Problem

Identification
Rushdee M. Cubian, PhD
Discussion Outline
Definition of Problem Identification Root-Cause Analysis

Review of Related Literatures Prior Art Analysis

Needs Analysis The TRIZ Principles

Tech. Dev’t Research Process
 Tech. Dev’t Research
Proposal
Drafting Initial Tech. Solutions using
Problem Identification Tactics PI
Technology
Development
Research
Proposal
Design
Adjustment of Initial Tech. Solutions to
Existing Prior Arts EPA
 What is Problem
Identification?
• Problem identification involves recognizing
gaps, inefficiencies, or limitations in existing
educational technologies, and instructional
methodologies.
• This serves as innovation input (technical
capabilities) of the technology.
 Characteristics of a
Researchable Problems
❑ The topic should be of good interest to you.
❑ Useful for the concerned people in a
particular field.
❑ Progress novelty.
❑ Invites more complex designs/more variables.
❑ Time-bounded.
❑ Does not carry ethical or moral impediments.
 Problem Identification
Frameworks
Review of Related
RRL Literatures

Root Cause
Analysis RCA PI NA Needs
Analysis

Prior Arts
Analysis PAA
 Review of Related
RRL
Literature

• Involves studying existing research, publications,

and studies.
• Provides background, validates the problem, and
avoids duplication of efforts.
 Needs Analysis RRL

• Examines the gap between the current state and the desired
state.
• Helps determine the needs of individuals, organizations, or
communities.
• This can be done through Needs Analysis
Quantitative – Survey Questionnaire
Qualitative – In-Depth Interview, FGD
 Root-Cause Analysis RCA

This is used to identify the fundamental

cause of a problem to prevent recurrence
rather than just addressing symptoms.
 Root-Cause Analysis RCA

Existing Process
Flow
Context: Wood Cook Stove

When does the

problem occur: The
problem occur when there is
smoke produced during
cooking using wood stove.
Root-Cause Analysis RCA

Using the ‘5 Whys’

Method – Iteratively questioning
why a problem exists to uncover root
causes.

(Sakichi Toyoda, 1930s)

 Root-Cause Analysis RCA
How to Use 5 Whys?
1. Define the Problem Clearly - Identify the issue through observations, user
feedback, or test results.
Example: A logic circuit trainer has an intermittent power failure.

2. Keep asking "Why?" until the root cause is revealed.

Example:
-Why did the power fail? → A loose connection.
-Why is the connection loose? → Poor soldering.
-Why was soldering poor? → Insufficient quality control.
-Why was quality control insufficient? → Lack of inspection processes.
-Why was inspection missing? → No formal testing guidelines.

Solution: Implement a standardized inspection process.

 Root-Cause Analysis RCA

Fishbone Diagram – Categorizing potential causes

(technological, pedagogical, administrative, etc.) into groups. (Kaoru Ishikawa,
1960s)
 Prior Arts Analysis PAA

• Reviews existing ideas, patents, and technologies.

• Determines originality, feasibility, and opportunities for
innovation.
• This can be done through Patent Search.
 Theory of Inventive
Problem Solving (TRIZ)
TRIZ is a systematic
methodology developed by Applying TRIZ
Genrich Altshuller used to Principles – Using
solve technical problems by systematic innovation
leveraging patterns of strategies to redefine
and refine the
innovation found in global
research problem.
patent research.
 List of the 39 TRIZ Engineering Parameters
1. Weight of Moving Object 11. Stress or Pressure
2. Weight of Stationary Object 12. Shape
3. Length of Moving Object 13. Stability of Objects
4. Length of Stationary Object 14. Strength
15. Durability of Object
5. Area of Moving Object
16. Ease of Manufacture
6. Area of Stationary Object
17. Ease of Operation
7. Volume of Moving Object
18. Automation Level
8. Volume of Stationary Object 19. Productivity
9. Speed 20. Loss of Energy
[Link] (Applied Force)
 List of the 39 TRIZ Engineering Parameters
21. Loss of Substance 31. Object Complexity
22. Loss of Time 32. Difficulties in Repairing
23. Loss of Information 33. Adaptability or Versatility
24. Loss of Material 34. Device Compatibility
25. Reliability 35. Manufacturing Process
26. Measurement Accuracy Complexity
27. Manufacturing Precision 36. System Complexity
28. Harmful Effects on Objects 37. Level of Automation in System
29. Harmful Effects on 38. System Productivity
Environment 39. Speed of Process or System
30. Harmful Side Effects
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Segmentation & Extraction

1. Segmentation – Divide an object into independent parts.
2. Taking Out (Extraction) – Remove or isolate the interfering part of
an object.
3. Local Quality – Make each part of an object function optimally for
its conditions.
4. Asymmetry – Change an object’s shape from symmetrical to
asymmetrical for better efficiency.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Combination & Alteration

5. Merging – Combine identical or related objects/functions.
6. Universality – Design an object to perform multiple functions.
7. Nesting (Matryoshka Principle) – Place one object inside another
for efficiency.
8. Counterweight (Counterbalancing) – Use opposite forces to
balance or neutralize an effect.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Adaptability & Dynamics

9. Preliminary Anti-Action – Counteract harmful effects before they
occur.
10. Preliminary Action – Perform necessary actions in advance.
11. Cushion in Advance – Prepare a fail-safe to mitigate damage.
12. Equipotentiality – Minimize changes in condition, such as
pressure or energy levels.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Change in Structure or Properties

13. Inversion – Reverse operations or design.
14. Spheroidality (Curvature Increase) – Transition from linear to
curved shapes.
15. Dynamicity (Dynamization) – Allow parts of a system to change
to suit conditions.
16. Partial or Excessive Action – Use too much or too little of an
action to achieve desired effects.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Enhancing Efficiency
17. Another Dimension – Use movement in an additional dimension (e.g.,
height, depth, time).
18. Mechanical Vibration – Introduce vibrations or oscillations to enhance
efficiency.
19. Periodic Action – Switch between active and inactive phases to
optimize function.
20. Continuity of Useful Action – Ensure an action continues without
interruption.
21. Skipping (Hurrying) – Carry out processes faster or intermittently.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Self-Improvement & Feedback

22. Convert Harm into Benefit – Use negative effects for a positive
purpose.
23. Feedback (Self-Service) – Make an object control or adjust itself
automatically.
24. Intermediary – Use a third element to solve a contradiction
between two elements.
25. Self-Service (Autonomy) – Make an object perform a function by
itself.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Material & Structural Modification

26. Copying – Use a simple, inexpensive copy instead of a complex
original.
27. Cheap Short-Lived Object – Use disposable or temporary
elements to solve problems.
28. Replacement of a Mechanical System – Replace traditional
mechanical systems with electronic or magnetic alternatives.
29. Pneumatics & Hydraulics – Replace solid parts with gas or liquid
systems.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Phase & Condition Changes

30. Flexible Membranes & Thin Films – Use lightweight, flexible
materials for efficiency.
31. Porous Materials – Incorporate perforations or porous structures
for functionality.
32. Color Changes – Modify color or transparency to provide better
visibility or heat management.
33. Homogeneity – Make interacting components from the same
material.
 TRIZ 40 Inventive Principles

Optimization & Automation

34. Rejecting & Regenerating Parts – Remove unnecessary parts or regenerate them when
needed.
35. Parameter Changes – Modify physical parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, speed).
36. Phase Transitions – Utilize phase changes (solid, liquid, gas) to enhance performance.
37. Thermal Expansion – Use temperature-induced expansion/contraction for functionality.
38. Strong Oxidants – Use chemical oxidizers for efficiency.
39. Inert Environment – Isolate systems using inert gases or vacuums to prevent reactions.
40. Composite Materials – Use advanced material combinations to improve performance.
Thank you