CHAPTER 8

SOLVING PROBLEMS

An organized approach to SOLVING PROBLEMS

STEP 1: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

• To determine exactly what the central issues of the problem are.

• If we do not clearly understand what the problem really is, then our chances of solving it are considerably reduced.

• The general conclusions should be replaced by a more specific characterization of the problem, which permit us to attack the problems with useful strategies.

• Example 1.:– General conclusions: “I’m a failure”.– Specific descriptions: “I just failed an exam”.

What are the results I am aiming for in this situation?

• The first part of answering the question “What is the problem?” consist in identifying the specific results or objectives we are trying to achieve.

• The results are those aims that will eliminate the problem, one of the results or objectives might be gaining an education.

How can I state the problem clearly and specifically?

• The second part of answering the question “What is the problem?” consists in stating the problem as clearly and as specifically as possible, based on our examination of the problem’s objective.

• We should describe the problem in more specific terms to enable our description begin to suggest actions we can take to solve the problem.

• Example 2:– General: “My problem is money”

– Specific: “My problem is budgeting my money so that I won’t always run out near the end of the month”

STEP TWO: WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

• To examine each of the possible action that might help us solve the problem.

• Before listing the alternatives, it makes sense to determine which actions are possible and which are impossible.

• This can be done by exploring the boundaries of the problem situation.

What are the boundaries of the problem situation?

• Boundaries are the limitations in the problem that we simply cannot change.

• They are a part of the problem and must be accepted and dealt with.

• Example 1:– Time limitations: How much time do I need for each of my

basic activities – work, school, family, travel and sleep?

• Example 2:– Skill education limitations: What vocational qualifications

do I have to earn money at the present time?

What alternatives are possible within these boundaries?

1. List every possible solution to the problem without censoring or evaluating the alternative in advance.

2. Discuss the problem with other people who may be able to suggest alternatives that might not have occurred to us.

Alternatives to the sample problems:

1. Taking fewer courses2. Finding additional sources of income

STEP THREE: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND/OR DISADVANTAGES OF EACH ALTERNATIVE?

• To evaluate the various alternatives.

• Each possible course of action has certain advantages in the sense that if we select that alternative there will be some positive results.

• At the same time, each of the possible courses of action has disadvantages as well in the sense that if we select that alternative there may be a cost involved or a risk of some negative results.

• It is important to examine the potential advantages/disadvantages in order to determine how helpful each courses of action would be in solving the problem.

What are the advantages of each alternative?

Alternatives Advantages

1. Taking fewer courses 1. Would remove time pressure2. More time to focus on

courses3. Spend more time with family

2. Finding additional sources of income

1. Earn more money2. Enough money for living and

schooling

What are the disadvantages of each alternative?

Alternatives Disadvantages

1. Taking fewer courses 1. Take much longer to complete schooling

2. Loose interest/motivation and drop out before completing

3. Threaten eligibility for financial aid (part time)

2. Finding additional sources of income

1. Time consuming to investigate2. Borrowed money (pay back)3. Borrowed from friend/relatives

(affect relationship)

What additional information do I need to evaluate each alternative?Alternatives Information needed and sources

1. Taking fewer courses

Information:• How long will it take to complete my

schooling?• How long can I continue in school without

losing interest and dropping out?• Will I threaten my eligibility for financial aid

if I become a part-time student? (PTPTN/MARA)

Sources of information:• Myself, other part-time student, school

counselor, financial aid office

Alternatives Information needed and sources

1. Finding additional sources of income

Information:• What different sources of income are

available?• Where can I find out more about these

possible income sources?• If I have to borrow money, will I be hurting

my future when I have to pay it back?

Sources of information:• Family, friends, financial aid office

4. STEP FOUR: WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?

• To decide on a thoughtful course of action based on our increased understanding.

• Even though this sort of problem analysis does not guarantee finding a specific solution to the problem, it should depend our own understanding of exactly what the problem is about.

• In locating and evaluating alternatives, it should give us some very good ideas about the general direction we should move in and the immediate steps we should take.

What alternative will I pursue?

• The decision we make usually depend on what we believe to be most important to us.

• These beliefs regarding what is most important to use are known as values.

• Our values are the starting points of our actions and strongly influence our decision.

• It helps us to set the priorities in our life that is, decide what aspects of our life are most important to use.

What steps can I take to act on the alternatives chosen?

• To plan the steps we will have to take in order to act.

• This is the same process of working towards our goals.

• By planning the specific steps we will take is extremely important.

• We have to take action and planning our specific steps in where we begin.

STEP FIVE: HOW WELL IS THE SOLUTION WORKING?• As we work toward reaching a reasonable and informed

conclusion, we should not fall into the trap of thinking that there is only one “right” decision.

• We should remind ourselves that any analysis of problem situations, no matter how careful & systematic is ultimately limited.

• We simply cannot anticipate or predict everything that is going to happen in the future.

• As a result, every decision we make is provisional in the sense that our ongoing experience will inform us if our decision is working our or if they need to be change and modified.

What adjustment are necessary?

• We may discover that the alternative we selected is not feasible or is not leading to satisfactory results.

• We need to review back other alternatives that we explored in order to discover another possible course of action.

• At other times we may find that the alternative we selected is working out fairly well but still requires some adjustments as we continue to work toward our desired outcomes.