A PROBLEM AND A MESS

A PROBLEM AND A MESS

It is important to distinguish a problem from a mess because they are two different issues at hand.

THE MESS:

It is that set of issues, which have cascading symptoms.  A mess has many causes and unexpected shortfalls.  Does not have a solution.

THE PROBLEM:  Can be defined unlike THE MESS, it has a solution at the end.

DIVERGENT AND CONVERGENT

This is where the thinking is done; brainstorming is used in the divergent process to develop ideas.  Convergence is looking to meet a goal

SIX STAGES TO PROBLEM SOLVING

Problem solving is a valuable tool in process improvement.  It is unavoidable to apply problem solving in our day-to-day life.  Problem solving can be applied to just about every setting both personal and professional. 

PROBLEM SOLVING KEYS TO SUCCESS

Problem solving can be associated with a systematic processing order.

Problem solving must be realistic and have a sense of order.

Problem solving ultimately must meet a goal in reaching an action.

Problem solving can be reached by applying brainstorming techniques

A problem defined is based on a specific issue, which can be solved if the correct approach is taken

In order to address a problem you must place the situation in the form of a question.

It is important to determine the nature of the problem to make a fair assessment just prior to beginning the process.

A problem may begin as a mess but must become a solution as an end result.

SIX STAGES IN PROBLEM SOLVING

STAGE 1

EXPLORING THE MESS:  Convergent stage, this takes some thought and the intellectual sense will kick in to clearing come about a good solid statement.

STAGE 2

SEARCHING INFORMATION:  Raw data and information is gathered to substantiate the issue

STAGE 3

INDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM:  Divergent stage, many problem statements can be developed but you must narrow down to a solid possible problem statement

STAGE 4

SEARCHING FOR A PROBLEM:  Brainstorming stage, finding a quality source to the problem

STAGE 5

EVALUATING SOLUTIONS:  Culmination stage, it is now a candidate solution that has various criteria is applied.

STAGE 6

IMPLEMENTING A SOLUTION:  This is the implementation plan phase, which is an outcome of the solution

PROBLEM SOLVING LINKS:

http://www.positive-way.com/business/creative.htm

http://www.ideaconnection.com/thinking-methods/creative-problem-solving-00009.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/208548/six-step-problem-solving-method

PRINCIPLES/STEPS/SYMBOLS IN BUILDING INFLUENCE CHARTS

When building an influence chart you must have your thoughts and ideas readily available to apply in the visual aid.

CONSTRUCTION:

• This will take some brainstorming in deciding what variable will be used for measurement.
• Next you will move into the decompose stage which is a further breakdown of the variables which is direct.  The variables are all independent of each other in a sense.  All of these variables will total a result
•  
• The follow on step would be to ask a question of each variable.  Can each variable give you the planned direct result?
• See what will be the input data and the decision factor.
•  
• There will be only one variable listed throughout, no repeats.
• If there is a need for a special consideration to be thrown in the process, make sure it is identified as such.

Influence Chart for the Example Invivo Diagnostics

SUMMARIZE 2.3.1 INFLUENCE CHARTS

INFLUENCE CHARTS AND ACCOUNTING FRAMEWORK

SYSTEM MODELING THEORY

INFLUENCE CHARTS

SUMMARY OF INCOME STATEMENT WITHIN AN INFLUENCE CHART

In accounting, tools are used to develop a company’s financial statement based on profit loss, revenue, or what can be referred to as an income statement.  This basic framework, income statements can be depicted by use of an influence chart, which will identify the following in the below flow chart scheme:

STATIC INCOME FRAMEWORK: By use of the flow chart symbols an income statement can be represented in as an influence chart, this chart will provide ONLY an historical record of the company’s performance.

MODEL FORMULATION PROCESS

SYSTEM MODELING THEORY

MODEL FORMULATION

Explanation of the model formulation process: Decision, Outcome, Structure, and Data.

The model formulation process in general is one, which is the process of applying the real world everyday problems and capturing it into a model to make assessments. 

In this model, you will have the opportunity to view the process in the following areas of concern:

ü  DECISIONS

ü  OUTCOMES

ü  STRUCTURE

ü  DATA

Decisions:  The actions of applying variables, which may be controllable or uncontrollable.  This is the process of making choices towards a decision in problem solving.  It is also a course of action, which may be taken in problem solving.  It is important to note that applying uncontrollable variables is not realistic and cannot be an effective tool in the decision phase of the modeling theory.

Outcomes:  Upon making your decision, we must evaluate the measures of performance, which will become the consequences.  These are the results, which will require some sort of actions. 

Structure:  The portion of the process relates to the use of mathematics and logic, which will come in the form of a formula or equation.  If you were, an accountant firm you would benefit from this stage of the process because it can provide valuable cost and profits analysis.  It can be a way to view your inventories, FIFO, and LIFO process prior to the end of the year.

Data:  This is the raw data based on actual observations in numerical values.  You may have a money market funds whose interest may be observed based on how well stokes are doing within the past month.