Problem Solving
Problem Solving
Introduction
The process of solving a problem involves six steps which include defining a problem, analyzing it, generating feasible solutions, choosing the best resolution, and implementing the solution (The problem solving process, n.d.). In this paper, I purpose to solve a scenario whereby I am studying my Bachelor’s degree to secure a promotion in my current company. Before completing my final exam, I am offered a supervision job with a guarantee of $15000 wage raise annually, a car allowance and relocation expenses. The other supervisors possess Master degree, and the job does not provide tuition repayment like my present employment.
Problem definition ensures that the critical questions get the right answers. Also, it ensures that the problem is solved entirely without leaving out the challenging aspects (The problem solving process, n. d.). In this scenario, there are two difficult issues. The first challenge is whether I should choose the job offer or do my final exam. Second, I have a problem of deciding whether to do my last and continue to work at my present company. I have a challenge of solving these problems. Most importantly, describing the problem objectively without focusing on the potential impacts offers a better sense of the problem at hand.
Problem analysis
Problem analysis involves various aspects including finding the cause, scope, urgency and possible implications of the issue. Evaluating the problem in different dimensions helps to understand it better. The first challenge is about choosing a new job and forgoing my final exam. In this situation, the new company will offer an annual salary increment of $15,000, relocation expenses and a car allowance. Also, I will get a chance to work in a new environment, establish connections, and be a supervisor. Additionally, I have chances of working with a collaborative team since my former supervisor works for the company. However, the job starts in two weeks, during the final exam. The other supervisors have Master’s degree, so I have to earn a postgraduate degree to retain the job. Unfortunately, the new company does not offer tuition repayment. The second problem is deciding whether to get my Bachelor’s degree and keep my present job. Having worked for 11 years for my current company, I have broad experience in the operations and higher chances of getting a promotion. My current company offers tuition repayment which will reduce the time of return on education investment. Also, I have well-established connections in my present organization. However, I am not assured of getting a promotion or salary increase immediately after earning my Bachelor’s. Further, I have to get a loan or save to buy a car since the company does not offer a car allowance. Notably, both problems have a varying magnitude of benefits and adverse impacts.
Generating possible solutions
This step involves creating various solutions to the problem. One has to be creative to identify feasible solutions that do not result in more problems (The problem solving process, n.d.). There are several possible solutions to my challenges. First, I can decide to take the new job. In this case, I will have to forgo my final exam. Second, I can choose to get my Bachelor’s degree and then retain my present job. Finally, I can decide to earn my Bachelor’s degree, forgo the new job, resign from my current company and search for new employment. Even though it may be impossible to analyze all the aspects of a problem, viewing the issue from multiple perspectives helps to generate viable solutions.
Analyzing the solutions
This part of problem-solving entails examining different aspects about each of the feasible solutions. It involves highlighting the benefits and disadvantages of associated with each solution (The problem solving process, n.d.). The first solution in my scenario is to accept the new job offer. I will achieve numerous benefits if I settle to this solution. First, I will get a salary increment of $15,000 annually and a vehicle allowance. Also, the offer covers my relocation expenses which make it simple to shift to the new workplace. I will have the chance to work as a supervisor that guarantees authority and connections. Nevertheless, the drawbacks of this solution may be detrimental. I will not be in the position to acquire my Bachelor’s degree at the right time since I have to forgo the final exam. The company expects me to advance to Master’s level because all the other supervisors have a Master’s degree. The return on my education investment may take long since the new company does not offer tuition reimbursement. Also, if I lose my job in the company before earning my Bachelor’s degree, I may be in a dilemma.
Another possible solution is to get my Bachelor’s degree and continue working for my present company. In this case, I will have higher chances of getting a promotion and better pay. The current company will repay tuition fees which will allow me to settle my education loan faster. My performance in the current company is outstanding and I will be comfortable working with the fellow employees. The shortcomings of this solution include waiting for long to earn a promotion and fewer chances of getting a salary increase. Additionally,
Finally, I can forgo the supervisor position, resigning from my present company and then searching for a new job. If I choose this solution, I will seek employment as a junior staff, but I will have chances of getting better pay and promotion due to my experience and possession of a Bachelor’s degree. However, it might take some time before securing a new employment which will delay the return on education investment. I will also have to work hard to proof that I deserve a promotion in the new job. Importantly, all the three solutions are viable, but there should be the best option that has few drawbacks.
Selecting the best solution
In the decision-making step, one has to choose one resolution and disregard the others. Considering the short-term and long-term benefits and disadvantages is a workable idea that helps one to determine the best solution for the problem. In my scenario, I will get my Bachelor’s degree and retain my current job. This solution has fewer risks as opposed to the others. Although I may not realize short-term benefits, in the long run, I will get a promotion, salary increase, and exceptional experience.
Planning the next steps
The solving step involves implementing a preferred solution, planning how it will work out and evaluating its performance. This stage allows one to actualize the problem-solving process and achieve their goals (The problem solving process, n.d.). In my scenario, I will seat for my final exam and resume work in my present company. That way, I will have solved my problem.
Conclusion
Problem solving requires strategic thinking and considering all possible solutions. Most importantly, the best solution is the one that has few disadvantages and maximum benefits. In problem solving, long-term benefits are more preferred over short-term advantages.
References
The Problem Solving Process - GDRC. Retrieved June 11, 2016, from <http://www.gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html>
