Question

Identify and explain the key steps of the analytical problem-solving model. Then, provide a problem-solving example that follows each of the key steps. Lastly, explain a difficulty that could occur within each of the steps in the analytical problem-solving model.

Answer 1

answer-

key steps of the analytical problem-solving model with example and difficulty which can occur-

Step 1: Identify the Problem-

Determine the situation or condition that will exist in the future and is considered undesirable by members of the organization. In order to identify the problem, you need to size up the situation to make sure that you have the full picture. Size-up involves analyzing the current situation to determine:

• What is happening (and not happening).
• Who is involved.
• What the stakes are.

This information will enable you to identify the problem more accurately.

for example- company is in need to improve the IT infrastructure of the problem then company needs to identify how it can solve the problem.

difficulty could be poor judgement of defining the problem, wide scope of the problem which would be time consuming.

Step 2: Explore Alternatives-

This step includes generating alternatives and evaluating them. You can generate alternatives through brainstorming, surveys, discussion groups, or other means. Alternatives should be evaluated using a consistent process.

In a crisis, exploring alternatives involves:

• Identifying contingencies. Consider the future and think about all of the things that can get in the way of solving the problem you are facing.
• Determining objectives. Develop objectives that clearly state what you need to do to be successful.
• Identifying needed resources. Identify the people, information (data), and things needed to resolve the problem.

for example- Company's executives with setting a meeting can find alternatives like buy a new information technology software or hire a software developer then develop a custom made software according to the need of the company.

difficulty would be conflict of decisions made by executives, lack of attention from each personnel in the brainstorming meeting etc.

Step 3: Select an Alternative-

After you have evaluated each alternative, select the alternative that comes closest to solving the problem with the most advantages and fewest disadvantages.

There may be repercussions to any solution selected. Carefully consider how the solution will be implemented before selecting an alternative.

In a crisis, selecting an alternative involves building a plan that states:

• Who
• Will do what (and with whom)
• By when
• Where
• How

Plans need to be communicated to all parties involved.

For example- If company select the alternative to make custom made software for IT infrastructure of the company.because it fulfills the need of the company's operations which other vendor software may not do that.

problem would be cost of hiring software developer, reliability of that software and the software developer, budget constraint etc.

Step 4: Implement the Solution-

Take action to implement the selected solution. Implementation involves the following:

• Developing an action plan (what steps are needed).
• Determining objectives or measurable targets.
• Identifying needed resources.
• Identifying details of the action plan (who will do what, by when, where, and how, as applicable).
• Using the plan to put the solution in place.

for example- Company hire the software developer and develop the IT software then implement the software to the departments of the company to work.

difficulty could be lack of knowledge of new software, training need etc.

Step 5: Evaluate the Situation-

Evaluation involves monitoring progress and evaluating the decision that was made. During evaluation, identify if: the situation has changed, more or fewer resources are required, or a different alternative solution is required.

Monitoring the success of a solution is an ongoing process that is critical to fine tuning a course of action.

for example- The software has started to work and every employee is working then company can ask feedback from each employee how the new software is working.

difficulty could be if the software fails to do the business task then all the task would be waste.