Military Problem Solving Process Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is a problem?

An issue or obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal or end state.

What are well-structured problems?

Easy to identify, required information is available, and methods to solve them are somewhat obvious.

How are medium-structured problems characterized?

More interactively complex than well-structured problems.

What defines ill-structured problems?

Complex, nonlinear, and dynamic, therefore, they are the most challenging to understand and solve. Signup and view all the answers

Problem solving is a form of what?

Decision making. Signup and view all the answers

What two terms are often associated with problem solving?

Critical reasoning and creative thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 7 steps of the Army's approach to problem solving?

<ol> <li>Gather information and knowledge 2. Identify the problem 3. Develop criteria 4. Generate possible solutions 5. Analyze possible solutions 6. Compare possible solutions 7. Make and implement the decision.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Gathering information and knowledge requires and to solve problems.

Facts and Assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

What are facts?

Verifiable pieces of information that have objective reality. Signup and view all the answers

What is an assumption?

It's information that is accepted as true in the absence of facts, but cannot be verified. Signup and view all the answers

What 5 questions must you answer to identify a problem?

Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Signup and view all the answers

What two types of criteria do problem solvers develop?

Screening and evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What does screening criteria define?

The limits of an acceptable solution. Signup and view all the answers

What does evaluation criteria do for the problem solver?

It differentiates the possible solutions. Signup and view all the answers

Leaders should consider how many solutions to a problem?

Two. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic technique for developing new ideas in a group setting?

Brainstorming. Signup and view all the answers

What do leaders analyze to determine merits and drawbacks of possible solutions?

Each possible solution. Signup and view all the answers

Leaders use _ and _ to analyze possible solutions.

Screening criteria and benchmarks. Signup and view all the answers

What does comparing solutions identify?

Which solution best solves the problem based on the evaluation criteria. Signup and view all the answers

In formal situations, leaders present their findings and recommendations to the decision maker as what? (Select all that apply)

Staff studies Signup and view all the answers

Every problem requires both a and the ability to ___ the solution clearly.

Solution and communicate. Signup and view all the answers

What must be built into the implementation plan?

A feedback system that provides timely and accurate information, periodic review, and the flexibility to adjust. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Problem Definition

A problem is an issue or obstacle affecting the achievement of desired goals or end states.

Types of Problems

Well-structured problems are easily identifiable with readily available information and obvious solutions.
Medium-structured problems have increased complexity compared to well-structured problems, requiring more intricate interactions.
Ill-structured problems are the most complex, nonlinear, and dynamic, making them challenging to understand and resolve.

Problem Solving vs. Decision Making

Problem solving is a form of decision making, which involves selecting a favorable course of action to accomplish a mission.

Critical reasoning and creative thinking are closely associated with problem solving.

Army's Problem Solving Steps

The Army's approach consists of seven steps: gather information and knowledge, identify the problem, develop criteria, generate possible solutions, analyze possible solutions, compare possible solutions, and make and implement the decision.

Information Gathering

Gathering information requires facts and assumptions to effectively address problems.

Definitions of Facts and Assumptions

Facts are verifiable pieces of information with objective reality.
Assumptions are accepted as true without verification due to the absence of facts.

Identifying Problems

To identify a problem, answering the five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why is essential.

Developing Criteria

Problem solvers create screening criteria defining acceptable solution limits and evaluation criteria to differentiate between possible solutions.

Solutions Consideration

Leaders should consider at least two solutions when addressing a problem.
Brainstorming is the primary technique for developing new ideas in group settings.

Analyzing Solutions

Each potential solution must be analyzed to assess its merits and drawbacks by using screening criteria and benchmarks.

Comparing Solutions

Comparing solutions reveals which option best addresses the problem based on the evaluation criteria and employs suitable comparison techniques.

Presenting Findings

In formal contexts, leaders provide findings and recommendations to decision makers through staff studies, decision papers, or decision briefings.

Essential Communication

Every problem requires a solution and the ability to communicate that solution clearly.

Implementation Plan Considerations

A feedback system should be integrated into the implementation plan for timely, accurate information, periodic reviews, and flexibility to adjust as necessary.

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Description

Explore the Military Problem Solving Process with these flashcards. Each card defines key concepts from the process, including types of problems and their characteristics. Enhance your understanding and apply these concepts effectively in military scenarios.

Military Problem Solving Process Flashcards