Problem solving skills

This topic shows the importance of problem solving, and why do we need a problem solving mind. It also shows how to solve problems through 4 steps, using creative tools & techniques to define the problem, generate alternatives, analyze alternatives and taking action.

1. Problem Solving Skills Problems are only opportunities in work clothes. – Henry Kaiser (American industrialist)

2. Outline Why do we need problem solving mind? What is a problem? Steps of problem solving. Problem solving tools and techniques.

3. Why do we need problem solving mind

4. Problem bro??

5. What is a problem? A problem is a situation that needs to be dealt with.

6. Steps of Problem Solving

7. 1 st Defining the problem “If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.” -Albert Einstein

8. How to define a problem?

9. The 5 whys tool It is simply asking “why” until finding the real cause of the problem

10. Benefits of the 5 whys Simple technique Flexible Offers counter measures rather than causes. Uncovers the deepest causes of the problem

11. The Cause & Effect tool

12. How to use the tool? Identify the problem. Work out the major factors involved. Identify possible causes for each of the factors. Analyze the diagram.

13. The CATWOE analysis Used to identify what the business is trying to achieve, what are the problem areas and how is the solution going to affect the business and people involved in it.

14. Understanding Complexity A problem Varies from a simple small problem to a complex and big problem.

15. How to simplify things?

16. Affinity Diagrams Sample

17. Flow Chart Sample

18. Problem Solving Process Using Tools and Techniques to help you more in solving the problem Simplex Inquiry Appreciative Inquiry Soft Systems Methodology  

19. Decision Making Skills “Perhaps our greatest distinction as a species is our capacity, unique among animals, to make counter-evolutionary choices.”  

20. Factors that affects decision making Uncertainty  Complexity  High-risk consequences  Alternatives  Interpersonal issues 

21. Steps of decision making

22. Creating a constructive environment Creating a productive environment for generating alternatives.

23. Generating Ideas Looking at the problem from different angles, always tell yourself that:” there must be another solution out there.”

24. How to Generate Ideas? Brainstorming & reverse brainstorming Charette procedure Crawford Slip Writing Technique  Concept fan Technique Affinity Diagrams

25. Crawford Slip Writing Technique

26. Exploring Alternatives We analyze and evaluate alternatives in terms of risk, implication & validation

27. Tools & techniques of Analysis

28. The Starbursting technique

29. Choosing the best alternative It is the step of making the “decision” “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” Roy E. Disney

30. Tools & techniques of choosing

31. Decision Tree Sample

32. Checking & verifying the choice It is a crucial step, which involves testing, error finding and applicability of the choice

33. Taking action The final step in decision making process, is to communicate the results and take action, in executing the “solution” to the problem.

34. Thank you Mounir Rafik Aziz & Kamal El Refy