process of Problem Solving:-


1. Define the problem
Diagnose the situation so that your focus is on the problem, not just its
symptoms. Helpful problem-solving techniques include using
flowcharts to identify the expected steps of a process and
cause-and-effect diagrams to define and analyze root causes.

The sections below help explain key problem-solving steps. These steps
support the involvement of interested parties, the use of factual
information, comparison of expectations to reality, and a focus on the
root causes of a problem. You should begin by:

Reviewing and documenting how processes currently work (i.e., who


does what, with what information, using what tools, communicating
with what organizations and individuals, in what time frame, using
what format).
Evaluate the possible impact of new tools and revised policies in the
development of your "what should be" model.
2. Generate alternative solutions
Postpone the selection of one solution until several problem-solving
alternatives have been proposed. Considering multiple alternatives can

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significantly enhance the value of your ideal solution. Once you have
decided on the "what should be" model, this target standard becomes
the basis for developing a road map for investigating alternatives.
Brainstorming and team problem-solving techniques are both useful
tools in this stage of problem-solving.

Many alternative solutions to the problem should be generated before


the final evaluation. A common mistake in problem-solving is that
alternatives are evaluated as they are proposed, so the first acceptable
solution is chosen, even if it’s not the best fit. If we focus on trying to get
the results we want, we miss the potential for learning something new
that will allow for real improvement in the problem-solving process.

3. Evaluate and select an alternative


Skilled problem solver use a series of considerations when selecting the
best alternative. They consider the extent to which:

A particular alternative will solve the problem without causing other


unanticipated problems.
All the individuals involved will accept the alternative.
Implementation of the alternative is likely.
The alternative fits within the organizational constraints.
4. Implement and follow up on the solution
Leaders may be called upon to direct others to implement the solution,
"sell" the solution or facilitate the implementation with the help of
others. Involving others in the implementation is an effective way to
gain buy-in and support and minimize resistance to subsequent
changes.

Regardless of how the solution is rolled out, feedback channels should


be built into the implementation. This allows for continuous monitoring
and testing of actual events against expectations. Problem-solving, and
the techniques used to gain clarity, are most effective if the solution
remains in place and is updated to respond to future changes.

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Levels of Problem Solving:-
There are Three levels of Problem Solving:-
Entry level
Identifies the problem and considers potential solutions.

Intermediate Level
Identifies the problem and considers potential solutions. Employs
multiple problem-solving strategies. Seeks assistance as necessary.

Expert Level
Employs multiple problem-solving strategies. Identifies possible
explanations and alternatives, identifies the information necessary to
solve a problem, anticipates obstacles, and develops contingency plans.
Undertakes a complex task by breaking it down into manageable parts
in a systematic, detailed way. Presents problem analysis and
recommended solutions, rather than just identifying or describing the
problem itself. Seeks assistance as necessary.

Factors affecting Problem Solving:-


1. Poor Intelligence
2. Absence of sufficient concepts
3. Wrong thought habits
4. Limited vocabulary
5. Prejudices
6. Lack of awareness

Skills to use in Problem Solving:-

1. Decision Making
2. Motivation
3. Planning
4. Analytical skills
5. Experience
6. Communication skills

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7. Group skills
8. Judgment
9. Collecting information

SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.


Strengths and weaknesses are internal to your company—things that
you have some control over and can change. Examples include who is
on your team, your patents and intellectual property, and your location.

How does SWOT work:-

SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis is a


framework used to evaluate a company's competitive position and to
develop strategic planning. SWOT analysis assesses internal and
external factors, as well as current and future potential.

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Strengths Weaknesses
1. What is our competitive 1. Where can we improve?
advantage? 2. What products are
2. What resources do we have? underperforming?
3. What products are performing 3. Where are we lacking resources?
well?

Threats Opportunities
1. What new regulations threaten 1. What technology can we use to
operations? improve operations?
2. What do our competitors do well? 2. Can we expand our core
3. What consumer trends threaten operations?
business? 3. What new market segments can
we explore?

Activity:-

Try to make your own personality analysis with the SWOT


technique. Note down all your Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats.

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