Solving Problems

In Company,
Intermediate

Problem Solving
There is a Japanese expression:
None of us is as smart as all of us.
Following this idea, one American company
regularly posts questions on a bulletin board
and invites its staff to brainstorm suggestions.

Problem
For example:
In what ways, big or small, could this
company save money?
Write your suggestions below. $100 bonus for
all suggestions we adopt.

Solving
The first suggestion the company got was a
joke really, but it won the $100 bonus.
The suggestion was that the bonus be reduced
to $50.

Problem
The owner of a Mexican restaurant in San
Francisco faced a dilemma. She wanted to
advertise but could not afford to pay for space
in the local newspaper or for airtime on the
local radio station

Solving
After many expensive and unsuccessful attempts to
promote the restaurant with posters and T-shirts, the
owner, Martha Sanchez, finally came up with a
winner. She offered free lunches for life to anyone
who agreed to have the name and logo of the
restaurant tattooed on a visible part of their bodies.
To date, 50 people have become walking
advertisements.

Framework for Problem Solving
The following four phases can be identified in the
process of solving problems:
Understanding the problem
Making a plan of solution
Carrying out the plan
Looking back i.e. verifying

Understanding the Problem
If you do not understand the problem, you can never solve it
If you really understand the problem, you can see a solution
Be careful about hidden assumptions, data and conditions.
Consult definitions for unfamiliar (often even familiar)
terminologies.
Construct one or two simple example to illustrate what the
problem says.

Devising a Solution Plan
Where to start ?
What can I do ?
Find facts that are related to the problem at
hand. Relevant facts usually involve words
that are the same as or similar to those in the
given problem. It is also a good idea to try to
recall previously solved similar problems.
What should I look for ?

Keep in mind that your first try may
not work. But don't get discouraged.
If one approach doesn't work, try
another.