Problem solving and

Brainstroming

Basanta ChaliseMHP&E (01)First Batch

Outline• Objectives • Introduction• Characteristics of problem• Steps/Procedures of Problem Solving• Advantages• Disadvantages• Conclusion • References • Slides - 29

Objective

At the end of this class participants will be able to explain the method of Problem solving and Brainstroming.

Introduction

• Problem is an obstacles or barrier of any things or activities.

• Problem solving is a planned attack upon the difficulties and complexities for the purpose of finding of satisfactory solution.

• Brainstroming and Brain writing are probably the most well known tools of creative problem solving.

Introduction

Problem solving is the art of predictive reasoning of manipulation knowledge to make it fit new task

It is a collective thinking process and skill to solve the problem in order to achieve a goal.

The ultimate goal of problem-solving method is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue

Characteristic of problems

1. Intransparency (Lack of clarity of the situation)2. Multiple goals3. Complexity (large numbers of items, interrelations

and decisions)4. Dynamic (time consideration)

Steps/Procedures of Problem Solving

Steps contd..

1. Define the problem Collect additional information , from elsewhere if

necessary, and analyse it to understand the problem further

Helpful techniques at this stage include using flowcharts to identify the expected steps of a process and cause-and-effect diagrams to define and analyze root causes

Steps contd..

2. Identify possible alternatives Look for solutions and the normal sequence of events The objective should be to generate as many ideas and

suggestions as possible Sometimes it pays to deliberately think of 'wild ideas'

which are apparently not relevant Brainstorming and group discussion are both useful tools

in this stage of problem solving

Steps contd…

3.Choose the appropriate alternativeThis will involve resolving some conflict.

Collaborative and consensus based resolution is preferable rather than forcing a choice

Considerable discussion is needed to evaluate the various alternative solutions on the basis of constraints and available resources

Steps contd…

4. Implementing the solution Leaders may be called upon to order the solution to

be implemented through a plan by others or facilitate the implementation by involving the efforts of others.

The most effective approach, by far, has been to involve others in the implementation as a way of minimizing resistance to subsequent changes.

Steps contd…

5. Monitoring and evaluation Feedback channels must be built into the

implementation of the solution, to produce continuous monitoring and testing of actual events against expectations

Effective problem-solvers tend to monitor their progress as they work towards a solution. If they are not making good progress toward reaching their goal, they will reevaluate their approach or look for new strategies

Advantages

1. Good opportunity to learn by using own brain in real life situation

2. Participants develop their invention and research skill3. Develop the art of analysis of the problem and identify the real

problem4. Participants learn by themselves so that they understand the

subject matter in depth5. Develop the skill to work in a team spirit6. Promotes higher thinking by exploring pre-existing knowledge

and then building upon it

Disadvantages

1.Only use in higher level because needs depth knowledge on participation

2. All participants may not actively involve3. All participants can not get opportunity to learn4. Difficult to organize and manage to select participants5. Need more skills to conduct the session6. It can be time consuming7. Increase the potential for interpersonal conflict

Brain Writing

6-3-5 Method

Brainstroming

Outline

• Objectives • Introduction • How it works• Organizing brainstroming session• Common mistakes to avoid• Benefits of brainstroming• Brainstroming using Xmind• Conclusion• References

Introduction

• Its productivity stems from the long-standing and pervasive need to improve the productivity of groups.

• It is simple, easy to learn, and has potential to dramatically improve group idea generation and enjoyment with the activity itself.

• The word “brainstroming” has taken on a variety of popular meanings. It means simply to get together and have a casual discussion in order to come up with a few ideas.

• Brainstorming as a technique was first introduced by Alex Osborne in the 1930s..

• It is a method used in groups in order to support creative problem-solving, the generation of new ideas and greater acceptance of proposed solutions.

How it works

• The brainstorming technique is based on the capacity of the human brain to make associations.

• Although the capacity of one person is somewhat limited, the production of words increases enormously if there are more people working together.

• The theory of associations is the first principle of brainstorming.

Organizing a brainstorming session

1. The preparation phase• In the preparation phase, the following

questions should be answered: What is the purpose of the brainstorming session and

what is the topic? How many people and which people should be involved? When and where will the session take place?

2. The rules of brainstorming

• No criticism or judgement.• During brainstorming participants are completely free to

express themselves.• To all the participants give equal focus.• The quantity and not the quality of ideas is what matters.• All ideas are recorded on the flip chart. When a page of

the flip chart is full, it is posted on the wall so that all participants can see it and a new page is started.

• The results are evaluated after a lapse of time.

3. Leading a brainstorming session

• At the beginning of the session, the moderator should explain the objectives of the session and describe the chosen topic.

• The moderator should explain the rules of the brainstorming session and hang them on the wall.

• All suggestions, however outlandish, are recorded on the flip chart.

• The moderator may help the participants with generating ideas. He or she can also try to unlock hidden ideas by asking “What else?”, “What next?”

• Ask members how two or more ideas can be combined into one succinct idea or be combined to produce another distinct idea.

• At the end, the moderator should thank the participants.

4. Evaluation phase

• Ensure that you are recording, summarizing, and distributing the results of your brainstorming activities.

• The evaluation of the results of the session should be deferred for several days, overnight or at least for several hours.

• During that time, the brain recovers and has time to calm down, reflect or produce new word associations and solutions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Participants have a negative attitude.• Judgements are made during the session.• Too many brainstorming sessions have

been held previously.

Benefits of brainstorming

• Solutions can be found rapidly and economically;• Results and ways of problem-solving that are new and

unexpected;• A wider picture of the problem or issue can be obtained;• The atmosphere within the team is more open;• The team shares responsibility for the problem;• Responsibility for the outcome is shared;• The implementation process is facilitated by the fact that staff

shared in the decision-making process.

Brainstroming using Xmind

Conclusion

• Brainstroming and brain writing are the best approach of problem solving.

• Process of identifying and solving of the problem is method of improving knowledge, attitude and practice of community

References

• Sapkota SP, Pahari DP. A Textbook of Health Promotion and Health Education. Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Prakashan (P) Ltd; 2013.

• Balackova H, “Brainstroming a creative problem solving method”, Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, Czech Technical University, Prague, Czech Republic.

• Youtube.com