problem solving

Examples of problem solving in the following topics:

• Problem-Solving

• Types of Decisions

  • Three approaches to decision making are avoiding, problem solving and problem seeking.
  • Accordingly, three decision-making processes are known as avoiding, problem solving, and problem seeking.
  • Problem solving requires problem definition, information analysis and evaluation, and alternative selection.
  • On occasion, the process of problem solving brings the focus or scope of the problem itself into question.
  • Differentiate between the three primary decision-making approaches: avoiding, problem solving, and problem seeking

• A General Approach

  • Basic problem-solving techniques can aid in the solution of problems involving motion (i.e., the laws of motion).
  • When dealing with the laws of motion, although knowledge of concepts and equations is important, understanding basic problem solving techniques can simplify the process of solving problems that may appear difficult.
  • Your approach to problem solving can involve several key steps.
  • Your judgment will improve and fine tune as you solve more problems of this nature.
  • In time, the basics of problem solving can become relatively automatic.

• Problem Solving

  • Solving a problem is reaching a goal state; there are many things that can stand in the way of solving a problem, but many strategies that can help.
  • The human mind is a problem-solving machine.
  • There are considered to be two major domains in problem solving: mathematical problem solving, which involves problems capable of being represented by symbols, and personal problem solving, where some difficulty or barrier is encountered.
  • A famous example of this barrier to problem solving is the dot problem.
  • There are many other ways of solving a problem.

• Problem-Solving Techniques

  • Identify the problem and solve the appropriate equation or equations for the quantity to be determined.
  • Identify exactly what needs to be determined in the problem (identify the unknowns).
  • Solve the appropriate equation or equations for the quantity to be determined (the unknown).
  • Part of a series of videos on physics problem-solving.
  • The viewer is urged to pause the video at the problem statement and work the problem before watching the rest of the video.

• Problem Solving With the Conservation of Energy

  • To solve a conservation of energy problem determine the system of interest, apply law of conservation of energy, and solve for the unknown.
  • You should follow a series of steps whenever you are problem solving:
  • Then solve for the unknown in the customary manner.
  • Once you have solved a problem, reexamine the forms of work and energy to see if you have set up the conservation of energy equation correctly.
  • Part of a series of videos on physics problem-solving.

• Problem-Solving

  • The way we solve problems can be influenced by algorithms, heuristics, intuition, insight, confirmation bias, and functional fixedness.
  • Insight phenomenology is a sudden understanding of a problem, or a strategy that aids in solving problems.
  • An example of insight problem solving is the kind of puzzle in which a group of letters must be rearranged into familiar words.
  • This would support the Gestaltist belief that there is something special about insightful problem-solving, as opposed to non-insightful and routine problem solving, where one experiences positive feelings as one nears a solution.
  • To solve problems, we engage in a variety of mental processes which help us arrive at a solution.

• The role of the manager

  • Most importantly, the lean manager realizes that no manager at a higher level can or should solve a problem at a lower level (Womack calls this one of the worst abuses of lean management).
  • Instead, the role of the higher-level manager is to help the lower-level manager tackle problems through delegation and dialogue by involving everyone involved with the problem.
  • The lean law of organizational life is that problems can only be solved where they exist, in conversation with the people whose actions are contributing to the problem (which requires support, encouragement and relentless pressure from the higher lean manager).
  • The lean manager also realizes that problem-solving is about experimentation by means of ‘plan–do–check' with the expectation that mistakes do happen and that experiments yield valuable learning that can be applied to the next round of experiments.
  • Lastly, the lean manager knows that no problem is solved forever.

• The Systems Viewpoint

  • Systems thinking is an approach to problem solving that considers the overall system instead of focusing on specific parts of a system.
  • When problem-solving, advocates of systems thinking must consider specific problems within an overall system rather than reacting to specific issues or specific outcomes.
  • In this type of fragmented thinking, problems are addressed without considering the context, environment, or the impact of similar problems.
  • This helps managers get an accurate understanding of the problem and facilitates a superior response to the problem.
  • This helps managers get an accurate understanding of the problem and facilitates a superior response to the problem.

• Solving Problems with Radicals

  • Roots are written using a radical sign, and a number denoting which root to solve for.
  • Otherwise, a number will appear denoting which root to solve for.
  • The best way to solve an equation, is to start by simplifying it as much as possible.
  • And remember, always treat each side of the equation the same, here's some helpful reminders for general equation solving: .