Problem solving
- 1. Course Code : EM 504 Course Title : School Executive Development Professor : Mario C. Pasion, Ed. D. Ffp Reporter : Cherrymay C. Molde Republic of the Philippines LAGUNA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS Sta. Cruz, Laguna GRADUATESTUDIESANDAPPLIEDRESEARCH
- 2. WHAT IS A PROBLEM ? “A doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution” and “Something hard to understand or accomplish or deal with.” The Concise Oxford Dictionary (1995) defines a problem as:
- 3. WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING? The process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- 4. TYPES OF PROBLEM SOLVING ENCOUNTERED AT THE WORKPLACE Problems abound in every workplace due to various issues such as the need to: Collaborate and work with various types of people Meet targets and deadlines Work within tight budgets Gain the endorsement and praise supervisors Work within the norms and culture of the organization
- 5. There are specific problems which are common to every workplace because workplaces are human institutions and human beings ate the same everywhere. Communication problem Attitude problem Interpersonal challenges between supervisor and subordinates or among your subordinates Ethical problems Poor performance Discrimination and harassment
- 6. Policies that are unique to your workplace There are another set of problems that are peculiar to an organization for various reasons for example as a result of: Processes that should be followed for various work related issues Types of clients the organization provides services to Other constraints at work ie. Inadequate resources, equipment etc.
- 7. APPROACH TO PROBLEM SOLVING
- 8. To effectively solve problems at the workplace, it is important to keep the following in mind: Problems are not manageable when they are conceived in large global terms Problems should not be allowed nor linger. Practices fairness in solving problems If there is any punishment, let it fit the crime
- 9. There are countless approaches that have been developed for problem solving, some are very simple and others are complicated. Some of these include: Trial and error method Experimentation Affinity Map Problem Solving models Fishbone analysis
- 10. PROBLEM SOLVING MODEL IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM GATHER RELEVANT DATA CLARIFY THE PROBLEM GENERATE POSSIBLE SOLUTION SELECT THE BEST OPTION IMPLEMENT
- 12. What is the fishbone analysis tool? Fishbone diagram is an analysis tool which provides a systematic way of understanding problems and the root causes of those problems.
- 13. It is used when • You need to study a problem to determine the root cause • You want to study all the possible reasons why a process is having difficulties or problems • to study why a process is not performing properly and/or producing the expected results
- 14. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A FISHBONE DIAGRAM
- 15. • Have confidence in their ability to learn and their ability to solve problems. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE PROBLEM SOLVER Effective problem solvers: • Rely on own judgment. • Are not fearful of being wrong or of making mistakes. • Are not fast answerers. • Are flexible and are often capable of seeing more than one answer to a question or a problem. • Know the difference between fact and opinion and understand the need for valid evidence.
- 16. • Do not need to have an absolute, final, irrevocable solution to every problem. • Have methods for approaching and solving problems. • Think about their thinking and review their problem solving methods in order to sharpen these tools for future problems they will encounter. • Have a "can do" attitude! • Consider every position as though it were their own • Avoid the experience trap. • Gain commitment from all parties involved • Seek win-win solutions
- 17. As part of problem solving… • The supervisor is not expected to solve ALL problems instead s/he should know how to: ▫ refer the problem to the proper people, ▫ delegate appropriately, and ▫ keep work moving. • The supervisor needs to take complete responsibility for getting the facts needed.
- 18. • Avoid making a major issue out of each problem. • Avoid inappropriate responses to failure. • Remember to draw on easily available information. • Beware of promising too much.