Problem Solving
When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? Assignment 2 asks you to apply a systematic approach to problem solving. This assignment is divided into two (2) parts. In Part I, of the assignment, you will read three (3) articles that present variations on step-by-step problem solving strategies and then select one (1) of these strategies; you will engage in pre-writing to develop a solution to a problem scenario. In Part II of the assignment, you will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem. As Voltaire said, “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.” Part I Preparation and Pre-writing: Follow the steps below to explore a problem through reading and writing – 1. Choose one (1) of the problem scenarios as a topic choice for your paper (Note: Your professor must approve your topic choice before you begin work on the assignment.). Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s degree in order to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree; a supervisor’s position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period for your courses. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it’s yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company have Master’s degrees. You know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor’s degree and continue on to a Master’s degree. Your present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not. 2. Go to the Internet, and read the following articles: “Einstein’s Secret to Amazing Problem Solving (and 10 Specific Ways You Can Use It)”, located at http://litemind(dot)com/problem-definition/. “The Problem Solving Process”, located at http://www(dot)gdrc(dot)org/decision/problem-solve.html. “Interpersonal Conflict and Effective Communication”, located http://www(dot)drbalternatives(dot)com/articles/cc2.html. 3. Select one (1) of the step-by-step problem solving strategies outlined in one (1) of the articles. Using the chosen problem solving strategy as a model, brainstorm ideas for each of the steps to develop a solution to the problem scenario you chose. Part II Synthesizing and Writing: Now that you have developed a solution to the problem by pre-writing about your ideas – Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: Analyze the problem scenario that you have chosen, and organize your analysis into sections that correlate to each step in the selected problem solving strategy. Apply each step within the selected problem solving strategy to related elements of the scenario that you have chosen. Suggest alternative actions to the situation(s) within the scenario that correspond to each of the steps within the selected problem solving strategy. Speculate on whether or not the same problem-solving strategy would be effective if used with different scenarios. The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing: Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph. Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
Problem Solving
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Problem Solving
Introduction
Problem solving is the process that has been used in solving different scenarios through a set of procedures. The idea behind this concept is developing the necessary information and analysis important in supporting solutions. Therefore, in hard and conflicting situations in personal life, corporate management and decision making perspectives, problem solving procedures have been used in determining the best possible solutions. In the scenario presented, it is many conflicts that are arising between learning and the desire of working for a multi mega corporation, will be solved using the problem solving processes, (Anderson, 2004). The situation may seem dismissive, but the underlying potential problems are extensive, thus, there is need of evaluating the problem and identifying the necessary solutions. Hopefully by the end of these many problem solving processes, its applicability and suitability will offer enough evidence in solving and laying down the foundation for future similar occurrences. This problem solving process has five major strategies and they include;
Problem definition
Problem analysis
Generating possible solutions
Analyzing the solutions
Finally, selecting the best solution.
These are the necessary procedures to go through, when deciding the best possible solutions for the conflicting situation above.
Problem definition
The scenario is challenging and it is based on the desire of learning to increase the level of knowledge, but at the same time the offer is too good to refuse. From the conflicting situation, there are different aspects that are conflicting with each other. The concept is developing the problem through this systematic manner in order to arrive at a concrete solution. There is the concept of going to college, in order to earn the bachelor’s degree that will foster for further studies. The challenging concept is gaining the award and pursing the career further in order to be at bar with other supervisors in the new company, (Kneeland, 1999). This is conflicting since the start date of the new job clashes with the final period of exams. After working for 11 years in the company, a former supervisor has recommended for the job opportunity, although I have not earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in the field or job description.
As a result, there is a conflict between my personal needs and responsibilities towards the new job and offer. The terms of payment are interesting of $15,000 per year. This is an offer that is essential and life changing, hence the need to solve the problem systematically, by identifying the best solution. Consequently, in order to take this opportunity, I have to finish and acquire the necessary qualifications, in order to be at ease with other supervisors in the company, who have master’s degrees in the field of supervision and business management, (Anderson, 2004). Therefore, in order to be at ease with the opportunity, there is need of earning a bachelor’s degree that will guarantee me the need of expanding and acquiring further studies such as a master’s degree.
Problem analysis
It matters a lot to have the potential of working and supervising a competitive company, without the necessary qualification of a master’s degree. But with the exceptional abilities and wisdom in working and experience, I can manage the job and take the opportunity. As a result, I will have to stop studying and the desire of achieving a master’s degree will vanish and tarnish at the same time. Therefore, it is important to act and measure the responsibilities am facing and the potential solutions available. Although the job opportunity and the recommendation I received is prolific and supportive, it will limit me when trying to accomplish another important step of acquiring knowledge and wisdom on the subject matter or job opportunity of supervision.
The current situation is difficult to navigate and it entails a lot of sacrifice from both sides. The situation currently is based in the creation and offering services based on ignoring the final exams, while starting the new job. This is a cutout clause that will limit my potential of attaining a bachelor’s and in the future a master’s degree. It is therefore, limiting and conflicting between the desire and nee...