CLASS NOTES

Chapter 8: Group Problem-Solving Procedures

I. Case Study: The Merger

II. Advantages / Disadvantages of Group Problem-solving

a. Advantages

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

b. Disadvantages

i.

ii.

iii.

III. A Systematic Procedure as the Basis for Problem-Solving

IV. Capturing the Problem in Problem-Solving

a. How do we know a problem when we see one?

i. Problem-solving defined:

ii. Decision making defined:

iii. A problem has three entities

1. An undesirable…

2. A desired…

3. Obstacles…

b. Area of Freedom

i. Area of freedom defined:

c. Characteristics of problems

i. Task difficulty

ii. Solution multiplicity

iii. Intrinsic interests

iv. Member familiarity

v. Acceptance level

d. Identifying Problems With a Problem Census

i. Problem census defined:

V. Effective Problem Solving and Decision Making

a. Functional theory defined:

b. Three factory of theory

i. Task requirements

ii. Effective communication

iii. Degree of willingness to review

VI. P-MOPS (The Procedural Model of Problem Solving) – a flexible framework to guide each phase of the problem-solving process

a. Describing and Analyzing the Problem

i. Be sure to understand the charge

1. Charge defined:

ii. State the problem as a single, clear problem question

iii. Focus on the problem before discussing how to solve it

iv. Describe the problem thoroughly

v. Make an outline and schedule based on P-MOPS

vi. Summarize the problem as a group

b. Generating and Explaining Possible Solutions

c. Evaluating Possible Solutions

i. Criteria for Evaluating Solutions

1. Criteria defined:

ii. Narrow a long list of proposed solutions

1. Combine any ideas that are similar or overlapping

2. Allow each member to identify his or her top three choices -OR-

3. Give each member five small cards on which to write the number or name of his or her five preferred solutions, the discuss the pros and cons of the proposed solutions with the highest ratings

4. Charting the Pros and Cons

5. Using technology to help group problem solving

d. Choosing the Best Solution

i. Methods of making decisions

1. Consensus defined:

2. Testing a tentative solution with the RISK technique

a. RISK: A technique to help a group assess potential problems or risks with a potential solution

e. Implementing the Chosen Solution

i. Use PERT to implement your solution

1. P.E.R.T.: Program Evaluation and Review Technique that helps group members manage and keep track of a complex task.

a. What does this entail?