Problem Solving and Algorithmic Thinking

1. Standard BCS-CMW 17,18,19 Problem Solving and Algorithmic Thinking

2. Problem Solving Steps (algorithm) • Recognize that something is wrong • ID the actual problem (root cause) • Generate alternative solutions • Choose from the alternative solutions • Implement the chosen solution • Evaluate the solution

3. 1. Recognize That Something is Wrong • Techniques to use • Comparison against others • Comparison of current performance with objectives or past performance • Checklists • Observe and listen for comments, complaints, etc.

4. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Ask: • Who? – cause, affect, actions • What? – events, symptoms, consequences • When? – timing (now, other), # times • Where? – impact area(s) • Why? – reasons for problem and fixes • How? – how will you know it is solved • Data? – what will you need to find out to answer these questions?

5. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Techniques and Tools to use • Group discussion • Talk to others • Build a consensus

6. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Techniques and Tools to use (cont.) • Fishbone diagram • Also called Ishikawa diagram or Cause and Effect diagram • Provides a systematic way of looking at causes and effects • Immediately puts ideas into categories • Result looks like fish bones

7. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Techniques and Tools to use (cont.) • Fishbone diagram (cont.) • ‘Symptom’ or what’s wrong is the head • “Ribs” are main categories of possible causes • Sub-causes are branches off the ribs • Dig deeper by asking “why does this happen?” Cause Cat. Cause Cat. Cause Cat. Subcause Subcause Subcause Symptom Subcause Subcause Subcause Cause Cat. Cause Cat. Cause Cat.

8. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Techniques and Tools to use (cont.) • Fishbone diagram (cont.) • Example Classroom Time Absences Distractions Low grade No computer Distractions Hates me Teacher Home

9. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Techniques and Tools to use (cont.) • Why-Why diagram • A type of tree diagram • Main “trunk” or “root’ is the symptom • Branches are formed by asking “Why?” Cause 1.1 Cause 1 Cause 1.2 Symptom Cause 1.3 Cause 2.1 Cause 2 Cause 2.2

10. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Techniques and Tools to use (cont.) • Why-Why diagram (cont.) • Example Why? Why? Class distractions Don’t finish assignments Play games instead Low Grade Absent a lot Don’t understand topic Absent a lot Don’t listen Teacher is crazy

11. 2. ID the Actual Problem (Root Cause) • Problem Statement • The final result or product of the Identification process • Brief, clear, to-the-point identification of the specific problem (root cause) to be addressed, fixed, or solved, including the key rationale for why it should be solved

12. 3. Generate alternative solutions • Group, individual, or both? • Advantages to groups • Greater shared knowledge and experience will lead to more alternative solutions. • Better understanding of how and why a decision was made • Greater acceptance of ideas. • Fewer extremes of ideas, especially those involved in taking/avoiding risks. • Collective judgment is usually better than that of an individual.

13. 3. Generate alternative solutions • Group, individual, or both? (cont.) • Disadvantages to groups • Peer pressure may influence decision-making. • One person may dominate the group. • A group requires more time to reach a decision. • Groups generally don’t make better decisions than an expert or someone with special knowledge and skills.

14. 3. Generate alternative solutions • Techniques for individuals • Analyze past solutions • Use fresh eyes or sleep on it • Create diagrams, charts, graphic organizers, etc.

15. 3. Generate alternative solutions • Techniques for individuals (cont.) • Visualize possible solutions • Creating internal mental images • Use “What if?” analysis • Come up with a list of words related to the problem or possible solutions. Say "What if it was ___" and insert a word from the list to see what new insight it can give you about your problem.

16. 3. Generate alternative solutions • Techniques for groups (there are many) • Brainstorming • Members come up with possible solutions, no matter how ridiculous • Designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution • Brainwriting or Brainwriting Pool • Similar to Brainstorming. • Individuals write down their ideas. • Ideas are passed around or put into a common pool so others can build on them.

17. 4. Choose From Alternative Solutions • Pick one of the solutions by asking: • Will it solve the problem? • Is it practical and realistic? • Is it worth the expense? • Are the resources available? • Will the people involved buy into it? • Is the idea consistent with individual and/or company morals, ethics, beliefs, direction, etc.? • Others?

18. 5. Implement the Chosen Solution • First, you must consider: • Resources (money, supplies, etc.) needed • Approvals • Prerequisite steps • Steps required to implement • Involvement and allocation of people • Schedule

19. 5. Implement the Chosen Solution • Then, decide what needs to be done • Create an action plan like an algorithm containing the tasks to be done and resources needed • Finally, complete the tasks • Do the tasks on the action plan

20. 6. Evaluate the Solution • Analyze the result of the solution and see if the problem is solved. • If not, you most likely need to start over or at least go back to the alternative solutions phase.