Problem Solving and Decision Making
Problem Solving and Decision Making
LEARNING ANALYSIS
Use this form to reflect on your major learnings during your training.
What I learned What I re-learned What I am beginning to learn What I still need to learn
1. All problems may also be 1. The use of situation and problem (What we are beginning to apply) Other elements of Technical
considered as opportunities. analysis tools such as: (Aquaculture) Problem Solving
Therefore, when we encounter 1. The use of templates in problem and Decision Making are not
problems in the hatchery, we should 1.1. Fishbone Analysis or solving analysis. This will save included in the course. It is
think—“What positive thing can we Ishikawa Diagram in time, therefore meetings will recommended that the manager
get from this?” identifying the possible have a process as well. and the supervisor/s have a
causes of a problem training on the Diseases of
2. Managers are judged according to considering the following 1.1. In problem solving, staff High Value Fish.
their decisiveness and the quality of aspects—man, machine, may use or answer the
their decisions. money, methods, materials templates prior to the
and environment (an example discussion.
3. Decisions of managers are based is shown in the appendix)
on the following: 1.2. During the discussion, all
1.2. Pareto Principle – templates will be
3.1. Input (data) considering the vital few than consolidated.
It is therefore vital for the manager the trivial many or 20-
to be knowledgeable on the 80principle 1.3. Decisions may be weighed
accuracy and timeliness of using the Decision Analysis
information being reported by the 1.3. Brainstorming Analysis – Worksheet.
team. overflow of inputs, wherein no
input is considered wrong. 1.4. After defining the decision,
3.2. Knowledge and skills This is better done as a team. potential problems may still
Managers must not only rely on the occur, hence the use of
reports of the staff but also on 1.4. Five Why’s – a likely cause to Potential
personal knowledge and skills. a problem may have deeper Problem/Opportunity
Therefore, the manager must know roots that may be answered Analysis Worksheet.
how to do the process on his/her by asking why after every
own in the line or field. answer. This may answered 2. The use of GROW model in
creatively or logically. approaching a problem:
3.3. Intelligence 2.1. What is the GOAL?
In order for the manager to make a 2. Use of creativity in analysis: 2.2. What is the Reality?
quality decision, he/she must be 2.3. What are the Options?
able to think and assess logically 2.1. Diffused thinking – this way 2.4. What Will I do? How
the problems that are being faced. of thinking is the opposite of strong is my Will to do it?
focused thinking which we
3.4. Experience usually use when analyzing
When a manager has experienced problems logically. Instead of
the same or related problems in his focusing on one aspect,
work/field, it will be easier for diffused thinking would allow
him/her to solve similar concerns a person to have a
when it occurs in the future. It might continuous flow of thoughts.
already be a “reflex” action for the (This was initially taken up in
manager already. an online crash course.)
4. The core learning I had from the 2.2. Make the problems visual
training is the so-called SA-PA-DA- 2.2.1.The use of scale models
PA or: and drawings might help
4.1. Situation Analysis 2.2.2.Look at the whole model
4.1.1.The use of Force Field of the system, not only
Analysis Tool (Please the concerned area
refer to appendix) because some
4.2. Problem Analysis subsystems may be
4.3. Decision Analysis linked (e.g., no water in
4.4. Potential Problem/Opportunity the reservoir – might be
Analysis because of pump but
Note: All analyses logic may also be caused by a
paths are shown in the clogged cage filter)
appendix
Figure 1. Key points learned in the Problem Solving and Decision Making Program.
Before a problem can be solved, the situation and problem must first be analyzed. Decisions must be based on
calculated factors and not just intuition, however, intuition maybe applied by experts on the particular industry.
After decisions have been made, potential problem/opportunity analysis may be conducted for further planning.
Figure 2. Ishikawa or Fishbone Diagram, a tool used in Cause and Effect Analysis.
Figure 3. Force Field Analysis. The use of ratings makes this tool a clear representation of the situation and
the key points that need to be addressed in order for the “desired situation”
to be attained.
Table 2. Problem Analysis Table
Logic Path Process Steps Process Questions
DEVIATION IDENTIFICATION
Defect
What is wrong with it?
What is the defect or fault?
What is the deviation?
LOCATION Object
Where can the problem be found? (Geography)
Defect
Where is the defect on the unit?
TIMING Object
When did the problem start? (Date/Time)
Defect
When is the defect / default / deviation seen? (Cycle/Pattern)
EXTENT Object/Defect
How many?
How much?
How big?
How often?
How fast?
How frequent?
Table 4. Problem Analysis Worksheet
Differences Changes Date Possible Causes
Identity What
Defect
Location Where
Defect
Timing When
Defect
Defect
Most probable
cause
Verification
Action
Table 5. Decision analysis table
LOGIC PATH PROCESS STEPS PROCESS QUESTIONS
DECISION OBJECTIVE Identify the following:
1. Purpose What is the decision objective?
2. Modifiers
3. Level
Table 6. Checklist to be evaluated when asking the questions on the Decision Analysis Table,
whenever applicable.
Status Status Status Status
( ∕ or x) ( ∕ or x) ( ∕ or x) ( ∕ or x)
Volume Cashflow Machinery Output
Turnover Savings Assets Productivity
Revenue Working capital Liabilities Rate of return
Timing Life expectancy Compensation Earnings
Sales Quality Margin Terms
Market goals People Costs Money
Taxes Systems Maintenance Skills
Table 7. Decision Analysis Worksheet
Objective:
How well does each alternative perform against each want? Which one gets best score?
Wants Relative weight
Alternative 1 Alternative 2
Info Score WT/SC Info Score WT/SC
PROTECTION Define:
1. Contingent actions What actions can we think of to
2. Triggers: who, what, where, minimize the possible effects,
when, what, extent should these problems occur?
OPPORTUNITY How can (1-4) these be turn What opportunities can we derive
around into opportunities? from this situation?
HIGH YIELD AREAS Determine the cost-benefit ratio What is the cost / benefit ratio of
each?
Application of my learning:
Please see roadmap of activities below for the application of learnings in the training.
As the OIC-Hatchery Head of Mayamang Karagatan Inc., I will do all my best, God-willing, to implement the
action items in the attached roadmap pertaining to the applications on this tranining.