When Faced With A Problem, What Do You Do To Solve It?

When Faced With A Problem What Do You Do To Solve It This Assignment

When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six-step 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 for your paper.

Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s degree to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree when a supervisor’s position in another company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance. If you want the job, it’s yours. All other supervisors at this level in the company have Master’s degrees, and 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 brings home a school project assignment sheet. The child is excited and starts working immediately, researching online and gathering materials. You notice that the project lacks some required items, and you have ideas to improve its quality. You recall an article about developing responsibility for learning and want to encourage your child's independence. The next day, at the grocery store, you see a parent of your child's classmate who has spent over $30 on supplies and is helping with the project at work. You prefer to nurture your child's confidence rather than take over.

Scenario 3: You work two jobs—one during weekdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and one on Saturday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. You take two classes, one in the evening and one online. You have two children involved in extracurricular activities, elderly parents needing transportation, and siblings in different locations. You are also coaching and fundraising, aiming to complete your degree in two years. Your health concerns are rising, with high blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, leading to medications costing nearly $200 monthly. The busy schedule creates conflicts for assignments and family events.

Scenario 4: As a sales representative, you log field time and are expected to start and end your day at the office. You notice a colleague arriving early and suspect they spend more time in the office, possibly flattering management and securing better client referrals. Your sales performance has declined since this colleague was hired. You wonder about the fairness and effectiveness of their approach and how it impacts your own results.

Step-by-step Analysis

For each scenario, you are to follow six steps: (1) Define the problem, (2) Analyze the problem, (3) Generate options, (4) Evaluate options, (5) Make your decision, and (6) Implement and reflect. Your paper should include an introduction that contextualizes your chosen scenario, a body that discusses each step in detail with supporting arguments, and a conclusion summarizing your findings and reflections. The writing must be clear, organized, and adherent to proper grammar and mechanics.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I have chosen Scenario 1, which involves a professional dilemma regarding career advancement and educational commitments. The challenge lies in managing the opportunity of a new job with immediate start requirements, the pending completion of my Bachelor’s degree, and the realization that the new company does not provide tuition reimbursement, unlike my current employer. This scenario effectively exemplifies a common conflict between career development and personal educational goals, requiring a systematic problem-solving approach.

Define the problem: The core problem is deciding whether to accept a high-paying job offer that entails relocating in two weeks during final exams, which conflicts with the completion of my Bachelor’s degree and my current employer’s benefits. The dilemma involves balancing immediate career advancement with the long-term goal of earning a Master’s degree, considering the financial implications of tuition reimbursement versus out-of-pocket expenses.

Analyze the problem: Analyzing this problem involves understanding the critical factors. The new job offers immediate benefits such as a significant salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. However, it coincides with my final exams, creating a potential conflict. My current company offers tuition reimbursement, aligning with my educational goals, whereas the new company does not. The implications involve career advancement, financial considerations, educational commitments, and personal growth. Time management, stress levels, and future opportunities are additional factors influencing the decision.

Generate options: Several options exist. First, I could accept the new job, delegate my final exams if possible, and plan to complete my degree afterward. Second, I could decline the offer and finish my degree with the current employer's support, delaying the promotion. Third, I might negotiate a delayed start date or flexible move schedule for the new employer. Fourth, explore online or part-time Master's programs to accelerate my education. Fifth, seek a brief leave of absence during exams to minimize conflict. Each option has benefits and drawbacks concerning career goals, finances, and personal responsibilities.

Evaluate options: Evaluating these options involves considering their feasibility and impact. Accepting the job offers immediate financial gains but risks academic performance. Negotiating a delayed move could balance both goals but depends on employer flexibility. Continuing with current employment supports education and current benefits but may delay career progression. Pursuing an online Master’s program accelerates education but may extend the timeline. Taking a leave might reduce stress but could complicate current obligations. The most balanced option appears to be negotiations with the new employer for a flexible start date, allowing me to complete final exams and graduate, ensuring both career advancement and educational goals are met.

Deciding on the best option: Based on the analysis, the optimal decision is to negotiate with the new employer for a delayed start date. This allows me to finish my degree, utilize my employer’s tuition reimbursement, and accept the promotion without compromising my educational aspirations. This choice aligns with my long-term career and personal development goals, balancing immediate job benefits with academic commitments.

Implementing and reflecting: Implementation involves communicating with the prospective employer about my final exams schedule and requesting a postponed start date. I will prepare a professional explanation emphasizing my commitment to the new role and my educational goals. Reflection afterward involves assessing the outcome—whether the employer agrees and if I successfully balance work, education, and personal responsibilities. I believe this approach offers the most sustainable solution, fostering long-term growth while managing short-term challenges effectively.

References

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• Voltaire. (n.d.). "No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking." In The Philosophical Works of Voltaire.