problem solving

1. MODULE 3: DAY 14
PROBLEM SOLVING

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE TOPIC
 Trainees must develop an understanding of problem
identification
 Trainees must be able to reach to the root cause of the
problem
 Trainees must be able to come up with prospective
solution of that problem

3. 4 STEPS TO COVER THE TOPIC
 Step 1: Trainers must ask trainees “What is a
problem?”
Failure in achieving what we want to have/
become/ do is problem situation.
For example: I wanted to pass my examination,
but failed.

4.  Step 2: Types of Problems
 Factual= Actual problem, for eg: I failed in exam
 Imaginary= Self generated problem, for eg: I may fail
in exam, so can’t study

5. Step 3: Discuss with trainees “Why it is a problem?”
 Because, we want to achieve what we earlier wanted to
have/ become/ do or we want to change the current
situation
Example: I wanted to pass my examination

6.  Step 4: What it calls for?
It calls for Root Cause Analysis that is reaching to
the root of the problem, to come up with the solution

7. ACTIVITY: THE 5 WHY’S EXERCISE
 Objective: To make trainees aware of reaching to the
root of any problem, following the 5 Whys technique.
 Group Size: It is an interactive activity conducted in
group setting.
 Time Distribution:
Description of Activity and Setting Rules- 5 minutes
The 5 Why Activity- 15 minutes
Discussion- 15 minutes

8.  Material: Pen & Paper, to list down the problems.
 Description: The 5 Whys Problem Solving technique is
a simple process to follow to solve any problem by
repeatedly asking the question “Why” (five times is a
good rule of thumb) to reach to the root cause of a
problem. This strategy relates to the principle of
systematic problem solving.

9. Example: “5 Whys Exercise”
Problem= I had an accident
1. Why? I was careless
2. Why? I was thinking about something else
3. Why? Because I have not done my assignment
4. Why? I played all the tired, and slept tired= problem
situation
Solution= I might have played a little and
completed my assignment

10.  Rules: The focus should be kept on 5 Whys not on 5
Whos.
 Discussion Points:
 How trainees felt while doing the activity?
 Do they think 5 Whys technique is helpful to reach to the
cause of the problem. Why or Why not?
 How the trainees are going to use the technique in their
daily lives?

11. Thank you 