Problem Solving Strategies

Problem solving strategies is as wide an area as horticulture.

There are so many different techniques as there are plants and each have their own use or effect.

In these pages, we would like to introduce you to the topics of problem solving, to explain what problem solving is and to go into problem solving tools and activities.

Articles on this topic:

---

Introduction to the Basics:

These articles are to give the basic elements of solid problem solving techniques. 

What is Problem Solving?

Brainstorming

Affinity Diagram

---

5 Whys

Problem Statements

Prelim Problem Solving Questions

---

Problem Solving Steps

Problem Solving Activities

SWOT Analysis

---

Here we have articles on more detailed approaches you can take in solving problems.

These techniques are universally adaptable and very useful to know. 

Boundary Examination

Boundary Relaxation

---

Gap Analysis

Control Model

---

Fun Brain Teasers

Creative Problem Solving techniques

8D Problem Solving Process

---

Free Tutorial 8D Introduction D0 Plan D1 Form The Team D2 Describe The Problem  D3 Plan Containment D4 Determine Root Cause D5 Choose & Verify Corrections D6 Set Corrective Measures D7 Preventive Measures D8 Congratulate Your Team

Our Ebook Our Ebook: 8D Problem Solving Process

Looking For Business Parables, Metaphors or Stories?

---

So are we!  Here is what we have collected so far.  Have you got one that could be added?

Free Online Business Training

---

Get The FREE Business Training On Creativity Here.

(Just click on the Picture) 

What are the Problem Solving Strategies ?

There are many strategies of which the following are some:

• Analogy: Where you use close or distant comparisons to trigger ideas and gather new insights.

• Categorizing: Sorting out ideas into categories and groupings or clusters

• Checklists, Tables: Using quantitative data to address your problem.

• Causality: This is using mapping to understand the inter-dependencies or patterns between the causes.

• Concept Mapping: To use diagrams to achieve an overview of the problem to be solved

• Excursion: Using metaphors to view the problem from new angles. Describe and then force a fit back to the current issue.

• Numerical: Again, quantitatively looking at data for an understanding of the problem and then its solutions.

• Hitch-hiking: Developing new ideas based on past problems. (see Lessons Learned)

• Re-framing: To re-frame an issue in order to get a fresher insight of the issue at hand.

• Pictures: Using pictures to trigger off ideas, either by drawing them or superimposing them on the problem verbally.

• Questioning: This is the Formulation or pursuing of a line of questions that may lead to the discovery of issues otherwise uncovered. This strategy is good for difficult to define issues.

• Scanning: This is the on-going search of selected areas for relevant information.

• Surveys, Polls, etc.: This is using questionnaires to gather ideas or information.

• Expert Knowledge: Using experts to gain insight to a problem and how it may be solved.

• Voting: Gathering information from rating, judgments, or votes from group members.

• Verbal: Using the properties of language, rephrasing problems or their descriptions to highlight new aspects. 

• Wishing: Using wishing to challenge the group’s perceptions and to energize goals.