Problem Solving – Week 9
When faced with a problem, what do you do to solve it? This assignment asks you to apply a six–step to problem solving process to a specific problem scenario. You will write a paper that presents a synthesis of your ideas about solving the problem using this systematic approach. As Voltaire said, “No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.”
Scenario 1: You have worked at your company for eleven (11) years. You have returned to college to earn a Bachelor’s degree in order to increase your chances for a promotion. You are nearly finished with your degree, when a supervisor’s position in a competing company becomes available in another state. The start date is in two (2) weeks, during your final exam period for yourcourses. The position offers a $15,000 per year salary increase, a car allowance, and relocation expenses. Your former supervisor works for the company and is recommending you for the position based on your outstanding job performance; if you want the job, it’s yours. All of the other supervisors at this level in the company have Master’s degrees, so you know that you would be expected to earn your Bachelor’s degree and continue on to a Master’s degree. Your present company offers tuition reimbursement, but the new company does not.
Review the six–step problem solving process outlined in the webtext, based on the article “The Problem Solving Process” located at http://www.gdrc.org/decision/problem–solve.html:
- Step One: Define the problem
- Step Two: Analyze the problem
- Step Three: Generate options
- Step Four: Evaluate options
- Step Five: Make your decision
- Step Six: Implement and reflect
Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you:
1. Define the problem in the scenario that you have chosen.
2. Analyze the problem in the scenario.
3. Generate options for solving the problem in the scenario.
4. Evaluate the options for solving the problem.
5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem.
6. Explain how you will implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective.
The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:
- Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.
- Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
- Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
- Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
- Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
- Recognize the hindrances to the decision-making process in order to apply problem–solving skills to a variety of situations.
- Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking.
- Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic.
Click here to view the grading rubric..
Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, usingthe following rubric.
| Points: 150 | Assignment 2: Problem Solving | ||||
| Criteria | Unacceptable Below 60% F | Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D | Fair 70-79% C | Proficient 80-89% B | Exemplary 90-100% A |
| 1. Define the problem in the scenario chosen. Weight: 20% | Did not submit or incompletely defined the problem in the scenariochosen. | Insufficiently defined the problem in the scenario chosen. | Partially defined the problem in the scenariochosen. | Satisfactorily defined the problem in the scenario chosen. . | Thoroughly defined the problem in the scenariochosen. |
| 2. Analyze the problem in the scenario. Weight: 10% | Did not submit or incompletely analyzed the problem in the scenario. | Insufficiently analyzed the problemin the scenario. | Partially analyzed the problem in the scenario. | Satisfactorily analyzed the problemin the scenario. | Thoroughly analyzed the problem in the scenario. |
| 3. Generate options for solvingthe problem in the scenario. Weight: 10% | Did not submit or incompletely generated options for solving the problem in the scenario. | Insufficiently generated options for solving the problem in the scenario. | Partially generated options for solving the problem in the scenario. | Satisfactorily generated options for solving the problem in the scenario. | Thoroughly generated options for solving the problem in the scenario. |
| 4. Evaluate the options for solvingthe problem. Weight: 10% | Did not submit or incompletely evaluated the options for solving the problem. | Insufficiently evaluated the options for solving the problem. | Partially evaluated the options for solving the problem. | Satisfactorily evaluated the options for solving the problem. | Thoroughly evaluated the options for solvingthe problem. |
| 5. Decide on the best option for solving the problem Weight: 10% | Did not submit or incompletely decided on the best option for solving the problem. | Insufficiently decided on the best option for solving the problem. | Partially decided on the best option for solvingthe problem. | Satisfactorily decided on the best option for solving the problem. | Thoroughly decided on the best option for solving the problem. |
| 6. Explain how youwill implement the decision made and reflect on whether this option was the most effective. Weight: 10% | Did not submit or incompletely explained how the decision made will be implemented and reflected on whether this option was the most effective. | Insufficiently explained how the decision made will be implemented and reflected on whether this option was the most effective. | Partially explained how the decision made willbe implemented and reflected on whether this option was the most effective. | Satisfactorily explained how the decision made will be implemented and reflected on whether this option was the most effective. | Thoroughly explained how the decision made will be implemented and reflected on whether this option was the most effective. |
| 7. Follow APA Style requirements for format, in-text citation of quotes and paraphrases, and references page. Weight: 10% | Did not complete the assignment or had more than 9 errors in following APA Style requirements. | Had 8-9 errors in following APA Style requirements. | Had 6-7 different errors in following APA Style requirements. | Had 4-5 different errors in following APA Style requirements. | Had 0-3 different errors in following APA Style requirements. |
| 8. Follow guidelines for clear and organized writing: include an introductory and concluding paragraph; address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. Weight: 10% | Did not submit or incompletely followed guidelines for clear and organized writing. | Insufficiently followed guidelines for clear and organized writing: did not include an introductory and / or concluding paragraph; did not address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. | Partially followed guidelines for clear and organized writing: included a partially developed introductory and / or concluding paragraph; partially addressed main ideasin body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. | Sufficiently followed guidelines for clear and organized writing: included an introductory and concluding paragraph; sufficiently addressed main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. | Fully followed guidelines for clear and organized writing: included an engaging introductory and thoughtful concluding paragraph; fully addressed main ideasin body paragraphs with a topic sentence and detailed supporting sentences. |
| 9. Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling. Weight: 10% | Did not complete the assignment or had more than 9 errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, spelling. | ||||
Answer previewJust like most life situations, am faced with a problem that puts me in a dilemma. My problem, simple as it may seem, is something to cause me sleepless night if I don’t resolve it on time. The problem I’m faced with involves the issue of a job switch. Should I stay or should I go? To switch, or not to switch? Ideally, I’m presented with two offers. Offers, which both look enticing. Offers that have their positive and negatives…
(1300 words)