PROBLEM SOLVING

The process of working through details of a problem to reach a

solution. 

Or

The process of determining the cause of the problem; identifying,

prioritizing, and selecting alternatives for a solution; and
implementing a solution.
PROBLEM SOLVING
The design of any computer program involves two
phases:
The Problem-solving Phase
The Implementation Phase
Problem-Solving Phase

Problem Solving is comprise of the following steps:

1. Define the problem
2. Find a solution to the problem
3. Evaluate alternative solutions
4. Represent the most efficient solution as an algorithm
5. Test the algorithm for correctness
Characteristics of Problem-Solving Phase
Step Characteristics
1. Define the Proble 1) Differentiate fact from opinion
2) Specify underlying causes
3) Consult each faction involved for information
4) State the problem specifically
5) Identify what standard or expectation is
violated
6) Determine in which process the problem lies
7) Avoid trying to solve the problem without
data

2. Find a solution to the 1. Postpone evaluating alternatives initially

problem 2. Include all involved individuals in the
generating of alternatives
3. Specify alternatives consistent with
organizational goals
4. Specify short- and long-term alternatives
5. Brainstorm on others' ideas
6. Seek alternatives that may solve the problem
Characteristics of Problem-Solving
Phase
Step
con’t Characteristics
3. Evaluate alternative 1. Evaluate alternatives relative to a target
solutions standard
2. Evaluate all alternatives without bias
3. Evaluate alternatives relative to established
goals
4. Evaluate both proven and possible outcomes
5. State the selected alternative explicitly

4. Implement and follow up 1. Plan and implement a pilot test of the chosen
on the solution alternative
2. Gather feedback from all affected parties
3. Seek acceptance or consensus by all those
affected
4. Establish ongoing measures and monitoring
5. Evaluate long-term results based on final
solution
In order to define the problem it must
be broken down into three components:

1. What is given (the inputs)

2. The tasks that must be performed (processing)
3. The expected results (the output)
You can define the problem by creating a defining diagram:

The IPO chart which is a defining diagram is made up

of three columns which are used to document the
input, processing and output respectively.
Example: A program is required to read three numbers
and calculate and print the total.
Example of an IPO Chart
INPUT PROCESSING OUTPUT

3 numbers 1. Get 3 numbers Total

e.g. Num1, num2, 2. Ad numbers
num3 together
3. Print total
Cycle of the IPO Chart
Input refers to the source data provided - easily identified by the keywords –
given, read or accept, input
Output refers to the end result required - keywords are print, display,
produce, output
Processing are the actions must be performed to achieve the required
output - it answers the question: What must I do with the inputs in order to
produce the desired result?
In the defining diagram, the actions must be listed in a logical sequential
manner
All necessary actions must be explicitly stated
The processing section is NOT the solution to the problem. It’s simply the
actions that must be done in order to solve the problem
Note that in some cases the input, processing and output statements might
not be as explicitly stated.
Class Activity
1. What is the purpose of an IPO chart?
a) Represent problems to be solved in a complex form
b) Break down the problem to be solved into manageable parts
c) Give a pictorial representation of a problem
d) Executes problems
2. An ________ statement give variables a value or to change their values.

a) Output
b) Assignment
c) Input
d) Sum

3. Pseudocode is a ______________ method of representing algorithms.

e) Graphical
f) Textual
g) Verbal
h) Visual
Use the IPO chart below to respond to items 4-5. Examine the IPO
chart seen below and answer the questions that follow:

4. What is the output of the IPO chart above?

a) Display the average of the two numbers
b) Display the sum of two numbers
input process Output
c) Accept and process two numbers
d) Display the sum and average of two numbers two 1. accept the 1. The sum of the
numbers two numbers two number
2. add the two 2. The average of
5. What inputs are needed to start solving the problem?
numbers the two
e) The sum of the two numbers together numbers
f) The average of the two numbers Divide the
g) The two numbers result gained by
two
h) The sum and average of the two numbers
 Arrange the following problem solving steps in the correct order, you may
put the number at the side or write the answer in the Box .

1. Develop the algorithm

2. Test the solution

3. Select the optimal solution
4. Define the problem

5. Identify possible solutions