Individual report + reflective report - Essay Example

Problem Solving Skills for consultants Table of Contents 0 Introduction This paper is important to top management teams in organizations solve problems. Through its design, use of samples and research organization are able to formulate strategies in solving problems. In consulting and management of business objectives, problem-solving activity implies to when the rubber actually meets the road in management. Problem solving is perhaps one of the important aspects of organizational management. This therefore, means that today’s organizations need to collaborate internally as well as have joint interactions towards problem solving.

Through groups of either internal or external partners, joint problem solving activities need to reflect organizational as well as customer goals. A greater in-depth knowledge and consultancy skill comes in handy to ensure that an organization manage its activities efficiently. Group or joint problem solving activities therefore, focus on the utilizing individuals’ skills and in maintaining long-term organizational relationships. Proper Problem solving process in organizations therefore, yields an efficient decision making process.

However, teams need to use diverse tools and means of analysing data. Analysis of group activities provides different aspects to problem solving. It assist organizations develop best problem solving strategies for future activities. Such problem solving activities develops members’ professional standards and abilities to solving problems as they arise. Teams of consultants in such organizations need to have a set of strategies in approaching problems in organizations. They need to first perceive situations, identify problems facing the organization, and rank the level of preference of activities to be undertaken.

The next move for such groups would be the exploration of alternatives available, followed by making decisions and finally make contingency plans where applicable (Rebori, 1997). When it comes to groups in organizations, there are various factors to consider in ensuring effective team spirit. These factors include the type of decision- making meetings. In relation to this matter, problem-solving meetings for consultant might be able to border on either formulation of strategy or in the formulation of problem solving plans.

Such meetings need to capture the reasons for such endeavours, the leadership structure, model of the group, goals of the group and the process of decision making. 2.0: Assignment One: Individual Report Techniques and Tools In organizations, every group undergoes diverse situations that require their problem solving skills. There is always a need for organizations on the global context to consider group decision making as an ultimate tool in bridging the gap between current situations and the desired situations.

Therefore, problem solving in an organization is an ongoing process that not only cut across personal life but work. However, from another angle one can relate to such groups as being failures (Forsyth, 2010). Then one must then concentrate on the reasons for such failures. Failures in problem solving among groups arise when group members do not follow organized procedures. The tools for collecting data in an organization may be the use of surveys or by Questionnaires. Further research teams need to consider research literature as basis for their information.

Factors that influence failures in groups include, the inability of group members to prioritize problems according to their level of influence. Therefore, group problem solving activities need to follow specific models according to organizations (Savery, 2006). Then there are certain structures that all groups need to adhere to for efficiency. Organization then may use simulation models as well as other models in developing problem solving skills among its ranks. An organization therefore has many places to gather research literature.

Team members can gather research information from the internet, libraries and from seminars of conferences. Problem solving Programs in organizations relate to events as well and training programs. For example in our group, we had the challenge of ensuring that team members explore their creative problem skills. In this, event group members had to think critically on ways of protecting an egg from smashing after being dropped from a certain height. In the challenge team members had to use limited resources in protecting the egg from destruction after being dropped. 2.1: Design to Problem Solving Forsyth (2010), states that, in organizations, the top management sets up problem solving teams.

These teams of consultants may include external as well as internal elements. Problem solving skills of such team members on the other hand, differ largely. Just as people are unable to read other’s thoughts so do problem skills of individuals differ. Members of the problem solving teams need to have a clear mandate, have a definite structure of authority and ground rules (Rebori, 1997). For these groups, the ground rules projected that every group member needed to be proactive in making decisions.

Each group member had the opportunity to make personal decisions and opinions on ideas raised. Individuals were supposed to think outside the box. Members were required to be creative and for clarity encouraged to build on others’ ideas. The first step that the group took was to observe various objectives available in the environment. Ideas from group members were table, an analysed individually. Results from such ideas showed that individuals had their own visions diverse from others. There was a tendency of other members focusing on one area of the problem, which shows that people have their philosophy on certain aspects (Forsyth, 2010).

In consultancy groups, members need to be ready to compromise. It is only through compromise that groups reach their ultimate goals (Rebori, 1997). Group cohesion is an important in ensuring efficient problem solving. From this group it came out clear that even though the goal was the same, group members had the ability to split into factions. Communication within groups is another important aspect that needs consideration. Through effective communication structures, teams ensure creativity as well cohesion. 3.0: Data Collection and Observations Data collection in any study becomes an important element.

Organizations need to come up with feasible data collection methods. This report considers the internet as the effective tool of information gathering. This report centralizes on personal survey in data collection and the use of the internet in data collection. In order for groups to maintain an effective problem solving strategy, various aspects come into consideration. The first aspect relates to the problem itself. Organizations’ problem solving teams need to first define the problem (Forsyth, 2010).

In the team, the problem was on how to prevent an egg from smashing after being dropped from a certain height. This is a critical thinking problem solving technique. It is a resemblance to how army units react to situations in the war zone. Soldiers in such situations need to think critically on their next move while save on time and lives. In organizations, therefore, defining of problems necessitates relating to the desired goals and current situations. The next step to solving problems revolves around identifying the root causes of the problems.

Teams then have to generate alternative courses of actions. Generation of the root courses of action in problem solving involves team members projecting act the root causes of problems and brainstorming on solutions. In this group, team members had a chance to brainstorm on alternative courses of action to the challenge. The next step involves evaluation of the alternative courses of actions. Further group members need to agree on the best solution and finally develop an effective action plan for the problem. 3.1: Assignment Two: Reflective Report 3.

2: Analysis In relation to the analysis of research findings, one needs to organize their data in a clear perspective. Data analysis builds from descriptive as well as inferential statistics. This report relies on the inferential statistics and use the egg challenge as the tool. From this challenge in relation to creative problem solving in organizations, I came to the realization that every individual has their own way of approaching situations. However, this has disadvantageous as well as advantageous consequences in an organization.

Depending on the angle one is in different mindsets to problem solving in organizations may create a split. In retrospect when there is team cohesion, teams might have many alternative courses of actions (Bowen, and Zwi, 2005). From these groups, individuals may grasp other aspects apart from the real problem. From this group’s activity, I came to learn from Sue the reasons as to why cars are being driven to the left side of the road in our country. 4.0: Recommendations and conclusions From the group challenge, one gets the idea that it is important for team members to first identify the problem.

Team members as observed then need to develop various ideas spontaneously. For future events, individuals need to restrain from personally criticising ideas however vague. Teams on the other Hand, need to ensure that they have a long list of ideas as possible (Savery, 2006). It came out clear from the activity that in order for an organization to solve problems, members need to be creative. However, this aspects are but part of other aspects. In problem solving groups, there is a possibility of team members rushing to the task before setting goals and procedures.

Such influences need to be discouraged. I further concluded that there is a tendency of team members relying on particular aspects. Such an influence need to be discouraged in future endeavours. Further, communications need to be the backbone in problem solving (Bowen and Zwi, 2005). Team members need to have effective communication skills for good results to surface. 4.1: Strength and weakness of the Report This report relays various aspects to problem solving in organizations. From this report, a reader comes to the realization that group cohesion is important to solving problems.

On the other hand, the reader comes to the realization of the importance of communication to solving problems. Further, the report shows the influence of different inputs in terms of editing and drafting. By combining all of these influences, the report provides a clear narrative of a typical problem solution method. However, this report concentrates on one group alone. Concentrating on other samples would have made a clearer statement. Further, the report depends on personal observation a clear picture of all member’s viewpoint might provide other important details. 5.0: References Forsyth, D R.

2010 Group dynamics. Cengage Learning, Stamford Rebori, M,. K. 1997. Effective Problem-Solving Techniques for Groups Fact Sheet 97-26. University of Nevada. Accesed from http://mjewald32.pbworks.com/f/Problem-Solving%2520Techniques.pdf Bowen, S, and Zwi, B, A.2005. Pathways to “evidence-informed” policy and practice: a framework for action. PLoS medicine ,Vol.2, No.7, pp. 166. Savery, J., R. 2006. "Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions." Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, Vol. 1, No.1, pp. 3.