Problem-Solving & Decision Making Lecture Notes PDF

Problem-Solving & Decision Making Introduction to Problem-Solving Problem-Solving & Decision Making Introduction to Problem-Solving Abdel-Rahman Hedar Artificial Intelligence Professor BUA...

Problem-Solving & Decision Making Introduction to Problem-Solving Problem-Solving & Decision Making Introduction to Problem-Solving Abdel-Rahman Hedar Artificial Intelligence Professor BUA UNI1103 Agenda Problem Types Problem-Solving Process Personality Type 3 Section 1: What is Problem-Solving? What is Problem-Solving? Definition Problem-solving is the process of identifying a challenge or obstacle and finding effective solutions to overcome it. Significance Enhances productivity by addressing inefficiencies. Facilitates innovation by encouraging creative solutions. Critical for personal and professional growth, enabling individuals to navigate complex situations. 5 Types of Problems Routine Characteristics: Predictable, repetitive, often have established solutions. Examples: Daily operational issues, simple tasks Problems like scheduling meetings. Characteristics: Unpredictable, multifaceted, may Complex require innovative solutions. Examples: Strategic planning, addressing Problems organizational change, solving intricate technical issues. 6 Section 2: Problem-Solving Process Problem-Solving Process 1. Identify the Problem Recognize and define the issue clearly. 2. Define the Problem Understand the scope and impact of the problem. 3. Analyze the Problem Break down the problem into smaller components and understand causes. 4. Generate Solutions Brainstorm potential solutions and alternatives. 5. Implement Solutions Develop an action plan to execute the chosen solution. 6. Evaluate the Results Assess the effectiveness of the solution and make necessary adjustments. 8 Common Pitfalls in Problem-Solving Avoidance of Jumping to Ignoring Root Overcomplicating Diverse Conclusions Causes Simple Issues Perspectives Making Addressing Adding Failing to seek decisions symptoms rather unnecessary input from without sufficient than the complexity to different analysis. underlying straightforward stakeholders, issues. problems. leading to biased solutions. 9 Strategies to Avoid Pitfalls Simplify Take Time to Seek Diverse Focus on Where Analyze Perspectives Root Causes Possible Incorporate Use techniques Strive for input from Ensure like the "5 simplicity in various thorough Whys" to solutions to stakeholders to understanding uncover enhance gain a before acting. underlying feasibility and comprehensive issues. implementation. view. 10 5 Whys How to Use Identify the Problem Start by clearly defining the problem you want to investigate. Ask Why Once the problem is identified, ask why it is happening. Repeat Take the answer from the first "why" and ask "why" again. Document Each Step Keep a record of each Q&A to visualize the thought process and ensure clarity. Identify Solutions Once the root cause is established, brainstorm potential solutions that address it. 11 5 Whys Example Problem: A customer complains that their order was not delivered on time. Why was the order not delivered on time? Because it was not shipped on the scheduled date. Why was it not shipped on the scheduled date? Because the warehouse ran out of the item. Why did the warehouse run out of the item? Because we did not have a proper inventory management system. Why didn’t we have a proper inventory management system? Because we did not prioritize the upgrade in our budget last year. Why didn’t we prioritize the upgrade in our budget? Because we underestimated the demand for that item. 12 Section 3: Analytical Skills A Problem-Solving Needs Personal Skills Analysis, construction, organization, process, understanding Test Your Mind Myers-Briggs (MB) Personality Type. Click to edit master text style Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Four dichotomies that define sixteen categories ⁃ Each is a continuum, not a binary choice This is not “what you are” ⁃ It is “right now, what you prefer” (and strength of preference) ⁃ For example, most introverts can operate in extrovert mode when needed. Results can vary from test to test or day to day by several points. ⁃ Results are generally consistent, between “adjacent” types Wikipedia has good articles for some types 17 Why Does it Matter? Different types are better/worse at different tasks How do you best learn and work? Interact in organizations? Type/type interpersonal interactions Team building 18 What Type Am I? Depending on which test you take/ your current mood, you might end up assigned to different categories on different attempts. Testers often defer to the person in the “best fit” category. Be careful when reading the descriptions ⁃ They tend to be general ⁃ They tend to be a bit flattering ⁃ In general, readers tend to agree with any generic assignment that they are given (Forer effect) 19 Assignment Myers-Briggs Test The 16-Personality Test Interactive Session and Practical examples Think of a recent problem you faced. How did you approach solving it? What challenges did you encounter during the problem-solving process? Click to edit master text style Questions? Comments!