PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Introduction

The problem solving process consists of several coordinated steps, such as information collection, problem formulation, resources, objectives, policies, implementing the care and evaluation. There are no projects without problems, but handling them cannot be another problem. Before we start to find solutions and apply them to try to resolve the problem, we must carefully analyze what are the factors that have caused side effects that are undetectable at first sight, etc. (Kattan 2009)

Discussion

Following a simple method we can put specific goals and scope to all that we want to solve:

STEP 1: Identify, specify and clarify the problem:

This first step is critical. It is essential for each group member to clearly understand the problem so that all energy will be focused in the same direction (Plous 2006). A good way to define the problem is to write down a concise statement which summarizes the problem, and then write down where you want to be after the problem has been resolved. The objective is to get as much information about the problem as possible. (Facione 2007)

STEP 2. Analyze the problem by collecting facts and information:

In this stage of problem solving, questions should be asked and information gathered and sifted.  Do not make the mistake of assuming you know what is causing the problem without an effort to fully investigate the problem you have defined.  Try to view the problem from a variety of viewpoints, not just how it affects you.  Think about how the issue affects others.  It is essential to spend some time researching the problem.  Go to the library or develop a survey to gather the necessary information. (Kattan 2009)

STEP 3. Develop alternative solutions:

Here we must consider the strengths and weaknesses that each alternative may have in short and long term, both for ourselves and for others.

To perform this step correctly, there is often not enough information. In this case it is necessary to collect new data to help evaluate the different alternatives. For example, a person who wants to start playing sports, when evaluating the different alternatives, must gather enough data. (Lauwereyns 2010)

For each of the alternatives separately, we must list all the advantages and disadvantages that entails. Then give a score from 0 to 10 to every advantage and every problem in terms of its importance, considering that: 0 is "not important" and 10 means it is "essential or very important." Finally, once punctuated every advantage and every problem on this scale, there are the numbers given to all the advantages on one hand and all the other drawbacks. If the result is positive it means that it is more advantageous or more important. (Facione 2007)

STEP 4. Select the best solution:

Once you have thought about the alternatives available and the consequences of each of them, you must choose the most positive and appropriate. Once you have reviewed the various alternatives, you must compare them and choose the one that suits ...