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The Problem Solving Model "PSM"'''

The Problem Solving Model "PSM" was authored by Dr. Firend Al R. and was first published in the International Journal of Business and Management Research IJBMR.org in the December issue of 2014.

Understanding the nature of problems is often complex and multi-layered. It requires the evaluation of multiple elements of a given situation at once. Therefore, differentiating between the various elements and factors that makes up the problem is essential. The PSM is a generic cross-disciplinary and cross-functional framework to problem solving. It can be used by anyone as a framework and approach to solve new and ongoing problems. The word "Problem" was chosen because it means an obstacle, something new (one must be mindful of the new phobia that most of us have, that is fear of anything new) hence, people tend to have difficulty in following a methodological and systematic approach to deal with such difficulties.

The PSM proposes that at the heart of the model, six questions should be asked constantly to lead and facilitate each step in the model. The six questions are; who, what, when, where, why, and how. These questions are commonly known as the “5WH” or 5W’s and H. The 5WH questions play a significant role in the thinking process of identifying key elements related to each stage in the model.

The problem-solving model involves the following steps: The first step in the process is collecting data. Data collection is a process of gathering information regarding the problem of the subject under investigation or analyses. Data collection entails gathering as much information as possible without eliminating any element, data, issue or clue. The 5WH described above are used to help increase the rate and quality of data collected.

The second step of the model is data classification. Classifying the data according to its various elements such as similarity, characteristics, importance, timeframe, gender, location, unit of analyses, natures, and/or other arrangements to help in the determination of what kind or type of issue one is dealing with. The 5WH can also be utilized in this step to determine what element to classify in what area of classification.

The third step of the model is analyses. When analyzing we are trying to find the inner- workings, relationships or correlations between various elements and variables in the problem. It is like working with a puzzle and trying to find out how each piece fits in relation to other pieces. Using the 5WH model described above is an essential step to aid in the analyses process.

The fourth step of the model is planning. When planning, in essence we attempt to put together or engineer an optimal or best possible solution(s). It is the findings of this research that optimal or best solutions are only valid for a given period of time. Therefore, listing alternative solutions is important in this step since optimal solutions tend to become obsolete over time. The listing of possible alternatives is especially useful in changing circumstances, which is a matter of “when” rather than “if”. As such, consideration of alternative options becomes a priority. The planning process has been heavily described in management literature, however, the use of 5WH is just as vital in this step as in other steps of the PSM as it assists in the adequacy and effectiveness of the planning process.

The fifth step of the model is the implementation of the optimal or chosen solution. It is the finding of this research that this stage tends to be the most critical stage in the model. This is primarily due to the fact that human being tends to conduct almost all implementation of solutions. The human factor is the primary factor in causing deficiency, problems, flaws and ineffectiveness. Hence, when assessing the effectiveness of solution, it is advisable to examine the implementation stage first, or how the solution was implemented. This finding also confirms the findings of Robbins and Stuart-Kotze (1990).

The sixth step of the model is measurement and correction. The process of measurement and correction is ongoing, due to the changing nature of things. Changes in circumstances, conditions, requirements, needs and many other controllable and uncontrollable elements cause the reconsideration of the adequacy of current solutions. In this stage the emphases are equally distributed on determining both successes and failures. Here we measure the degree of success and reasons or causes for successful implementation or outcome. The measurement of failure is also concerned with determining the underlining reasons and root causes of the failing outcome. The 5WH is critical here in the process of determining successes and failures of outcomes. Another finding of this study is the realization that working professionals take home methods and approaches learned at the work place to determine the applicability and to benefit from the usefulness of it.