This document discusses problem solving and the problem solving process. It defines a problem and outlines the key steps in problem solving, which include problem identification, formulation, and finding solutions. Specific cognitive processes involved in problem recognition are described, such as thinking, conceptualization, and perception. Factors that can affect how problems are formulated are also provided. Common problem solving methods like the SARA model are explained, with the stages of scanning, analysis, response, and assessment defined.

1. Hetauda School of Management
Department of BIM
Problem Solving
Shiva Shrestha, HSM, Hetauda
21 December 20141 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

2. TOPICS
21 December 20142
 Critical thinking of problem identification
and formulation
 Cognitive processes involved in problem
recognition
 Forces affecting problem formulation
 Formulating an effective problem
statement using comparative methods
 Problems and decision, problem solving
processes and methods of problem
solvingSHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

3. Introduction
21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda3
 Problem solving is an important managerial skill. It
involves person’s ability to integrate organizational
goals with available organizational resources. The
coordination of these various responsibilities in turn
requires and the ability to understand, communicate
and cooperate with people. Without these various
abilities and skills, problem solving is difficult.
 Problems come in many types and forms.
Managers face these problems requiring decisions.
Some of these problems are routine type. Others
are less predictable and are more complex. The
process of analyzing a problem to determine its
source and developing possible solution is the key
to making good decisions.

4. Definition of Problem.
21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda4
 ‘A problem is a question to be answered.’
 ‘A problem is deviations between the actual and the
desired performance.’
 Types of problems
Problems can be classified on the basis of the
followings:
1. Frequency
2. Urgency
3. Impact
4. Source

5. Problem Identification
 Problem identification is the first strategy
of solving a problem.
 Problem Identification refers to seeing a
problem before you can try solving it.
 Problem identification means to
investigate, to identify and to solve the
problem in a critical way like match the
problem solving and decision making
goals, make use of available resources.
21 December 20145 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

6. Problem identification
 The initial step of problem solving
process is to understand the real
problem exactly.
 People involved in problem identification
should have sufficient knowledge and
should have the ability to make the use
of available resources.
21 December 20146 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

7. Improving Problem
Identification
 Identify the situation :
The problem solver should be full aware of
the situation in which problem occurs.
 Conversation with people :
Conversation with the people who are
familiar with the problem helps to get
additional information about the problem.
21 December 20147 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

8.  Discover source of problem :
If we discover the real source of the
problem, we can identify the actual
problem.
 Asking Questions :
Asking questions related to the problem
and taking advices from experts helps in
successful problem identification.
21 December 20148 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

9.  Turn the problem :
Turning the problem helps to improve
problem identification by making the
strange familiar to the situation and
familiar to strange. It helps to twist and
turn our understanding of the current
situation.
21 December 20149 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

10. Problem Formulation
 Problem formulation is a creative and
one of the most important step in an
entire problem solving process.
 It is a model building process in which
the relevant data are discriminated from
the irrelevant ones.
21 December 201410 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

11. Types of Problem Formulation
Model
 Physical model :
It is a schematic or tangible representation of
the real thing to solve the problem.
For example : Model of sun and planet housed
in a planetarium
 Symbolic model:
It is a representation in which letter, numbers
and other types of symbols are used to solve
the problem.
For example : Solving the LPP model21 December 201411 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

12. Cognitive Process
 Cognitive process are the mental
process involved in knowing, thinking,
reasoning, problem solving and
decision making approach that differs
from individual to individual.
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13. Cognitive Process Involved in
Problem Recognition
 Thinking :
It is cognitive assignment. It is
manipulation of both information from
the environment and the symbol stored
in long term memory.
 Conceptualization :
It is important language symbols used
in thinking about the solving the problem
that we face. 21 December 201413 SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

14. 21 December 201414
• Problem Solving :
It is an ability to solve the problem
which may differ from individual to
individual because of differences in
linguistic habit.
• Decision Making:
It is a kind of problem solving process
in which the decision maker generates
several alternatives and choose the best
among them.SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

15.  Perception:
It is a process by which individual
organize and interpret their sensory
impression in order to keep meaning to
their environment.
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16. Factors affecting problem formulation
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 Personal
 Emotional Immediate
 Economic
 Contextual
 Emergent
 organizational
SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

17. Formulating an effective problem
statement using comparative
methods
21 December 201417
 This methods are strategies usually based on
past experience with problems that are likely to
lead to a solution but do not guarantee success.
 In this method the present problem is compared
with previous problem and then solution to the
problem is brought.
 Because we do not have algorithm for must of the
problem we encountered therefore we must use
comparative method like heuristics rule.
 Example: Three pegs problem.
SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

18. Problem solving processes
21 December 201418
 Step 1: Identification of problem.
 Step 2:Generate the possible solution.
 Step 3: Evaluate the possible solution.
 Step 4: Implement the preferred solution.
SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

19. Problem solving methods
21 December 201419
 A commonly used problem solving methods is
the SARA model. The SARA model contain the
following elements:
 Scanning: Identifying the problem.
 Analysis: Learning the problem’s causes, scope and
effects.
 Response: Acting to alleviate the problem.
 Assessment: Determining whether the response
worked.
SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

20. 21 December 201420
 The SARA Mode (Method of problem
solving)
 A commonly used problem-solving method is the
SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response and
Assessment). The SARA model contains the
following elements:
SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda

21. 21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda21
 Scanning
It is the technique for scanning the environment to
identify problem. It includes:
 Identifying recurring problems of concern to the public
and the police.
 Identifying the consequences of the problem for the
community and the police.
 Prioritizing those problems.
 Developing broad goals.
 Confirming that the problems exist.
 Determining how frequently the problem occurs and
how long it has been taking place.
 Selecting problems for closer examination.

22. 21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda22
 Analysis
It helps to Analysis the problem or issues. It
includes:
Identifying and understanding the events and
conditions that precede and accompany the
problem.
 Identifying relevant data to be collected.
 Researching what is known about the problem
type.
 Taking inventory of how the problem is currently
addressed and the strengths and limitations of the
current response.
 Narrowing the scope of the problem as specifically
as possible.
 Identifying a variety of resources that may be of
assistance in developing a deeper understanding of

23. 21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda23
 Response
It helps to response the analyzed alternatives. It
includes:
 Brainstorming for new interventions.
 Searching for what other communities with
similar problems have done.
 Choosing among the alternative interventions.
 Outlining a response plan and identifying
responsible parties.
 Stating the specific objectives for the response
plan.
 Carrying out the planned activities.

24. 21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda24
 Assessment
It helps to assessment of response to evaluate
the impact of the police effort. It includes:
 Determining whether the plan was implemented
(a process evaluation).
 Collecting pre- and post-response qualitative and
quantitative data.
 Determining whether broad goals and specific
objectives were attained.
 Identifying any new strategies needed to
augment the original plan.
 Conducting ongoing assessment to ensure
continued effectiveness.

25. 21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda25
 Conclusion
 Thus in conclusion we came to know that a problem
is a difficulty or an obstacle existing in a situation. It
indicates a perceived gap between what is and
what should be.
The gap is a problem to the organization. Solving
problems effectively requires an understanding of
the nature and types of problem. Problems can be
classified on the basis of frequency, impact, source
and urgency. The success of a manager depends
on his or her ability to get the job done. This needs
problem solving skills. Problems not handled
properly and in time lead to a crisis situation. A
crisis situation has serious implications for the
organization.

26. 21 December 2014SHIVA SHRESTHA, HSM.Hetauda26
Thank youvery much