Integrated Problem Management

Practical Problem Solving is a two-day seminar that brings together for the first time rational and creative problem solving in a fresh, easy-to-use approach that helps real people deal effectively with even the toughest situations. The results: real, workable solutions to real-world problems.

Traditional approaches to problem solving fail in two ways. First, such approaches ignore the importance of values in problem solving. Since any statement of a desired outcome is a reflection of personal and organizational values, the clarification of those values is a necessary step toward more effective problem solving.

Second, traditional approaches ignore creative, intuitive right-brain problem solving, yet many problems faced in the real world simply can not be solved through exclusively analytical methods.

Practical Problem Solving provides a new, systematic, flexible way of looking at a whole range of concerns, from “production line” problems in which a clear deviation from standard can be identified and measured, to the most ambiguous of “people problems.” Problem solving for real people.

Using the Situation, Target, Proposal (STP) problem solving model, this seminar puts participants in command of a simple, yet powerful problem solving process. Through the use of the “Learning Style Inventory,” participants gain a clearer understanding of their own approach to problem solving. As a consequence of this seminar, participants learn how to:

• Clarify goals and values.
• Place goals on a target.
• Collect relevant situational information.
• Conduct causal/resource analysis.
• Think creatively.

As part of the Practical Problem Solving seminar, each participant receives a copy of Solutions: A Guide to Better Problem Solving, published by University Associates. Written by the developers of the seminar, Solutions provides a realistic, practical set of problem solving tools and strategies. By using this book as instructed in the seminar, participants gain the concepts and skills needed to implement Practical Problem Solving.

The Program

Introduction of the STP Problem Solving Model. Participants are introduced to the basic Situation, Target, Proposal problem solving model. Problem solving is defined as the process of generating specific action proposals to change the current situation into the target.

Identifying the Target. Participants come to understand the relationship between goals and values and learn how to compare goals to relevant personal or professional values.

Assessing the Situation. Methods for identifying and collecting valid and useful situational information, for identifying the cause of the problem and understanding the resources available to solve the problem are described.

Generating and Selecting Proposals. Participants are shown how to enhance both creative and critical thinking about proposal generation and selection. The Four A’s for proposal selection are introduced.

Joint Inquiry with STP. The seminar concludes with a discussion of the interrelationship between situation, target, and proposal and with the presentation of guidelines for using Practical Problem Solving in the real world.

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