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problem solving process notes

The document outlines a six-step problem-solving process, including problem analysis, evaluating solutions, designing and implementing solutions, debugging and testing, and maintenance and support. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem's context, evaluating all possible solutions, and ensuring effective implementation and ongoing support. Key techniques such as the problem tree for analysis and the brute force algorithm for solution evaluation are also discussed.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views

problem solving process notes

The document outlines a six-step problem-solving process, including problem analysis, evaluating solutions, designing and implementing solutions, debugging and testing, and maintenance and support. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem's context, evaluating all possible solutions, and ensuring effective implementation and ongoing support. Key techniques such as the problem tree for analysis and the brute force algorithm for solution evaluation are also discussed.

Uploaded by

hiba111624
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SIX STEPS OF PROBLEM

SOLVING
PROBLEM ANALYSIS:
Problem analysis is a process that involves identifying, analyzing, and solving
problems. It's a crucial skill for addressing complex issues, and it can help
you understand the context of a situation and develop effective solutions.

Here are some key aspects of problem analysis:

 Identify the problem: Identify the main issue and its causes and
effects.
 Identify root causes: Make sure to identify the root causes of the
problem, not just the symptoms.
 Consider constraints: Think about the constraints that might limit
your ability to solve the problem.
 Develop solutions: Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of
potential solutions.
 Prevent future problems: Understand the problem in depth so you
can prevent similar problems in the future.

Problem analysis is a core component of strategic thinking and effective


management. It's an essential part of the project design process and can
help you:
 Understand the dynamics of a situation
 Identify underlying assumptions
 Develop a theory of change
 Monitor, evaluate, and learn effectively

A visual method for analyzing a problem is the problem tree, which maps the
links between the main issue, its root causes, and the resulting problems.

EVALUATE EVERY POSSIBLE SOLUTION:


Evaluating every possible solution is a process that involves listing
and assessing all possible solutions to a problem. It can also include
considering the potential outcome of each solution, as well as the
resources required to execute them.

The brute force algorithm is a simple approach that involves


evaluating every possible solution to a problem. While this process
can be time-consuming, it can be effective at finding solutions that
other algorithms might miss. The general steps of the brute force
algorithm are:
1. Define the problem
2. List all possible solutions
3. Test each solution
4. Select the best solution
5. Analyze the time complexity
Evaluating every possible solution can be computationally
expensive, especially in large search spaces.

DESIGN THE SOLUTION:


Creating a plan in the problem-solving process involves developing a
strategy to address the problem using strategies that are likely to
work. The plan should include ways to monitor the effectiveness of
the plan, how accurately it was followed, and the resources needed
to implement it.

Planning is important in problem solving because it helps to:

 Break down a complex issue into smaller, more manageable


steps
 Reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed
 Prioritize tasks
 Ensure that no crucial steps are missed

IMPLEMENTATION:
The implementation process in problem solving is the process of
putting a solution into action. It's the final step in the problem-
solving process and requires careful attention to detail.

Here are some steps involved in the implementation process:


 Planning: Create a project plan with tasks, timelines, and
milestones.
 Designing: Design the solution and allocate resources.
 Building and testing: Build and test the solution, and iterate
to fix issues.
 Training and managing change: Train users and manage
change.
 Deploying: Deploy the solution.
 Monitoring: Monitor the solution's results.
 Reviewing and analyzing: Review and analyze the success
of the action.
If the solution doesn't work out as expected, you can go back to an
earlier step in the process. For example, if the solution didn't hit the
intended targets, you might go back to step 3 and rework on the
solution's implementation.

DEBUGGING AND TESTING:


Debugging and testing are complementary processes that
ensure software programs run as they should. After writing a
complete section or part of a code, programmers test to
identify bugs and errors. Once bugs are found, coders can
begin the process of debugging and work towards ridding
software of any errors.
In problem solving, testing is the process of identifying errors and
bugs, while debugging is the process of fixing those errors:
Testing
The process of finding bugs and errors. Testers can only begin testing
after developers have written the code.
Debugging
The process of correcting bugs found during testing. Debugging begins
after a failed test case execution.

Here are some tips for debugging and testing:


Test early and often
Test the system at every stage of development, from unit testing to
integration testing to system testing.
Follow a logical sequence
Reproduce the bug, identify the symptoms, isolate the cause, fix the
bug, test the solution, and document and communicate.
Use tools
Use a code editor, debugger, logging and print statements, and code
analysis tools.
Test in different environments
Test the code in different environment
MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT:
Maintenance
The process of keeping systems updated and in good working order.
Maintenance can be proactive, such as updating documentation or
reviewing systems, or reactive.
Support
The process of providing technical assistance to users who need help
with systems or applications. Support can include answering questions
and providing SLAs for bug reports and fixes.

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