Chapter 4
PROBLEM SOLVING
METHODS
Engineering Lecture 1
CHAPTER GOALS
• To provide students knowledge and skills
necessary for creatively problem solving
• To understand method and procedure of
problem solving process
• Students can apply tools and softwares to
creatively solve problems faced in mini project
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CONTENT
4.1. Introduction - Concepts
4.2. Procedure of problem solving
4.3. Tools for problem solving
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“It's not that I'm so smart,
it's just that I stay with
problems longer.”
- Albert Einstein
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4.1. Introduction – Concepts
4.1.1. Concept:
• Problem solving skills are important skills necessary
for studying and working, because our life is a stream
of problems to solve
• In reality, all problems are different, and there is no
common formula to solve any problem
• Therefore, we need to equip ourself with tools so that
we can effectively solve problems when they appear
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4.1. Introduction – Concepts
• A problem is a situation, which a person or a
team must solve
Problem is an opportunity to improve
Problem is the difference between current state
and expected state
Problem is the result of acknowledging an
incomplete present and believing in the
capability to have a better future
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What is problem solving?
• Problem solving is a process, an activity, in
which a best value is determined for
someone, depending on a set of conditions
• It is a means by which a person use
knowledge, skills and previous understanding
to respond to the requirement of an unfamiliar
situation
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What is problem solving?
• Problem solving is the combination of
experience, knowledge, process and art
• Design process is a set of logical steps
through which an optimal solution is provided,
for given time and resources
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4.1.2. Components of problem
A problem consists of two components:
- An entity or an incident: what, when, where,
who, … this is the objective component
- A value: difficulty, desire, obstacle, … related
to a specific person. This is the subjective
component.
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4.1.3. Types of problem
– Simple problem:
• Clearly defined
• Repetitive
• Has only one cause
• Can fully evaluate all effects
of the solution
• The solution is regulated
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4.1.3. Types of problem
– Complex problem:
• Not clearly defined
• Unique, abnormal or new
• Has many causes
• Has many possible solutions
• The solution’s impact is out of
the problem’s scope
• The solution will change
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Forms of problem
▪ Research problem
▪ Knowledge problem
▪ Fault problem
▪ Math problem
▪ Resource problem: finance,
money, human, time …
▪ Social problem
▪ Design problem
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4.1.4. Skills for problem solving
Analysis
Use reasoning to:
⚫ Determine problem to be analyzed
⚫ Determine goals, relationships
⚫ Break into smaller parts
Synthesis
Get creative to:
⚫ Develop ideas by brainstorming
⚫ Evaluate by analyzing when there are enough ideas
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Skills for problem solving
Make decision
Use reasoning to:
⚫ Compare ideas and
⚫ Select the best idea
Generalize – from specific to broader abstract to:
Help analyze, synthesize, and make decision
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Skills for problem solving
Knowledge
Motivation
Experience
Communication skills
Studying skills
Teamwork skills
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Some obstacles for
problem solving
• Time
• Why do we need to change?
• Normally do not need creativity
• Think or act following habit
• Routine
• Not trained to be creative
What else, do you think?
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
• Two types of problem solving:
1. Analytic problem solving: there is only one correct
solution
- Example: solving math problems
2. Creative problem solving: there are many good
solutions
- Example: design is a creative problem solving.
Design is a process with open solutions.
- Analytic problem solving is one part of design
process
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
- One of analytic problem solving method that students
have known is Scientific Method, with the following
basic steps:
1. Define problem
2. Collect data, events
3. Establish assumption
4. Conduct experiments
5. Evaluate results
These steps can be repeated if the desirable solution
is not achieved, until an acceptable solution is found.
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
• Procedure for analytic problem solving has 6
basic steps as follows:
– Step 1: Define the problem
– Step 2: Describe the problem, use drawings
– Step 3: Apply theories and formulae
– Step 4: Simplify assumptions
– Step 5: Solve the problem (by hand or on
computer)
– Step 6: Check accuracy against requirements
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
Example: solving technical problems
1. Identify and understand the problem. This is the
hardest part.
2. Collect data and check data accuracy, use drawings
to describe the problem
3. Select suitable theories or principles
4. Make appropriate assumptions
5. Solve the problem
6. Check the result
10 steps for creative
problem solving in design
• Step 1: Identify (define) the problem
• Step 2: Define standards/goals
• Step 3: Research and collect data
• Step 4: Brainstorm for creative ideas
• Step 5: Analyze ideas
• Step 6: Develop models and tests
• Step 7: Make decision
• Step 8: Communicate about standards, features
• Step 9: Implement and commercialize
• Step 10: Post-commercialize review and evaluation
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
• The perfect solution for real problem does not
exist. Simplify the problem and solve it.
Example: steady state, homogeneous, classical
electricity and magnetism, etc.
• To solve the problem, try mathematical models,
direct methods, trial - error, graphical methods,
etc.
4.2. Problem solving procedure
Identify the problem
Analyze events
Define the problem
Continue
Form ideas
Develop solutions
Implement the plan
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6 steps procedure
Identify Analyze
problem causes
Develop
solutions
Select optimal
solution
Evaluate Implement
results action plan
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
Deming circle Plan
(PDCA)
Act Improve
Procedure Do
Check
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
1. Identify the problem
• What need to be solved?
▪ Describe input/output (I/O)
▪ What are given?
▪ Known
▪ What needs to be found?
▪ Unknown
▪ Form the problem
Clearly defining the problem has
already solved half of the problem! 26
4.2. Problem solving procedure
2. Collect data, ideas
▪ Collect necessary data
▪ List all related theory/formula
▪ Make assumptions
▪ Raise questions, for example:
• What happened?
• Where? When? How?
• Size? Scope? Seriousness?
• Who and what is affected?
• Can that happen again?
• Is it necessary to adjust?
• Should we prioritize risks?
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2. Collect data, ideas
- This requires ability to discriminate between fact
and opinion. Especially, in interpersonal
problems, people’s opinions are strong and
affected by emotion.
- You need to collect and organize data properly
for the problem. You should know and select
what is most important.
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
3. Define the ultimate goal
• What is the most satisfying solution?
• Is it urgent? Is there any prioritized goal?
4. Mind the limitation and constraints
• How do you feel about the problem?
• How other people think about the problem?
• What can we do?
• How much time do we have?
• What are the resources?
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
5. Find other solutions
• What can be implemented?
• Probability of success?
• Consequences?
• What should be done now?
• What should be done later?
• Who will be affected?
We can't solve problems by using
the same kind of thinking we used
when we created them.
(Albert Einstein) 30
Creative thinking
To encourage creativity and produce more creative
solutions, the following 4 criteria should be readily satisfied:
✓ Willing to accept any idea
✓ Take risk
✓ Appealing other people to join
✓ Accept criticism
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10 questions to encourage ideas
1. What if …?
2. How can we improve this problem …?
3. What are benefits for community and
members?
4. Did we forget anything?
5. What is going to happen next?
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10 questions to encourage ideas
6. What can we do better …?
7. How do you think about this problem …?
8. What should be added?
9. What should be removed?
10. Are there any different ideas ...?
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
6. Select appropriate actions
• What will be implemented?
• How will it be implemented?
• When will it be implemented?
• In which case/Where?
• Who will do that and with what resources?
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4.2. Problem solving procedure
7. Apply the selected solution
• Which strategy should be used and how?
• Are resources ready?
• What is the backup plan and is it ready?
• Are we positive with this action?
8. Monitor results
• Did it satisfy the ultimate goal?
• What do we need to change?
• Is there any side effect/new problem created?
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Exercise: Creative Problem Solving
▪ Given 9 points as in the
figure. Connect these 9
points using 4 straight
• • •
lines without taking pen
off the paper and • • •
• • •
repeating an existing
line.
Personal exercise (3 min)
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Solution 1
• • •
• • •
• • •
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References
• Courseware - Module 5: Problem Solving
[Link]
• Problem Solving. URLs:
[Link]
• Edward de Bono 6 Thinking Hats. URL:
[Link]
• Oakes, Leone, Gunn, Engineering Your Future, A
Comprehensive Approach, 5th Edition, Great Lake Press,
2006.
• Ho, Nhut. "Course ME101 - Introduction to Mechanical
Engineering." Department of Mechanical Engineering,
California State University, Northridge, USA. Course
URL: [Link]/~me101 38