Houston: We Have A Problem! The Problem Based Learning Model Steps 7-9

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Houston We Have A Problem! The Problem Based
Learning Model Steps 7-9

• Sue Church
• January 27, 2009

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Step 1 Describe the Situation

• Issue Identification What is the Situation?
• What Challenges Exist?
• Opportunity Identification
• Environmental scanning
• Identify Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical
  Dilemmas
• Identify competing values and rights
• Identify ethical concerns

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Step 2 Frame the Right Problem

• Begin with the mindset All problems can be
  viewed as opportunities
• Define the right problem/opportunity
• Identify if there really is a problem
• Is the problem worth saving?

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Step 3 Describe the End-State Goals

• What does the ideal future end state look like?
• What are the goals that define it?

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Step 4 Identify the Alternatives

• Identifying alternative solutions is a creative
  process.
• Involves brainstorming and idea generation in
  order to realize the end-state and meet the
  end-state goals.
• Involves asking stakeholders and experts for
  possible solutions.
• Involves benchmarking, if appropriate.

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Step 5Evaluate Alternatives

• The evaluation can include a scoring analysis.
• Can include a comparative/descriptive analysis of
  the benefits and costs of each alternative
  solution as it relates to the end-state goals.
• Each alternative solution should be evaluated
  using the same evaluation method.
• The scores are tallied and the top 2-3
  alternatives move to Step 6, risk assessment.

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Step 6 Identify and Assess Risks

• There is risk in all decisions, so risk should be
  identified.
• Strategies to mitigate risk should be
  incorporated into the optimal solution.
• The risk assessment can also be used to rule out
  an entire alternative solution if the risk is too
  great.

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Step 7 Make the Decision

• Once the alternative solutions have been
  identified and the risks have been evaluated, it
  is time to select the optimal solution.
• Keep in mind that taking no action may be the
  optimal solution.

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Step 7 Make the Decision

• After conducting steps 1-6, it may appear that
  this step is relatively simple.
• Yet, many leaders have difficulty in making the
  final decision, especially if the risks or costs
  are substantial.

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Step 7 Make the Decision

• Keep in mind that failing to make a decision
  could be disastrous in some situations.
• Inaction is a decision.
• Inaction is deciding not to act.

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Decision-Making Matrix
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From the Experts

• If we did all things we
• are capable of doing,
• we would literally
• astound ourselves
• Thomas Alva Edison

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Step 8Develop and Implement the Solution

• Step 8 involves developing the implementation
  plan for the optimal solution.
• This is an extremely critical step and if not
  flawlessly executed, could result in failure of
  an excellent alternative solution.
• The key to this step is to identify the resources
  and responsibilities and gain agreement.

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Step 8Develop and Implement the Solution

• A solution without a plan will likely not get off
  the ground, yet alone succeed.
• The implementation plan is a critical success
  factor.
• Yet, a one page project plan is all that is
  needed to implement the optimal solution.

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Step 8Develop and Implement the Solution

• Keep in mind, the optimal solution should align
  the stakeholders.
• Stakeholders are more likely to take
  responsibility for the success of the plan if
  they are involved early in the process.
• Gain stakeholder support of the solution by
  enlisting both the supporters and the
  naysayers.

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Step 8Develop and Implement the Solution

• There are many options and approaches to the
  implementation plan.
• Staged Implementation is one option.
• Embody principles of project management.
• What is required is a well-defined plan to
  realize the optimal solution.

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Implementation Plan
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Step 9 Evaluate the Results

• Step 9 involves evaluating the outcomes of the
  solution. How do you define success?
• Dont make the evaluation an afterthought.
• Build the evaluation in planning process.
• The evaluation must answer this basic question
  Did the solution meet its end-state goals?

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Step 9 Evaluate the Results

• If the solution did not meet the end state goals,
  then evaluate why not?
• How the solution is evaluated depends upon what
  the specific solution and implementation approach
  are.
• Identify and share the learnings they are the
  key to continuous improvement.

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Step 9 Evaluate the Results

• Need to determine what will be measured and how
  it will be measured.
• Consider leading indicators.
• A leading indicator is an economic indicator that
  changes before the economy has changed.
• Examples of leading indicators include
  production, unemployment rates, money supply,
  changes in inventory and stock prices.

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Step 9 Evaluate the Results

• Consider lagging indicators, which change after
  the overall economy, but these are of minimal use
  as predictive tools.
• Examples include labor costs, operational costs,
  inventory book value.

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Evaluation Plan
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Key Summary Points in PBL

• A problem-solving approach can be used that
  includes both an analytical and a values
  (ethical) perspective. The values or ethical
  perspective is addressed by considering the
  values and rights of each of the key
  stakeholders.
• A problem-solving approach provides a structured
  and simple approach to solving challenges,
  realizing opportunities, and addressing ethical
  dilemmas and complex situations for work and for
  life.

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Key Summary Points in PBL

• The are a set of questions that are common across
  business and personal situations.
• The final solution may be a combination of
  alternatives and perspectives, not merely the
  selection of one of a few initial alternatives.

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Key Summary Points in PBL

• The process itself can lead to creative and
  valuable solutions.
• The focus of solving problems should always be on
  identifying and realizing opportunities.
• The best solutions come from trying to see the
  possibilities for the futurenot the barriers and
  problems.

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From the Experts

• Dont be pushed by your problems.
• Be led by your dreams.
• Anonymous

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References

• University of Phoenix White Paper.(2006).
  Problem Solving Based Scenarios An Approach to
  Identify Opportunities to Create Value for the
  Business.

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Next Steps

• Congratulations! You have now learned the
  Problem-Based Learning Model.
• The next meeting will be 2/24 with Dr. Kryda and
  Mike Schmidt for the State of Healthcare
  Presentation and assignment of real-life problem.
• Be prepared with questions.