Problem Solving Model: A Method To Identify, Mitigate, And Remove Business Problems — A Case Study Of Puti Clothing Store

CX663611 Methodology on Influence of Problem Solving Models on Puti

Understanding Problem Solving Models

Every organization’s lifecycle consists of significant problems that is harmful to business. They can be irregular else, frequent with larger or smaller impact to the company. For the following study, Auckland based clothing store ‘Puti’ has been noticed to be facing problems in their business environment. The identification of the problem has been a concerning matter to the company officials. Thus, this research provides deep insights on the method of Problem Solving Models and further, it clarifies how PS models can influence the business and problem identification, mitigation and removal with respect to the issues faced by Puti.

1. Defining Problem Solving Models

Problem solving models are the imitations that addresses the challenges in a workplace. While, problem solving is supported by many in an organization, moreover, a lot of ways are found to extract the solution to diminish the problem. Complex challenges to boards, working groups, teams and more, are solved in a quick manner by the usage of shared, systematic and collaborative approach to the method of problem solving (Kolodner, Simpson and Sycara-Cyranski, 2013).

As the name clearly suggests, the model is implemented to solve problems. However, it is essential to understand the need of the model. Majorly concerned problematic scenario exists as-

• When the supposed action from a process is not met while people have least idea of the problem.
• When the results are continuously moving in the wrong way while the acquainted individuals are trying to mitigate the problem.
• When a problem is asked to be solved.

The very first step to the model is to define the problem. The reason are prioritized to be truly understood. Usage of Pareto Diagram for identifying the potential obstacles and creation of process flow diagram of the current activity is an efficient way to generalize the identification of the problem. After the problem is defined, analysis of data is gathered which identifies the root source of the problem. It also signifies appropriate solutions that are possibly obtainable to the omission of the problem. The solution can subject to produce changes to the flow of process which can eliminate or alter the special reasons of variation else, the common cause of variation will be reduced. After the implantation of the best solution, the model helps the team members to monitor the effect of the revisions to ensure the problem’s final reduction statement (Savery and Duffy, 2015).

The goal of the process is not only to solve but also to evolve in accordance to the solution to new emerging challenges. These are the six steps that solves a basic problem and are most effective and clear to follow.

Define the problem (Step 1): It is the most crucial stage of the process. It diagnoses the problem with reference to the context, symptoms and background of the issue. The investigation is continued forward to the discovery of the wider symptoms and the urgency of problem mitigation. Techniques such as brainstorming, interviewing and questionnaires are evaluated to clarify the problem (Kaminski and Good III, 2014).

Steps Involved in the PS Model

.Determining the root source of the problem (Step 2): After the identification of the symptoms, the root cause of the problem is found next. Techniques such as Fishbone diagrams, Affinity diagrams and Pareto analysis are used to collate information in a structured manner. The focus is subjected to the underlying reason of the problem. This is the root source.

Develop Alternate Solutions (Step 3): This step is centralized to the variety of obtainable solutions. The solutions should relate to the root cause and problem’s symptoms (Marston et al., 2013). Again, different solutions can be combined to provide a better solution to the problem.

Select a Solution (Step 4): Here, only one solution out of the many, is selected. The solution is based on two key questions as whether the solution is most feasible or not, and the particular solution to which the users are finding favorable to be implemented and used. However, acceptance from the users and those who will implement the solution is the key to success (Voss, 2018).

Implement the solution (Step 5): Now, project planning is evaluated while the solution is chosen. Planning with respect to the project manager, the starting time of project, the key milestones, next actions during implementation of solution, necessary steps and more, are discussed (Sinnott, 2016). Tools such as Gantt chart, log frame are also used.

Evaluate the outcome (Step 6): The outcome necessitates monitoring of the achievement of milestones, containment of costs and the completion of necessary work. Overall, this step is reliable and simple in solution of problem by usage of analytical and creative approach. 

During the implementation of the following work process in the business environment of Puti, few problematic situations may occur that may seem to be daunting, unreasonable and hard to decode. However, the set of Problem Solving Models will help the members of the organization to identify and determine the problem, search for solutions and lastly, implement it to mitigate the involved risks. The proper evaluation will produce appropriate results up to the desired outcome for the Puti officials. Thus, the importance of PS models can be justifiably understood and the members of Puti will enhance their knowledge and skills to problem solving models and methods at present and also, in the future.

Brainstorming is the technique of applying effective methods to generate numerous ideas on a certain issue while scrutiny and filtering of ideas provides the most appropriately suitable way to resolve the issue. The method is evaluated within the groups of 8-12 people.

Different Techniques That Can Aid In problem-solving

In the following contextual scenario to the clothing store of Puti, the method of brainstorming can be implemented. As the store consists of 20 employees, the ideas can be efficiently calculated. However, certain ground rules are required to be followed for correct idea generation and increased creativity among the group. The rules are:

• Focusing on quantity: Increased number of ideas is equal to greater chances of production to an effective and radical solution.
• Consideration of unusual ideas: Different perspectives are not underjudged and checked for priority.
• Criticism withdrawal: Criticism from any individual may be neglected while the focus is centered to efficient outcomes.
• Combination of ideas to improvement: Ideas when joined, produces a new way to producing the needed results.

This is a simple diagram which spots the root causes of a problematic scenario, to be conducted in rightful actions. This is often called the Cause and Effect diagram (Ilie & Ciocoiu, 2016). In this diagram, causes are categorized and a chain of causes extends main categories that flows towards the effects to show the fishbone structure’s resemblance.

The importance of the diagram is subjected to the emergence in the clothing store of Puti. Hence, while evaluation, participating individuals must be held accountable to summarize the event, information should be kept concise and clear and regular reviews from team are required to be undertaken.

5whys analysis method is efficient to find the underlying causes among the outward symptoms of an issue, to be dealt for once or every time. This method directs the company to the root of the problem a lot quickly than others, while being extremely flexible and efficient.

To be utilized in the problematic situation of Puti, the leaders have to-

• Assemble the group.
• Discuss the problem.
• Ask “Why?” the problem is happening.
• Ask “Why?” again for four more times.
• Structure the diagram with the 5 whys in a single-lane or multiple-lane figure.
• Understand when to stop.
• Address the source of the problem.
• Monitoring and reviewing.

SWOT analysis is a great technique to understand the Strength and Weakness of an organization, that is of Puti’s while revealing Opportunities and possible future Threats. This is a great framework that questions the existence of strengths and weaknesses in a company. Recommended higher officials of Puti, such as leader should calculate the SWOT analysis. For correct calculation, perspectives of different individuals from the company is collected, then the ideas are ranked and the highest voted ideas are prioritized first that becomes a part of the each quadrant of the SWOT analysis. 

References 

Kaminski, R. A., & Good III, R. H. (2014). Assessing early literacy skills in a Problem-Solving model: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills.

Kolodner, J. L., Simpson, R. L., & Sycara-Cyranski, K. (2013). A process model of cased-based reasoning in problem solving (p. 6). School of Information and Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology.

Marston, D., Muyskens, P., Lau, M., & Canter, A. (2013). Problem?solving model for decision making with high?incidence disabilities: The Minneapolis experience. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 18(3), 187-200.

Savery, J. R., & Duffy, T. M. (2015). Problem based learning: An instructional model and its constructivist framework. Educational technology, 35(5), 31-38.

Sinnott, J. D. (2016). A model for solution of ill-structured problems: Implications for everyday and abstract problem solving. Praeger Publishers.

Voss, J. F. (2018). Learning and transfer in subject-matter learning: A problem-solving model. International Journal of Educational Research, 11(6), 607-622.

Ilie, G., & Ciocoiu, C. N. (2016). Application of fishbone diagram to determine the risk of an event with multiple causes. Management Research and Practice, 2(1), 1-20.