Problem solving process

Question 1

identify project management milestones

Answer 1

explore

Question 2

research previous similar problem situations or solutions to understand the nature of the problem

Answer 2

explore

Question 3

identify significant issues related to the problem and classify their relative importance including ethical, social, economic and environmental impacts

Answer 3

explore

Question 4

analyse the problem and information to identify the elements, components and features, and their relationship to the structure of the problem

Answer 4

explore

Question 5

determine and prioritise solution success criteria considering the identified elements, components and features, and their relationship to the structure of the problem

Answer 5

explore

Question 6

brainstorm and discuss ideas with colleagues

Answer 6

develop

Question 7

sketch ideas

Answer 7

develop

Question 8

calculate to determine solution parameters

Answer 8

develop

Question 9

test materials

Answer 9

develop

Question 10

synthesise ideas and solutions

Answer 10

develop

Question 11

evaluate idea development using solution success criteria

Answer 11

develop

Question 12

prototype ideas for testing and refinement

Answer 12

develop

Question 13

predict a solution

Answer 13

develop

Question 14

demonstrate basic project management skills using a Gantt chart or spreadsheet

Answer 14

generate

Question 15

create structural engineering drawings to facilitate production of the prototype solution

Answer 15

generate

Question 16

consider safety issues concerning the production of the solution

Answer 16

generate

Question 17

perform calculations to predict prototype solution performance and document results in relation to solution success criteria, for an audience

Answer 17

generate

Question 18

resolve uncertanties to optimise prototype solution generation

Answer 18

generate

Question 19

use processes to generate the prototype solution, e.g. 3D printing, laser cutting, hand and/or machine manufacture and virtual production

Answer 19

generate

Question 20

perform destructive, non-destructive and/or virtual testing of the prototype solution to provide performance data

Answer 20

evaluate and refine

Question 21

evaluate the prototype solution performance data using solution success criteria

Answer 21

evaluate and refine

Question 22

reanalyse test results and failure parameters

Answer 22

evaluate and refine

Question 23

consider sustainability issues

Answer 23

evaluate and refine

Question 24

make and justify recommendations to improve prototype solution performance.

Answer 24

evaluate and refine