Module 3 Notes

1. Problem solving is a thoughtful process that requires critical analysis of a situation and careful
consideration of probable ways of overcoming the given problem.

The stages that are involved in the problem solving process are:

Define the problem

Analyse the problem
Identify and evaluate possible solutions
Select and justify the optimal solutions
Implement and
Review

2. Description of the problem solving stage is:

Define the problem- write a brief, factual statement of the existing problem or issue.
Analyse the problem- looking for relevant data that may explain why the problem exists. This
step in the procedure is a matter of evaluating the data you've collected and the sources it comes
from.

Identify and evaluate possible solutions- Develop possible solutions for each root cause: e.g.
by brainstorming, then narrowing down to a few promising ones. To identify the best solution,
the proposed alternatives need to be evaluated. The goal of evaluation is to determine how well
each alternative solution helps the firm and its selected subsystems meet their objectives.

Select and justify the optimal solutions- Since the solutions are compared based on multiple
criteria. After you have established some basis for evaluating solutions, try brainstorming
solutions. From the list of solutions that emerge from your brainstorming session,
develop a realistic range of solutions and select the one that best fits your needs
according to your evaluation criteria.

Implement and Review-. An implementation plan may have to be developed. An

implementation plan specifies the activities, resources, and timing needed for proper
implementation.

3. Information can be essential, desirable, extraneous, or cosmetic, with respect to solving

problems.
Essential relates to information being critical to the solution of the problem.
Desirable relates to information that would assist to arrive at a solution.
Extraneous relates to information that does not assist in solving a problem.
Cosmetic relates to information that appears to give possible completeness as a solution.

4.
7. Algorithm- An algorithm is a sequence of instructions or a set of rules that are followed to complete
a task. This task can be anything, so long as you can give clear instructions for it.

Properties of an algorithm: -
- It is written in simple English.
- Each step of an algorithm is unique and should be self-explanatory.
- An algorithm must have at least one input.
- An algorithm must have at least one output.
- An algorithm has finite number of steps.

9. Ways of representing algorithms:

Flowcharts- a graphical representation of a computer program in relation to its sequence of
functions (as distinct from the data it processes).
Pseudocode- Pseudocode is a detailed yet readable description of what a computer program or
algorithm must do, expressed in a formally-styled natural language rather than in a programming
language.