Best practice problem solving process

1. WOMEN IN MINING
CONFERENCE
CHARLES COTTER
7 MARCH 2013
PROBLEM SOLVING

2. PRESENTATION OVERVIEW
 Introduction
 Key presentation topics
 Summary
 Questions

3. Fundamentals of problem-
solving
 Differentiating between structured and
unstructured problems
 Engineering-related examples
 What types of problems that keep Engineers
awake at night?
 What are the constraints to solving engineering
problems?

4. Critical success factors of
effective problem resolution
 The right problem solving strategy
 Whole brain thinking – combination of left
(rational) + right brain (creative) thinking
 Sufficiency – time, information and resources
 Commitment and ownership (to the
implementation of the solution)

5. Whole Brain problem-solving
process
 Step 1: Problem identification, analysis and definition
 Step 2: Search for information and generate alternative
solutions
 Step 3: Evaluate alternative solutions
 Step 4: Select the most appropriate solution
 Step 5: Implement the appropriate solution
 Step 6: Evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented
solution

6. Step 1: Problem identification,
analysis and definition
 This means the search for facts which leads to the
development of many explanations and symptoms of
the problem
 Ultimately results in the identification of the root causes
i.e. source/origin of the problem as well as the extent of
the problem
 A useful technique to use during this step is the fishbone
diagram

7. Step 2: Search for information/
generate alternative solutions
 This step entails the gathering of problem-related
information and other variables that may have a bearing
on the identified problem, in order to make an informed
decision.
 At this step, it is important for team leaders to identify
decision criteria that will assist in the making of an
objective decision
 The decision maker will have to find alternatives that
could resolve the problem and these alternatives will have
to be relevant to the problem-solving process.
 Typically team leaders may use a variety of idea/solution
generating techniques and problem solving methods e.g.
Brainstorming.

8. Step 3: Evaluate alternative
solutions
 Team leaders must critically analyze each alternative
solution, appraising each against the criteria identified in
step 2.
 The comparisons will reveal the relative strengths and
weaknesses of each alternative and it will highlight the
best alternative that can maintain the most significant
needs of the criteria.
 A useful technique that team leaders can use during the
evaluation of ideas/solutions is the decision matrix.

9. Step 4: Select the most
appropriate solution
 Once the team leader has analyzed the alternatives, the
next step is to choose the best alternative.
 Making an informed and objective decision.

10. Step 5: Implement the
appropriate solution
 The team leader then puts the decision into action using
the chosen alternative accordingly.
 Develops an implementation plan – 4 W’s + H.

11. Step 6: Evaluate the
effectiveness of the
implemented solution
 The team leader monitors and evaluates the
outcomes of the decision, to see if the problem had been
resolved.
 They determine whether the decision was best, and if
not s/he would need to assess what went wrong.
 Taking remedial/corrective action (if required)

12. SUMMARY
 Key points
 Questions
 Contact details:
 Charles Cotter
 084 562 9446
 charlescot@polka.co.za
 Linked In
 Twitter @Charles_Cotter