Six-Step Problem Solving Process For Time Management In Complex Scenarios

PHIL1101 Introduction to Philosophy

The models of problem solving are referred to the challenges which rise up in the workplace or in real life. There are many people who solve problems on a daily basis but they all might use various different approaches which can help them to find a solution (Mukhopadhyay, 2013).   

Complicated challenges for the teams or other people are mostly solved sooner with the usage of the cooperated, shared and well mannered approach to the problem solving (Jakel & Schreiber, 2013).

There are several steps by which one can solve any kind of problem. In the following steps, the problems according to the given case study are solved.

1. Problem Definition: The very natural process included the defining of the process which one wants to solve(Carson, 2007). In the first step, one needs to realize what exactly is the issue and what one wants to achieve after the problem is solved in the end. The outcomes of the problem should be written down. Usually all the people have an unclear idea of what the problem actually is and they sometimes might get lost in what exactly they are trying to solve. Writing down about the problem makes a person focus more about the problem and also help focus on the answers. In this phase the problem which is easy to solve is taken into picture on the first place. In the given case study, I am facing the issue with time. The time I should be able to spend with children and other family members is a big issue. The problems I could find and write about this scenario are:

• Time management
• I have classes in the same week when both my children have their concert and soccer match.
• I work really hard irrespective of the time constraint whereas I should not take much stress as I have Blood pressure and cholesterol.  
• I should be able to spend time with my parents too as they are old and they now cannot drive too. Means I should be available whenever my parents want to move out for something.

1. Problem Analysis: Usually the nest step should be the procedure in which one can check the reason as to why he or she is into the problem(Wertheim, 2018). What actually involved in making it as a problem. Example: One should find out the benefits of the current situation and find the reason as to why it is like this. It is very critical to understand the route of the problem and the way it fits in the current developments and current environment and this might help a person find out of the solution will work or not for this. The person should have the criteria for evaluating the solutions which are new and then one will know if the idea will work or not.  Then after doing this, one can go back to the reconfirming the problem if it is still valid. In my belief, my problem exists because I have to work for two different jobs which is very exhausting in a way and the timing are also very different. I have a big family to feed off and much expense to take care of. This is the main reason I work for two different jobs. So if I go back to reconfirm the problem that I feel is correct because I have to work for two jobs for good money and that creates problems in finding out time for me as well as my family.
2. Generating Possible Solutions: When the actual issue is found out which is to be solved and also the investigation for which the solution should fit into, the next phase is to obtain the number of the possible solutions(Management, 2018). The major concentration should be on developing of the solutions to the problem. There are rare situations when a superb solution could be generated at the first time. This is the phase when one must not pre judge the possible solutions but they should be treated rightly and worthily. In this given case study, the possible solutions of the problem can be permanent and temporary both.

• Permanent: I can lose one of the jobs so that I can take out time for myself as well as for the other family members. I will be able to find the time that is much needed but then it will have some issues too. In case of losing one job, finance would be the problem that will exist or might even grow after I leave the job.
• Temporary: I miss one of the classes and take a day off from my work as well as classes to just take care of my family and go to both the children’s events to cheer them. This way I would have the job as well as I would be able to take out time for my family.

1. Analyzing the Solutions: Investigation of the factors which relate to the solution which are found out should be done in this phase. The good and the bad points should be analyzed about the solutions that are in consideration(Chaudhry & Rasool, 2012). By writing the good and the bad points about the solutions, one is able to discover the advantages of the solutions. In the above solutions, the good and bad points of  the solutions are:

• Permanent: Good points can be that I will be able to spend every day in a well mannered way with my family and myself both. The bad points would be that I might have to face the money issues if I give away one job.
• Temporary: The good point will be that I will not have to lose my job as well as by taking a day off; I can fulfill my family’s requirements at least for that day.

1. Selecting the best solution: Different factors which are influencing the solutions are to be analyzed in this phase. It helps in selecting the best solution which is possibly good for the given problem. It has to be decided by analyzing the complete solution that it should be used or not(T. & I, 2010). Voting can be done if there are multiple solutions in order to decide the better solution. In the end the person will end up having the viable solutions in his hand and he could use it to solve the problem. Re-evaluation of the problem is also an option in case if someone is unable to find the solution till this phase. In this case, the temporary solution seems to be the good option as I am not loosing anything in order to come out of this problem. This seems to the best solution but this is temporary. The permanent solution can be time management done in a better way. But this is also not possible as with such type of responsibilities, finding time is difficult. Hence, back to temporary solutions.
2. Planning the next action: This is the phase in which one writes down the next steps to be done in future(Johnson, 2018). Till this step a person has possible solution in his hands and then he is required to take the decision as to how this solution will be implemented. This will involve people doing various things at various times in the future and then confirming that they have been carried out as planned. This stage ensures that the valuable thinking that has gone into solving the problem becomes reality. This series of Next Steps is the logical step to physically solving the problem. In my case scenario, the temporary solution is the one which will help me and it actually had as I could spend time with my children and motivate them in their events as well as I did not have to lose my job. Hence, this is the problem which can have a temporary solution as this is the only solution in which there is nothing to lose.

In this essay, there are 6 steps of problem solving have been discussed with respect to the given situation. The problem which I could find out was the time management in between family and profession. There is a temporary solution taken out of the situation which seemed quite relevant in solving the current problem. All the steps helped me to analyze the problem and also helped me in taking out the solution to the problem which really existed. 

References

Carson, J. (2007). A Problem With Problem Solving: Teaching Thinking Without Teaching Knowledge. The Mathematics Educator , 17 (2), 7-14.

Chaudhry, N. G., & Rasool, G. (2012). A Case Study on Improving Problem Solving Skills of Undergraduate Computer Science Students. World Applied Sciences Journal , 20 (1), 34-39.

Jäkel, F., & Schreiber, C. (2013). Introspection in Problem Solving. Journal of Problem Solving , 6 (1).

Johnson, B. (2018). Six-Step Problem-Solving Process. Retrieved June 10, 2018, from https://uptakedigital.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000247813-Six-Step-Problem-Solving-Process

Management. (2018). The Six Step Problem Solving Model. Retrieved June 10, 2018, from https://www.free-management-ebooks.com/news/six-step-problem-solving-model/

Mukhopadhyay, R. (2013). Problem Solving In Science Learning – Some Important Considerations of a Teacher. Journal Of Humanities And Social Science , 8 (6), 21-25.

T., G., & I, S. (2010). The Effects of Problem Solving Strategies on Students’ Achievement, Attitude and Motivation. Lat. Am. J. Phys. Educ , 4 (1).

Wertheim, E. G. (2018). A Model for Case Analysis and Problem Solving. Retrieved June 10, 2018, from https://www.mbaboost.com/a-model-for-case-analysis-and-problem-solving/