ASSIGNMENT

Applied Problem Solving-Activities Portfolio



Introduction1

Discussion1

Theme A: Approaches to Problem Solving1

Activity 1: Identifying Complex Problems2

Activity2: Identifying Complex Problems in My Organisation4

Activity 3: Model for Complex Problem Solving6

Activity 4: Innovative and Unusual Models7

Theme B: Working on a Real Life Problem10

Activity 5: Choosing your Problem10

Activity 6: Choosing and Implementing Analytical Techniques14

Activity 7: Identifying Potential Solutions16

Activity 8: Constraints18

Activity 9: Evaluation of Potential Solutions20

Theme C: Evaluating Progress and Dealing with Current Issues22

Activity 10: Developing and Using Implementation Plan22

Activity 11: Assessing Risk in the Implementation Plan24

Activity 12: Checking the External Environment25

Activity 13: Producing a Formative and Summative Evaluation27

Theme D: Approaches to Problem Solving28

Activity 14: Identifying Values and their Impact28

Activity 15: Identifying Ethical Issues30

Activity 16: Applying Ethical Approaches31

Theme E: Review of Learning32

Activity 17: Reviewing Thinking and Decision Making Strategies32

Activity 18: Reviewing the Complex-Problem Solving Models and their Application35

Conclusion36

References38

Appendix43

Applied Problem Solving-Activities Portfolio

Introduction

To begin this paper by providing a brief overview of my work history; I am an employee with the country's military aviation and working at an engineering management level. My primarily work involves working on the helicopters as well as Unmanned Air Systems (UAS). I have also commanded and guided numerous technicians in Afghanistan, located within the Main Operating Base (MOB) as well as other Forward Operating Bases (FOB's). Presently, I am stationed within a hangar with a squadron of aircraft, where I command a section of technicians who are hired to carry out all the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance to maintain serviceability of the aircraft.

For completion of the assessment criteria of this course, this paper entails an extensive portfolio of evidence related with the five themes (A-E) of the workplace problem-solving activity learning module. A total of eighteen activities are incorporated in this portfolio and are organized under each of their respective assessment themes. After completion of all these activities, the discussion entailed in this portfolio would have completed the different unit learning outcomes in a comprehensive manner. These themes and their accompanying activities are discussed in the following section.

Discussion

Theme A: Approaches to Problem Solving

This segment of the paper or theme aims to identify complex problems encountered at the workplace. As well as encourage the writer to explore the different models and approaches to the problem solving (Allen, 2000). This particular theme entails four different activities that aim at identifying complex problems as well as understanding different models used for problem solving. These activities are as follows.

Activity 1: Identifying Complex Problems

To begin with a brief contextual discussion for better understanding of the concept of problem, Case (1985) notes that problems are faced by every individual in different spheres of their everyday lives. These tend to vary in terms of their magnitude and seriousness, depending upon the nature of the problem itself. As well as, how much importance or stress an individual places upon them. However, the usual pattern to solve any problem includes the following four common features:

Identifying the problem: this is the first step of recognizing that a problem exists. In addition, what one individual or group may consider as a problem may not be ...