COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING
STRATEGIES OF COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING
The following are the techniques followed for complex problem solving:
1. Abstraction: Abstraction is solving a problem in a model of the system before applying
it to the real system.
2. Analogy: Analogy is comparison of two things of their being alike in some way. The
similarity is determined and the solution that solves an analogous problem is used to
solve the existing problem.
3. Brainstorming: It is suggesting a large number of solutions, combining and developing
them until an optimum solution is found.
4. Divide and conquer: Breaking down a large problem into smaller units to ease solving
it.
5. Hypothesis testing: assuming a possible solution and trying to prove that it is right.
6. Lateral thinking: Approaching solutions indirectly and creatively.
7. Means-ends analysis: Choosing an action at each step to move closer to the solution.
8. Method of focal objects: synthesizing seemingly non-matching characteristics of
different objects into something new.
9. Morphological analysis: assessing the output and interactions of an entire system.
10. Proof: try to prove that the problem cannot be solved. The point where the proof fails
will be the starting point for solving it.
11. Reduction: reducing or transforming the problem into another problem for which
solutions exist.
12. Research: Employing existing ideas/solutions to similar problems.
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13. Root cause analysis: identifying the root cause of the problem and solving it.
14. Trial and error method: testing possible solutions until the right one is found.
The solutions to complex problems can be generated using these strategies. It is a common
practice to use a combination of more than one strategy to arrive at a solution.
METHODS OF COMPLEX PROBLEM SOLVING
1. 8D method: The 8D (Eight disciplines) problem solving method was developed by Ford
Motor Company. 8D method of problem solving follows the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check,
Act) cycle. The eight disciplines are:
D0- Plan: determine the pre-requisites and provide emergency response actions.
D1- Use a team
D2- Describe the problem
D3- Develop interim containment plan, i.e. isolate the problem from the customer
D4- Determine and verify the root causes and escape points
D5- Verify permanent corrections for the problem
D6- Define and implement corrective actions
D7- Prevent recurrence/ system problems
D8- Congratulate the main contributors to your team
2. GROW model: The GROW model describes four steps to solve the problem
G Goal- where the client wants to be
R Reality- where the client is now
OObstacles in solving the problem and Options available
W Way forward
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3. How to solve it: How to solve it is a small volume by mathematician George Polya,
describing methods of problem solving. The four principles he suggests are:
a. Understand the problem
b. Make a plan
c. Carry out the plan
d. Look back on your work
4. OODA loop: Start with observation and take the loop forward with orientation, decision
and action.
OBSERVE
ACT ORIENT
DECIDE
5. PDCA cycle: This is also known as shewart cycle. It involves four steps: plan,do, check
and act.
PLAN DO CHECK ACT
6. Root Cause Analysis (RCA): The root cause analysis method follows four principles:
a. Define and describe the problem properly
b. Establish a timeline for normal situation until failure has occurred
c. Distinguish between the root cause and casual factors
d. Once the root cause is identified, solution can be implemented
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7. RPR problem diagnosis: This rapid problem solution method comprises two steps.
a. The core process and b. Supporting Techniques
Discover
THE CORE
Investigate
PROCESS
SUPPORTING
Fix
TECHNIQUES
8. TRIZ method: TRIZ is a Russian acronym. The English acronym is TIPS (Theory of
Inventive Problem Solving). The TRIZ practitioners apply three findings in order to
improve services, products and systems.
a. Problems and solutions are repeated across industries and sciences
b. patterns of technical evolution are also repeated across industries and sciences
c. innovations use the scientific effects outside the field in which they are developed
9. System Dynamics: It is a mathematical modelling technique to frame, understand and
discuss complex issues and problems. It is an approach to understanding the non-linear
behavior of complex systems over time using stocks, flows, table functions and time
delays.
10. Hive method: It is also called ‘Swarm Intelligence’. It is the collective behavior of
decentralized, self-organized systems, natural or artificial. It is employed in work on
artificial intelligence. It refers to a more general set of algorithms.
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