CS1L:PUBLISHING AND PRESENTATIONS
The six step algorithm to problem solving
STEP1:SPOT A PROBLEM
The first step is to obviously know what you are dealing with.
It may seem like a relatively easy step but it may involve bruising egos and tempering around with emotions. In this stage it is important to not let
emotions and egos hinder one’s main objective as this stage is a critical stage in this process.
The group must come to a consensus on the problem on which they all agree on what the problem is. This is done by discussing until they all agree.
If the problem is too large it has to be redefined into a smaller problems which are easier to deal with.
A goal is also to be set at this stage.
STEP2: ANALYSE THE PROBLEM
Now that the problem is defined, analyse it to see what is the real bottom line root cause.
Once the cause is found, plans can be made to fix it.
Try researching the cause of the problem, observe it closely and come to a consensus on why the issue is a problem.
STEP3: GENERATE POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Now that the problem has been analysed, the group can begin to develop possible solutions.
This is a creative and practical step as all the possible solutions are identified.
There are no wrong solutions here as all the group members can contribute and these contributions can be scrutinised later.
Each person must clarify their suggestion.
STEP4: SELECT AND PLAN THE SOLUTION
At this stage the best solution is selected from the many suggestions brought up.
The solution to be selected must suit the given circumstances, resources and other considerations.
The group should prioritize the solutions into what would work the best.
The group has to discuss the best solution to come to a consensus on the best solution.
STEP5: IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION
This is the do stage of PDSA.
The group must make sure that the solution can be tracked to have information to use in the study stage of the PDSA.
A scientific approach must be used to track specifically what’s going on with the solution.
STEP6: EVALUATE THE SOLUTION
This is the study stage of PDSA to check if the solution actually worked.
If it did not, then what went right? What went wrong?
What adjustment can the group make to make the solution work better?
This is a careful analysis of the best solution the group came up with.
After this analysis the group is ready to act upon their findings and the problem must be solved or at least
6 step problem solving solution
1: Identify the problem
2: analyse the problem
5: Implement the
6: evaluate the solution
