Maximisation problem explained

Why is McDonald’s the world’s best fast food restaurant chain?

It is not because it is really good. It is because it is good at not being
awful.
A lot of what guides choices by human behaviour is driven by this..
It is not driven by the question – “How good is this thing optimally?”
But by asking “What is the worst that can happen?”
Are you striving for greatness or avoiding disappointment?
The risk of biting something is really bad that we won’t take that bite.

2nd Best Choice

The reason why pizza is so successful is not because it is the number 1
favourite of everyone. It is because it is second best choice favoured by
everyone. It is not because everyone loves it, it is because very few
people hate it and by default it becomes the most popular 2 nd choice.

The Reverse Praetor Choice

The Pareto Principle (or 80:20 rule) helps identify vital few factors
contributing most to outcomes, enabling focus on key areas for maximum
impact and efficiency. However it is noteworthy that allowing the
inefficient 80% to continue, can be valid as they can produce significant
results or alternatives. Discontinuing the status quo or changing focus
could disrupt overall balance and effectiveness of the ecosystem.
Evolution works by having choices and ‘putting all your eggs in one
basket’ is never a failsafe survival strategy. Disruptive events, inbreeding
and the Red Queen Syndrome are good enough reasons to always have an
element of the bad genes allowed into the mix.

12 approaches to problem-solving
The rational approach represents a basic formula for solving problems, but
there are many other approaches you can experiment with to find what works
best for you. Here are some of the approaches you can use:

1. Rational
One of the most common problem-solving approaches, the rational approach is
a multi-step process that works well for a wide range of problems. Many other
problem-solving techniques mirror or build off of its seven steps, so it may be
helpful to begin with the rational approach before moving on to other
techniques. Here are the seven steps of the rational approach:

1. Define the problem.

2. Identify possible causes.
3. Brainstorm options to solve the problem.
4. Select an option.
5. Create an implementation plan.
6. Execute the plan and monitor the results.
7. Evaluate the solution.

Read more: Effective Problem Solving Steps in the Workplace

2. Collaborative

This approach involves including multiple people in the problem-solving

process. Brainstorming should include a diverse group of stakeholders: people
who are affected by the problem and/or may be affected by any changes made
in an attempt to solve it. Seek continuous feedback from these stakeholders as
you monitor the implementation of your solution to make sure it works well for
everyone.

Read more: 8 Team-Building Activities for Improving Communication

(With Tips)

3. Creative

The creative approach mirrors the rational approach but places greater
emphasis on the brainstorming phase. People using the creative approach
utilize ideation techniques such as mind mapping, storyboards and analogies.

4. Historical

The historical approach is helpful when the problem you're facing has
precedent within your field or industry. Researching how others have solved the
problem can guide you as you develop your own solution.

5. The Simplex Process

The Simplex Process is an eight-step approach similar to the rational approach,
but tailored for situations in which you are unsure of what the problem actually
is. It begins with problem-finding and research, where users collect the
information necessary for defining the problem. Users then move through idea-
finding, evaluation and selection and planning. They then encourage their
peers and stakeholders to take active roles in implementing their plan, to soften
any resistance to change. Finally, users execute their plan and monitor the
results.

6. Issue-Based

A five-step approach often employed in consulting firms, the issue-based

approach is useful when helping another person solve a problem they're facing.
The user first creates a proposal that defines the problem and inventories the
client's expectations. Next, the user diagrams the smaller issues that comprise
the problem, then uses this diagram to help them design a solution. The user
then conducts extensive research and synthesizes their data into a revised
solution. Finally, they present their materials to the client and demonstrate why
their solution is effective.

7. The 5 Whys

This approach can help you get to the root of a complex problem. Begin by
asking why the problem occurred, and then ask the same question about your
response. For example, if you answer that productivity has stagnated because
morale is low, follow up by asking, "Why is morale low?" Ask "why" a total of five
times. Doing so will help you find the problem's root cause.

Read more: 5 Whys Technique: Root Cause Analysis (With Examples)

8. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FEMA)

FEMA is unique among problem-solving approaches in that its goal is generally

to preempt problems. A team of experts lists the functions of a product and
then identifies every possible failure for each function. The team estimates the
probability that each failure will occur, then rates its severity and detectability.
The team uses these figures to calculate the risk priority number of each failure,
revealing which problems should be addressed first.

9. Means-End Analysis

Means-end analysis is especially useful for big-picture problems because it

shifts the focus from the problem itself—which might feel overwhelming—to
the goal that you want to achieve. After envisioning your goal, you can work
backward to identify the obstacles that lie in your path. Overcoming these
smaller obstacles one at a time makes solving a large problem more
manageable. Conversely, having an ultimate goal in mind can guide your
decision-making as you address the smaller obstacles in your path.

10. SCAMPER

SCAMPER is an acronym for substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another

use, eliminate and reverse—terms that represent options for improving a
problematic product or service:

1. Substitute: Consider substituting elements of the product or service for

something else.
2. Combine: Ask yourself whether you could improve it by combining it with
another product or service.
3. Adapt: Consider whether the product or service would be more effective
if you adapted it to another target audience.
4. Modify: Ask yourself which features it might be beneficial to modify.
5. Put to another use: Determine whether your product or service would
be more effective if put to another use.
6. Eliminate: Identify any unnecessary features you might eliminate to
improve the product or service.
7. Reverse: Imagine what would happen if you reconfigured the product or
reversed the process of producing it.

Related: 10 Ideation Techniques for Problem-Solving

11. Organic

The organic approach provides an alternative perspective on the nature of

problems. It assumes many problems are too intricate to fix by following a set
of linear, generic steps. Instead, the organic approach calls for users to identify
their visions and values, as well as identify actions they can take to realize them.
In this way, the organic approach places importance on the problem-solving
process rather than its results.

12. Hybrid

This approach involves combining two or more of the previous problem-solving

approaches. Doing so prompts you to examine the problem from multiple
angles, helping you to arrive at the most effective solution possible.
Related: How To Be a Better Problem Solver (With Steps and Tips)

What are the Characteristics of a Good

Question
“If I had an hour to solve a problem, and my life depended on the
solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper
question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve
the problem in less than five minutes.”
- Albert Einstein

That’s how significant a good question is. It is a powerful tool that

can cause the desired impact and invoke the right emotions and
thoughts. A good question can ignite creativity and also educate
students.

While developing good questions may seem like a pretty

straightforward task, it is not as simple as it looks. A good question
needs to have a personality of its own which is made of specific
characteristics. Here are some of the most essential characteristics
of a good question.

1. Relevant

A good question is relevant. It focuses on recall of only the material

covered in your lesson and aligns well with the overall learning
objectives.

If you ask ‘What are the branches of soil science?’ for an

introductory lesson that focused on only the type of soil, then it
doesn’t really qualify as a relevant question. A better and more
relevant question in this context would be ‘What are the
characteristics of each type of soil?’.

2. Clear

A good question is framed in a clear, easily understandable

language, without any vagueness. Students should understand what
is wanted from the question even when they don’t know the answer
to it.

The question ‘What are your rights?’ might be perceived as

confusing and vague since it doesn’t specifically state which rights
are sought. On the other hand, if you ask ‘What basic rights are
covered under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?’, the
same question becomes clear and specific.

3. Concise

A good question is usually crisp and concise. It omits any

unnecessary information that requires students to spend time
understanding it correctly. The idea is not to trick learners but
assess their knowledge.

Consider this question for example: ‘Since distemper in canines

affects several body systems like the gastrointestinal tracts,
respiratory tracts, spinal cord, and the brain, how should canines be
treated for it?’. This question gives a lot of information than what is
required. It could simply be rephrased as ‘How to treat distemper in
canines?’.

4. Purposeful

A question without a definite purpose has no value. The purpose

helps evaluate the question against some set benchmarks. A good
question can seek both innate and specific knowledge.

A question stating ‘What is the capital of France?’ requires the

student to just exercise their memory to answer it. And if that is the
purpose you have set, the question is totally justified. But if the
purpose is to evaluate and enhance the student’s ability to reason,
the same question might need to be stated as ‘How Paris is well
located to be the capital of France?’.

5. Guiding But Not Leading

A good question guides the learners towards understanding the

concept in the picture. But at the same time, it doesn’t lead them to
specific answers.
For example, ‘Since infant formula is a safe substitute for
breastmilk, should its use be normalized?' is an extremely biased
question that assumes formula to be safe for infants and leads users
to state a ‘yes’ for an answer. Instead, this question could simply be
rephrased as ‘Do you think the use of infant formula needs to be
normalized?’.

6. Stimulates Thinking

A good question requires learners to think through and recall the

concepts taught. It doesn’t patronize them by asking the obvious.

‘Can you survive without water?’ is the perfect example of a

question that doesn’t stimulate any thinking because questions a
universally accepted fact. ‘How long does it take to die from the lack
of water?’ might be a better question in this regard.

7. Single-Dimensional

Remember, one question is one question. And hence, a good

question focuses on one dimension at a time. If there are multiple
ideas to evaluate, it is better to split them into multiple questions.

‘When did World War II begin and why was it fought?’ is a multi-
dimensional question that requires students to examine two things
at a time. It is recommended to divide it into two distinct questions
to facilitate easier and better recall: ‘When did World War II begin?’
and ‘Why was World War II fought?’.