Assignment 2 Problem Solving 150 Points

Assignment 2 Problem Solving 150 Pointsassignment 2 Problem Solvi

When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six-step to problem solving process to a specific problem scenario. You will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem using this systematic approach. As Voltaire said, "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." Choose one (1) of the problem scenarios as a topic choice for your paper (Note: Your professor must approve your topic choice before you begin work on the assignment.)

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor's degree in order to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree, when a supervisor's position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period for your courses. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it's yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company have Master's degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor's degree and continue on to a Master's degree. Your present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.

Scenario 2: Your child comes home from school with an assignment sheet for a school project. He / she is very excited about the project and begins work immediately, doing research on the Internet and gathering materials. You read over the assignment sheet and notice that your child is not including all of the required items in the project, and you have some ideas for how to improve the quality of the presentation. You recently read an article in a parenting magazine about the importance of a child developing responsibility for his/ her own learning. You recall the many ways in which your parents took over your school projects. You, on the other hand, want to encourage your child's confidence in his / her ability to complete a project independently. The next day, you are at the grocery store when you see a parent of a student in your child's class. That parent has spent over $30 in supplies for the science project and is taking a day off of work to put the pieces of the project together.

Scenario 3: You have two jobs, one during the week from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and one on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. You are taking two classes, one that meets from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, and one class online. You have two kids, one who plays soccer, and one who is in band. You have two elderly parents who no longer drive. You have two siblings, one who lives two (2) miles away, and one who lives in another state. You have two (2) papers due in your classes the same week that one (1) of your children has a soccer tournament, and the other child has a band concert. You are coaching the soccer team, and you are in charge of fundraising for the band. You have a goal to complete your degree in two (2) years. Your doctor tells you that your blood pressure, your cholesterol, and your weight are too high and recommends several medications that cost you nearly $200 per month after your insurance co-pay.

Scenario 4: You are a sales representative for a company that encourages staff to log time in the field and away from the office. You are expected to begin and end your day at the office. You notice that each day when you arrive and return another co-worker is already there, and you wonder whether this person spends most of his / her time at the office. At your weekly sales meeting, you are informed of your co-workers' outstanding sales performance. You suspect that this co-worker is spending more time flattering the boss instead of working leads in the field, and as a result is getting the best client referrals. Your own sales numbers have steadily decreased since this other sales representative was hired.

Scenario 5: Professor's Choice - problem scenario presented by your professor.

Scenario 6: Student's Choice - Problem scenario presented by you.

Review the six-step problem solving process outlined in the webtext, based on the article "The Problem Solving Process" located at:

• Step One: Define the problem
• Step Two: Analyze the problem
• Step Three: Generate options
• Step Four: Evaluate options
• Step Five: Make your decision
• Step Six: Implement and reflect

Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you:

1. Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen.
2. Analyze the problem in the scenario.
3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.
4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem.
5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.
6. Explain how you will implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective.

Paper For Above instruction

Title: Applying the Six-Step Problem Solving Process to a Personal Scenario

Introduction:

Effective problem solving is an essential skill in both personal and professional contexts. The six-step problem solving process provides a structured framework that guides individuals through identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues systematically. This essay will demonstrate the application of this methodology to a selected scenario, illustrating how intentional analysis and decision-making lead to optimal solutions. The scenario chosen involves a professional dilemma concerning career advancement opportunities, which will be thoroughly analyzed and addressed using the six-step approach.

Step One: Define the Problem:

The scenario involves an employee who has been with a company for eleven years and is considering career advancement. A supervisory position becomes available in a competing company located in another state, with a significant salary increase, relocation benefits, and strong endorsement from a previous supervisor. The employee faces a dilemma: whether to accept the offer or stay with the current employer, which offers tuition reimbursement, or pursue further education to qualify for higher roles in the future. The core problem is the decision of whether to leave the current job for a lucrative opportunity or to remain and continue professional development within the current organization.

Step Two: Analyze the Problem:

The analysis involves weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each option. The potential offer presents immediate financial gain, relocation advantages, and career growth, but also involves leaving the comfort of an established company, relocating to a different state, and possibly foregoing tuition reimbursement. Conversely, remaining entails continuing education, which can enhance long-term advancement prospects, but delays immediate career gains. Additional factors include personal stability, family considerations, and long-term professional goals. The employee must evaluate the risks, such as the possibility of the new job not working out, and the opportunity costs associated with waiting to complete education before pursuing higher positions.

Step Three: Generate Options:

Possible options include: (a) accept the competing company’s offer and relocate immediately; (b) decline the offer and stay with current employer to complete educational goals; (c) negotiate a delayed start or flexible arrangement with the new employer; (d) seek a comparable position within the current organization that may meet the employee's career ambitions; and (e) pursue part-time work or temporary roles while continuing education to bridge the gap between immediate opportunity and long-term goals.

Step Four: Evaluate the Options:

Accepting the offer provides immediate financial and career benefits but risks instability and personal upheaval, especially with the upcoming final exams. Staying prioritizes education and long-term growth, though it may mean delaying higher earnings and promotions. Negotiating a delayed start could balance both demands but depends on the employer’s flexibility. Remaining in current employment with internal advancement opportunities might lack the immediate reward of the new position but offers stability. Combining options such as negotiating a delayed start requires assessing the likelihood of employer cooperation and the employee's readiness for change.

Step Five: Make a Decision:

Given the analysis, a balanced approach might involve negotiating with the new employer for a delayed start date, aligning the move with the completion of current educational commitments. This option reduces risk, maintains financial stability, and preserves professional momentum. It entails communicating candidly about the need for transition planning and ensuring personal and family readiness for relocation. Ultimately, this decision aligns with long-term career goals while managing short-term challenges effectively.

Step Six: Implement and Reflect:

To implement this decision, the employee should initiate discussions with the prospective employer promptly, outlining the need for a flexible start date aligned with educational milestones. Additionally, planning the relocation logistics and informing current employer of intentions will facilitate a smooth transition. Reflection involves assessing whether this strategy effectively balances risks and rewards, and whether it maintains professional growth and personal well-being. If challenges arise, the approach can be adjusted accordingly, emphasizing continuous learning and adaptive problem solving as key components of career development.

Conclusion:

The structured application of the six-step problem solving process provides a clear pathway for addressing complex personal career dilemmas. By carefully defining the problem, analyzing options, and making informed decisions, individuals can navigate challenges thoughtfully and effectively. This process fosters strategic thinking, reduces impulsivity, and supports long-term success in personal and professional domains.

References

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