Problem-solving Algorithm

Problem-solving Algorithm:

Problem-solving is a critical skill that is required in almost every aspect of life, including personal and professional spheres. The ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems effectively is essential for achieving success in any endeavor. There are several problem-solving algorithms, and in this article, we will explore a comprehensive problem-solving algorithm that includes the following steps: problem identification, prioritization, root cause analysis, alternative solutions development, decision criteria identification, alternative evaluation, and implementation.

Figure: Problem-solving Algorithm

Problem Identification: The first step in the problem-solving algorithm is to identify the problem. In this step, it is essential to be specific and explicit about the problem. A problem statement should be written that clearly defines the problem and the impact it is having. This statement should be concise and to the point. The problem statement should answer the following questions:

What is the problem?
Who is affected by the problem?
When did the problem start?
Where is the problem occurring?
Why is the problem occurring?

For example, if the problem is a high rate of employee turnover in an organization, the problem statement could be: “The organization is experiencing a high rate of employee turnover, which is negatively impacting productivity and profitability. The turnover rate has increased by 20% in the past year, and the problem is occurring across all departments.”

Prioritization: Once the problem has been identified, the next step is to prioritize the problem. In this step, it is essential to evaluate the impact of the problem and determine its urgency. This step will help in determining the resources and time required to solve the problem. The following questions should be considered in this step:

What is the impact of the problem?
How urgent is the problem?
What are the consequences of not solving the problem?
What are the costs associated with solving the problem?

Using the example of employee turnover, the prioritization step would involve evaluating the impact of the problem on the organization, such as decreased productivity, reduced morale, and increased training costs. The urgency of the problem could be determined by considering factors such as the current rate of turnover, the availability of skilled employees, and the impact on the organization’s reputation. The consequences of not solving the problem could include a decrease in revenue and profitability, loss of key clients, and difficulty in attracting new talent.

Root Cause Analysis: The next step in the problem-solving algorithm is to conduct a root cause analysis. In this step, it is essential to identify the underlying causes of the problem. This step involves asking “why” questions to determine the root cause of the problem. The following steps can be taken to conduct a root cause analysis:

Identify the problem.
Ask “why” the problem is occurring.
Determine the underlying cause of the problem.
Continue to ask “why” until the root cause is identified.
Verify the root cause through data analysis and other means.

Using the example of employee turnover, the root cause analysis might reveal that the turnover rate is high because of a lack of career growth opportunities, inadequate compensation, and poor management practices.

Alternative Solutions Development: Once the root cause of the problem has been identified, the next step is to develop alternative solutions. In this step, it is essential to brainstorm ideas and generate potential solutions to address the root cause. The following steps can be taken to develop alternative solutions:

Brainstorm potential solutions.
Evaluate each solution based on its feasibility, impact, and cost.
Select the most viable solutions.

Using the example of employee turnover, potential solutions could include offering career growth opportunities, increasing compensation, improving management practices, and offering more benefits. Each solution would be evaluated based on its feasibility, impact, and cost.

Decision Criteria Identification: Once alternative solutions have been developed, the next step is to identify decision criteria. In this step, it is essential to determine the factors that will be used to evaluate and compare the alternative solutions. The decision criteria should be based on the organization’s goals, objectives, and values. The following questions can be used to identify decision criteria:

What are the organization’s goals and objectives?
What are the values of the organization?
What are the factors that will impact the success of the solution?
Using the example of employee turnover, decision criteria could include the impact on employee morale, the effectiveness of the solution in reducing turnover, the cost of implementing the solution, and the alignment of the solution with the organization’s values.

Alternative Evaluation: Once the decision criteria have been identified, the next step is to evaluate the alternative solutions. In this step, each solution is evaluated based on the decision criteria. The following steps can be taken to evaluate the alternative solutions:

Evaluate each solution based on the decision criteria.
Assign a score to each solution based on its performance on each criterion.
Determine the overall score for each solution.

Using the example of employee turnover, each potential solution would be evaluated based on its impact on employee morale, effectiveness in reducing turnover, cost, and alignment with the organization’s values. A score would be assigned to each solution based on its performance on each criterion, and an overall score would be determined for each solution.

Implementation: Once the alternative solutions have been evaluated, the next step is to implement the selected solution. In this step, the solution is put into action, and the necessary resources and support are provided. The following steps can be taken to implement the solution:

Develop an implementation plan.
Assign responsibilities and establish timelines.
Provide the necessary resources and support.
Monitor and evaluate the implementation.

Using the example of employee turnover, the selected solution could be implementing a career growth program for employees. An implementation plan would be developed, responsibilities would be assigned, and timelines would be established. The necessary resources and support, such as training programs and mentoring, would be provided, and the implementation would be monitored and evaluated.

In conclusion, problem-solving is a critical skill that is required in almost every aspect of life. A comprehensive problem-solving algorithm can be used to effectively identify, analyze, and solve problems. The problem-solving algorithm includes the following steps: problem identification, prioritization, root cause analysis, alternative solutions development, decision criteria identification, alternative evaluation, and implementation. By following this algorithm, individuals and organizations can successfully solve problems and achieve their goals.

References:

Wlodkowski, R. J. (1984). Problem-solving algorithm: A structured approach. Journal of Management Education, 8(2), 39-48.
Strohmenger, R., & Kupper, T. (2018). A framework for problem-solving in operations management. International Journal of Production Economics, 198, 189-204.
Dyer, J. S., & Forman, E. H. (1992). Problem structuring using interactive visualization: A problem-solving algorithm for multiple criteria decision analysis. Operations Research, 40(3), 474-486.
Williams, J. H., & Williams, J. C. (2014). The problem-solving process. Journal of Quality and Participation, 37(2), 4-8.
Anderson, J. R., & Lebiere, C. (1998). The atomic components of thought. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under uncertainty: Heuristics and biases. Science, 185(4157), 1124-1131.
Pólya, G. (1945). How to solve it: A new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.