3.7 Problem Solving and Decision Making
Generating, evaluating, and implementing solutions to problems.
- 3.7.1 Identifying the problem
- Anticipate or recognize the existence of a problem.
- Identify the true nature of the problem define critical issues.
- Evaluate the importance and criticality of the problem.
- Use all available reference systems to locate and obtain information relevant to understanding the problem.
- Recall previously learned information that is relevant to the problem.
- 3.7.2 Locating, gathering, and organizing relevant information
- Effectively use both internal resources (e.g., internal computer networks, company filing systems) and external resources (e.g., internet search engines) to locate and gather information relevant to solving the problem.
- Examine information obtained for relevance and completeness.
- Recognize important gaps in existing information and take steps to eliminate those gaps.
- Organize/reorganize information as appropriate to gain a better understanding of the problem.
- 3.7.3 Generating alternatives
- Integrate previously learned and externally obtained information to generate a variety of high-quality alternative approaches to the problem.
- Skillfully use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses, the costs and benefits, and the short- and long-term consequences of different solutions or approaches.
- 3.7.4 Choosing a solution
- Decisively choose the best solution after evaluating the relative merits of each possible option.
- Make difficult decisions even in highly ambiguous or ill-defined situations.
- 3.7.5 Implementing the solution
- Commit to a solution in a timely manner.
- Develop a realistic approach for implementing the chosen solution.
- Document the problem and corrective actions taken and their outcomes and communicate these to the appropriate parties.
- Observe and evaluate the outcomes of implementing the solution to assess the need for alternative approaches and to identify lessons learned.