Problem solving is a mental process that includes problem finding, problem shaping, finding root causes and finding alternatives. Various reasons account for the choice of optimal solutions with the problem-solving steps and problem solving techniques.

Here is a cinquain to describe the nature of problem.

Problem

A challenge, a learning situation

Analysing situation, finding causes, implementing solution

A perspective shift for solution and its effects

Opportunity

Most preferred problem solving techniques are:

·         Extracting maximum information from facts

·          Getting quickly to the root of a problem.

·         Cause and Effect Diagrams - Identifying likely causes of problems

·         Affinity Diagrams - Organizing ideas into common themes

·         Appreciative Inquiry - Solving problems by looking at what's going right

·         Flow Charts - Understanding process flows

·         Risk Analysis and Risk Management

·         SWOT - Analyzing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

·         Understanding the different risks of different options

·         Core Competence Analysis - Get ahead. Stay ahead.

·         Critical Success Factors - Identifying the things that really matter for success

·         Using Aides Memoire - Feeding experience back into problem solving

·         SIPOC Diagrams - Making sure your change process serves everyone

·         Inductive Reasoning - Drawing good generalized conclusions

·         Queuing Models - Optimizing service and resources

·         Understanding the different elements that contribute to a problem

·         Swim Lane Diagrams - Mapping and improving processes in your organization

·         Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Spotting problems before a solution is implemented

By applying these techniques viable solutions can be found.