In solving problem(s), there are vital steps that must be taken in order to adequately solve such a problem. These steps are summarized into eight (8) stages:
1. Evaluate the problem
2. Gather information
3. Break problem into parts
4. Identify solutions
5. Select best solution
6. Take action
7. Examine result
8. Test and review
The stages to problem solving give you guideline on how to go about the problem. Now, let's see what's involved in solving a problem and how to solve a set problem.
1. Evaluating the problem
- Clarify the nature of the problem (Is it an economic, social, environmental or medical problem?)
- Formulate questions (what factors caused the problem?, where was the problem caused? who are/were the people affected by the problem etc?).
- Gather information systematically (aanswer the questions you asked above without bias)
- Collate and organise data (filter the information gathered above according to relevance)
- Condense and summarize information ( ensure your information on it's own is not another problem to solve. Avoid ambiguity, unnecessary grammar; group information that are similar)
- Define your desired objective(s) (what do you want to achieve at the end of the process?)
2. Managing the problem
- Use the information gathered effectively (don't neglect any information thinking it would not be needful. Every single information gotten will contribute in solving a set problem).
- Break down problem into smaller, more manageable parts (a problem might be too big to be resolved in whole so it is advisable that you break problem into smaller fractions so that you solve each small fraction).
- Use techniques to consider options (techniques such as lateral thinking and brainstorming are perfect tools to use in solving a problem because they give you a variety of options).
- Identify steps that can be taken to achieve your objectives (note that you set an objective in your evaluation process, now how do you want to achieve this objective? What steps can you employ to help you achieve your set objectives. Very essential)
3. Decision making
- Deciding between the possible options for what action to take (this goes back to evaluation stage, after gathering your information, are they able to solve the problem? Do you have enough information that will solve the problem? Your decision has to be strict without biases. You need a sincere decision).
- Decide on further information to be gathered before taking action (are you sure the information gathered will be able to solve the problem? If yes kudos. If no, decide on which other information will be necessary to solve the problem before you take actions).
- Decide on resources to be allocated to the problem (they may include time, funding, staff etc. You have to outline how much time will be adequate to solve the problem, how much it will cost you per finance to solve the problem, and how many persons in your company will be required to solve the problem because you can't push all the time, fund and staff to solve just one problem. So it is very vital to know how to allocate these resources).
4. Resolving the problem
- Implementing action (this stage is very simple. Here, what is needed is simple implantation of your result in 1, 2 and 3 above. And you must implement them the way you planned them. You don't need to play with your action plans. Implementation determines how well the problem will be solved).
- Delegating tasks (division of labour is necessary at this stage. You need to involve other stakeholders or members to partake in the process of resolving the problem for a more efficient result).
- Reviewing progress (while resolving a problem, you have to ensure that everything is working out fine. Is there any error along the process that needs to be fixed? Ensure you follow up the stages of the process).
5. Examining the result
- Monitor the outcome of the action taken (is the outcome positive or negative? Is it what you want or you're simply not satisfied? Identify them)
- Review the problem and problem solving process to avoid similar situations in future (I'm sure you wouldn't want to solve the same problem in your lifetime so you have to know how to prevent such problem from occurring and also well conversant with the solving processes in case BH chance they occur again.
NOTE: At any stage of this process, it may be necessary to return to an earlier stage for example, if further problem arise or if a situation does not appear to be working as desired.
Written by Ogadinma Reformer for First Concept
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