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Problem Solving Process

Name

Strayer University

Dr. Robert Bass

2nd, June 2019

Problem Solving Process

Introduction

Problem solving is a process of finding solutions to complex issues. This process

involves steps depending on the type of issue to be solved. The first phase in the problem-solving

process is to define the problem (The problem Solving Process 3). The second step is to analyse

the problem to assess the current situation and determine what is behind it. Then, when the real

problem is discovered, the next phase is to generate options before evaluating the solutions.

Notably, after analyzing the solutions to see their strength and weaknesses, a decision is made.

With the best solution selected, the final stage is to implement and plan for the next course of

action.

Defining the problem

I am focused on finding a solution bearing in mind that the supervisor’s position start

date is in two weeks, same time with my final exam. I want to inform both my current employer

and the competing company about my decision before the due date. Therefore, my choice will be

essential for the completion of my Bachelor’s degree, my relationship with the present company

that provides me with tuition reimbursement and the new company. Initially, I understood the

problem as to whether I should abandon my final exam for the supervisory job position. While

thinking about this dilemma, my problem can be rephrased as can I complete my Bachelor’s

degree while still having an opportunity to start the new job? But, this issue results in various

sub-problems such as whether the new employer could change the requirements, considering the

fact that most employees in this position have a Master’s degree.

Analyzing the problem

Using my reframed problem statement as a foundation, I believe my ideal solution is to

ensure that I sit for the final exam while still having a chance to start my new job. However,

there is a challenge of wasting my four years trying to earn a Bachelor’s degree and the failure to

react positively towards the recommendation will affect my relationship with the new company.

This firm might not allow me another chance in the future if I turn down the current opportunity

in the supervisory position. My former supervisor has recommended me based on my work

performance and foregoing this opportunity will also mean losing an income of $15,000 per

annum and car allowance. Equally important, I am trying to maintain my relationship with the

current employer who is offering tuition compensation.

Foregoing my Bachelor’s degree for the new job position will mean earning an extra

$15,000, but there is a risk of losing the job in case the new employer change the terms. I asked

myself whether it is possible to call off the final semester and complete the final exam at a later

date. The other consideration was how much it would cost me to sacrifice my degree for the new

job. As a supervisor in the new company, would it be possible to finish the final exam at a later

date? What opportunities would I have in the future if my new employer decided to change the

requirements for the supervisory position, is there a likelihood of landing an employment

opportunity?
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Generating Options

The two possible choices are; to either go for the new supervisory job position or

complete my bachelor’s degree and earn my master’s degree through the reimbursed tuition fees.

After consulting the academic registrar and the dean of students, I learned that the institution

allowed a student to call-off a semester and consider returning at a later date within two years. I

also asked myself if I would have accepted the supervisory job position if I had not enrolled for

my undergraduate degree. What if I landed the new position, would foregoing my final exam be

the best option for me? Jonassen states that this step enables one to look at the problem from

different perspectives (2).

There are possible solutions to this problem, both which I like and the ones that I do not

like. One of the options is to disregard the supervisory position in the new company and continue

my undergraduate program. Another option is to call-off the semester and continue at a later date

so that I could start my new job in time. I could also start my new job and pay for my degree

since the new employer will not provide tuition reimbursement. Probably, I could also try to

convince the new employer to reschedule the start date to a later date so that I would have a

chance to complete my Bachelor’s degree.

Evaluating options

Evaluation of solutions helps to determine the most reasonable option (Adair 1). My first

option is to refuse the new supervisory position and complete my Bachelor’s degree exam. By

rejecting the recommendation, I can complete my undergraduate program, be able to further my

education, and earn better salaries in the future. With this option, however, I would have to lose
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the relocating benefits, car allowance, and an increase of $15,000 per annum. If I decided to call-

off the semester, there is an advantage of starting the new job in time. Moreover, I would enjoy

all the three benefits mentioned above. This solution would also enable me to get back into my

final semester when I return to school. Taking the same classes the second time will be easier

and give me a deeper understanding of the content. But, I will have to pay for my courses again

due to calling-off in short note. The other shortcoming is that I will take the same classes again

for four months and wait to continue when the courses will be offered by the University. Thus,

the second option will mean wasting a substantial amount before completing my degree.

Making a decision

I eliminated the option of refusing the recommendation. I felt that turning down the offer

is not an ideal solution since my goal is to complete my degree and get “greener pastures.” In the

end, my solution is to call-off the semester to start a new job in time. The salary increase is worth

the amount of time wasted in repeating the courses and it is enough to pay for school fees with

tuition reimbursement. The registrar academics will allow me to complete the courses at a future

date after writing to the school with a valid reason. While making a decision, Zsambok and Klein

argue that it is important to consider personal ethics and if it can be reversed in case things do

not work as expected (4). In the current place, where I have been working for eleven years, we

do not have a car allowance. Thus, the benefits offered by the new employer are worth the

sacrifice.
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Implementation and reflection

After making my choice, I contacted the new employer at their headquarters. We had a

meeting and agreed that I would be starting as a supervisor. We strategized that I would call-off

the semester and quit my current job. I resigned from my job and relocated to Florida State

where the company is situated. Now, I am happy that I already started my new job and will be

completing my final exam for my Bachelor’s degree next month. I have never regretted making

this decision because I achieved my goal of earning my undergraduate degree and having a well-

paying job that I am passionate about.

Conclusively, problem-solving entails a series of steps to reach an informed decision. It is

critical to start by identifying the issue at hand, its causes, the possible solutions, and their effect.

Then, the best solution is selected after considering how it impacts on others. Referring back to

my problem statement and possible solutions played a major role in the choice I made.

Therefore, through the six-step problem-solving process, I successfully overcome the dilemma.
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Sources

1. J.E. Adair.2007. Decision making and problem solving strategies. Google [Link]

2. Jonassen, D. H. 2004. Learning to solve problems: An instructional design guide.

[Link]

3. The Problem Solving Process. [Link]

4. Zsambok, C. E. and Klein, G. 2014. Naturalistic decision making. Psychology Press.