1. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.1 – Introduction
Engineers, by definition, need to be good at solving problems and making things
Filling your toolbox with the right tools, and knowing how to use them are critical components to becoming a successful engineer

2. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 2
Most students are more comfortable with analytic problem solving---where there is one correct answer
Creative Problem Solving does not have a single right answer 2

3. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 3
In a group, identify one topic related to electrical engineering that does not have one single, simple solution.
List the possible solutions
Give advantages and disadvantages to each proposed solution 3

4. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 4
Design Process 10 Step Process:
Identify the problem
Define the working criteria / goals
Research and gather data
Brainstorm
Analyze
Develop and test models
Make the decision
Communicate and specify
Implement and commercialize
Perform post-implementation review / assessment 4

5. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 5
By definition, design is open-ended and has many different solutions
The design process as a whole is a creative problem-solving process
Most engineering curricula involve many opportunities to develop analytical skills
Most real-world problems require a combination of analytical skills and other skills to solve 5

6. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.2 – Analytic and Creative Problem Solving 6
A Long List of Tools/Strategies that help in Solving Problems:
Look for a pattern
Construct a table
Consider possibilities systematically
Act it out
Make a model
Make a figure, graph or drawing
Work backwards
Select appropriate notation
Restate the problem in your own words
Identify necessary, desired and given information
Write an open-ended sentence
Identify a sub-goal
First solve a simpler problem
Change your point of view
Check for hidden assumptions
Use a resource
Generalize
Check the solution; validate it
Find another way to solve the problem
Find another solution
Study the solution process
Discuss limitations
Get a bigger hammer
Sleep on it
Brainstorm
Involve others 6

7. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 7
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Define the Problem / Make a Problem Statement
Diagram and describe
Apply theory and equations
Simplify the assumptions
Solve the necessary problems
Verify accuracy to required level 7

8. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 8
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Define the Problem / Make a Problem Statement
Restate the problem in your own words
Double-check that your impression of the problem is the one that matches the original problem 8

9. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 9
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Description / Diagrams
Describe the problem and list all that is known
Unlike most textbook problems, real-world problems typically include more information than what is needed to do the calculations
Diagrams & sketches may help in your understanding of the problem 9

10. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 10
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Theory
State theory and/or equations needed to solve the problem
It may be useful to solve a simplified version of any equations involved 10

11. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 11
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Simplifying Assumptions
Exact solutions may be costly and/or impractical
Simplifying assumptions can make the problem easier to solve, yet still retain accuracy
A “conservative” assumption is one the introduces errors on the safe side 11

12. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 12
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Problem Solution
Calculations may be done by hand or by computer
When using computer simulations, develop a way to document what you have done in deriving the solution. 12

13. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 13
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Accuracy Verification
It is important that the solution an engineer develops is accurate
Within engineering, degree of accuracy is a variable to consider and analyze constantly 13

14. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.3 – Analytic Problem Solving 14
Analytic Method Steps used by Engineers:
Accuracy Verification: Estimation
Estimation is a skill typically developed only after years of working as an engineer
Estimation can provide bounds for potential answers: “Am I in the ballpark?”
Estimation can be used to help decide if a detailed analysis is needed 14

15. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving 15
Many engineering problems are open- ended and complex
These types of problems require creative problem solving 15

16. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving 16
The creative problem solving method should focus on answering the following 5 questions:
What is wrong?
What do we know?
What is the real problem?
What is the best solution?
How do we implement the solution? 16

17. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.4 – Creative Problem Solving 17
Divergence vs. Convergence:
Divergent Process: Start at one point and reach for as many ideas as possible
Convergent Process: Use analytical and evaluative tools to narrow the possibilities to the ones most likely to yield results 17

18. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.6 – Brainstorming Strategies 18
Brainstorming: a technique used to stimulate as many innovative solutions as possible
Goal in Brainstorming: to stimulate your mind to trigger concepts or ideas that normal problem solving might miss
Brainstorming goal is always to generate as many potential solutions as possible without judging any of them 18

19. Chapter 8: Problem Solving
Section 8.7 – Critical Thinking 19
Many of life’s issues are complex and have no single solution
Engineers need to keep a critical eye on the context and direction of his/her work
Creating opportunities to gain perspective is as important as the problem solving methods described in this chapter
Periodically take a step back and ask Why? or What? 19