General Approach to Solve a Problem

Isaksen, Doval and Trefflinger have developed some general guidelines, how to solve a problem:


Understand the challenge

• look for opportunities

• collect all needed data

• structure the problem, using visual maps ( mindmaps, concept maps )

 Generate several ideas, how to solve the problem

• use brainstorming and similar heuristic methods

• use a  morphological box

 Prepare for Action

• Develop detailed solution plan

• convince others, so that they support you

Prepare project management plan

• define resources and responsibilities

• prepare a flowchart, how the problem can be solved step by step.

Literature:

• Treffinger, D. (2000). Practice Problems for Creative Problem Solving. ISBN-10: 1882664647

• Scott,Isaksen,Dorval: Creative Approaches to Problem Solving. ISBN 1412977738