The six-stage problem solving process.

From the most well structured to the most ill structured, the six-stage problem solving process can be used to solve almost any problem.  The six-stage problem processes are Stage 1: Exploring the Mess, Stage 2: Searching for Information, Stage 3: Indentifying a Problem, Stage 4: Searching for Solutions, Stage 5: Evaluating Solutions and Stage 6: Implementing a Solution.  When using the six-stage problem solving process, one must wear the correct “thinking cap” when beginning the process and also be ready to change caps as the process progresses into the different stages.  There are two different styles of thinking: divergent and convergent.  Divergent thinking stresses generating ideas by thinking in different directions or searching for a variety of answers to questions that may have right answers.  Convergent thinking is directed toward achieving a goal, a single solution, answer, or result in order to find the one best answer.    Early in the process one should wear the divergent “thinking cap” while convergent thinking comes to dominate later on.  At each stage, a modeler should ask him/herself certain questions.  Some of the questions that a modeler should consider at each stage are:

Stage 1:  Exploring the Mess

What problems (or opportunities) do we face?  Where is there a gap between the current situation and the desired one?  What are the stated and unstated goals? 

Stage 2:  Searching for Information

What are the symptoms and causes?  What measures of effectiveness seem appropriate?  What actions are available?

Stage 3: Indentifying a Problem

Which is the most important problem in this equation?  Is this problem like others you have dealt with?  What are the consequences of a broad versus narrow problem statement?

Stage 4:  Searching for Solutions,

What decisions are open to us?  What solutions have been tried in similar situations?  How are the various candidate solutions linked to outcomes of interest?

Stage 5:  Evaluating Solutions and Stage

How does this solution impact each of the criteria?  What factors within our control could improve the outcomes?  What factors outside our control could alter the outcomes?

Stage 6:  Implementing a Solution

What are the barriers to successful implementation?  Where will there be support and motivation, or resistance and conflict?  Are the resources available for successful implementation?

The problem solving process does not end here.  The solution must now be executed or carried forward by a committee.