Introduction to Problem Solving Using Microsoft Excel 2010
Problem solving is an activity which involves the use of various methods or processes with the aim of finding a fitting solution. There is absolutely no doubt that problems are part and parcel of life. Challenges will always come along one’s way, and the ability to face and handle them largely depends on their mastery of problem solving skills. Numerous people have developed their own steps to solving problems, however, this essay is a presentation on problem-solving steps using productivity tools as discussed in the book ‘Succeeding in
Business with Microsoft Excel 2010’ by Debra Gross, Frank Akaiwa, Karleen Nordquist.
Gross, Akaiwa and Nordquist (2010) outlined different steps in the problem-solving process using Microsoft Excel 2010. The authors note that one must fully understand what a problem is before attempting to find its solution. Therefore, a problem is something which prevents people from executing or achieving their goals. It can be an obstacle, or a stoppage of sorts which prevents you from completing something. With that said, below are the problem-solving steps;
Obviously, the first step is to recognize the problem. Recognition is closely followed by further description of further details, which are then prepared for analysis. In this step, one is required to gather data extensively to increase their chances of finding the perfect solution to the problem. They give an example of how to make sense of all information around you when faced by a problem. When weather forecasts are announced every morning, one has to use the presented information to decide what to wear for that day. This means that gathering detailed information is essential in problem analysis. While gathering this data, it is imperative to ensure that its accuracy, reliability and accuracy is guaranteed. The collected data is then pre-processed into the correct format. Once in the correct format, cleansing is done to determine the presence of corrupted data that may alter the problem-solving process. Finally, the data is filtered to dispel bits that are either valueless or unnecessary in readiness for the next phase of problem-solving.
Problem Statement
Gross et al. (2010) has not expressly described what statement of the problem entails. They offer examples that suggest by this step, one should clearly have identified the exact problem from a pool of possibilities. Just like math problems in today’s business courses, the only missing part of a problem is finding the solution. Hence statement of the problem is followed by finding the solution.
Solution
Finding a solution is itself a series of four steps. It may appear as a huge task, but the foundation laid out by the first two phases of problem-solving should make it relatively easy. Although it may take a longer amount of time entering the data on a spread sheet in a computer, Microsoft Excel 2010 is the best way to solve problems which involve large and complex data. Excel 2010, being a productivity tool becomes a thinking tool which helps one to organize and manage data while trying to solve a problem. Nonetheless, finding the solution involves correctly using the data in the spreadsheet to understand the problem and formulate a solution plan. What steps need to be followed in order to solve the problem? Are there numerical calculations to be executed, or unknown values to be determined? In formulating a solution plan, one has to be sure of the spreadsheet plan, and formulas to be used. Once this is done, the solution plan is then implemented. Finally, the reached solution is subjected to evaluation. It is only through evaluation that one will be able to know whether the reached solution was the perfect answer for the problem (Gross et al., 2010).
References
Gross, D., Akaiwa, F., & Nordquist, K. (2010). Succeeding in Business with Microsoft Excel 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
