WOMEN IN MINING CONFERENCE

CHARLES COTTER7 MARCH 2013

PROBLEM SOLVING

PRESENTATION OVERVIEW

Introduction

Key presentation topics

Summary

Questions

Fundamentals of problem-solving

Differentiating between structured and unstructured problems

Engineering-related examples

What types of problems that keep Engineers awake at night?

What are the constraints to solving engineering problems?

Critical success factors of effective problem resolution

The right problem solving strategy

Whole brain thinking – combination of left (rational) + right brain (creative) thinking

Sufficiency – time, information and resources

Commitment and ownership (to the implementation of the solution)

Whole Brain problem-solving process

Step 1: Problem identification, analysis and definition

Step 2: Search for information and generate alternative solutions

Step 3: Evaluate alternative solutions

Step 4: Select the most appropriate solution

Step 5: Implement the appropriate solution

Step 6: Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented solution

Step 1: Problem identification, analysis and definition

This means the search for facts which leads to the development of many explanations and symptoms of the problem

Ultimately results in the identification of the root causes i.e. source/origin of the problem as well as the extent of the problem

A useful technique to use during this step is the fishbone diagram

Step 2: Search for information/ generate alternative solutions

This step entails the gathering of problem-related information and other variables that may have a bearing on the identified problem, in order to make an informed decision.

At this step, it is important for team leaders to identify decision criteria that will assist in the making of an objective decision  

The decision maker will have to find alternatives that could resolve the problem and these alternatives will have to be relevant to the problem-solving process.

Typically team leaders may use a variety of idea/solution generating techniques and problem solving methods e.g. Brainstorming.

Step 3: Evaluate alternative solutions

Team leaders must critically analyze each alternative solution, appraising each against the criteria identified in step 2.

The comparisons will reveal the relative strengths and weaknesses of each alternative and it will highlight the best alternative that can maintain the most significant needs of the criteria.

A useful technique that team leaders can use during the evaluation of ideas/solutions is the decision matrix.

Step 4: Select the most appropriate solution

Once the team leader has analyzed the alternatives, the next step is to choose the best alternative.

Making an informed and objective decision.

Step 5: Implement the appropriate solution

The team leader then puts the decision into action using the chosen alternative accordingly.

Develops an implementation plan – 4 W’s + H.

Step 6: Evaluate the effectiveness of the

implemented solution

The team leader monitors and evaluates the outcomes of the decision, to see if the problem had been resolved.

They determine whether the decision was best, and if not s/he would need to assess what went wrong.

Taking remedial/corrective action (if required)

SUMMARY Key points

Questions

Contact details:

Charles Cotter 084 562 9446 charlescot@polka.co.za Linked In Twitter @Charles_Cotter