The Book
Solving complex, real-life problems- sharpen your problem solving skills using this integrative approach by Clive Hunter.
Numerous international surveys have shown that there is a big demand for people who are competent in solving complex problems in a wide variety of situations. However, not much is being done to help people to develop this important skill. So, the aim of this book is to inform people about well-established concepts, principles and techniques that can be integrated to successfully solve complex problems.
After introducing the topic the book provides a framework for complex problem solving (CPS) then explains the elements of this framework in a down-to-earth, practical way with relevant illustrations and examples. The book also discusses personal factors that influence our problem-solving ability such as attitudes, assumptions and beliefs, biases, prejudices and our flawed perceptions. This is followed by a chapter on a number of problem-solving techniques such as estimating risk, brainstorming, visualisation, various types of charts, feedback loops, SWOT analysis, decision trees and mind maps.
Chapter 8 discusses the important topics of collaboration, teamwork and negotiation in relation to problem-solving. Finally, Chapter 9 outlines how the very serious problem of greenhouse gas pollution has been dealt with over many decades in terms of the elements of the CPS Framework as an example of how this integrated approach to CPS has been applied to a critical real-life problem.
The following are the titles of the chapters in the book;
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 The CPS Framework
Chapter 3 The CPS Process
Chapter 4 The Modes of Thinking
Chapter 5 The Nonconscious Elements
Chapter 6 Personal Factors affecting problem solving
Chapter 7 Problem Solving Techniques
Chapter 8 Group Problem Solving: Collaboration, Teamwork & Negotiation
Chapter 9 Greenhouse Gas Pollution and the CPS Framework