Military Problem Solving

Question 1

A ___ is an issue or obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal or end state.

Answer 1

problem

Question 2

What are the 3 types of problems?

Answer 2

1. Well-structured- math
2. Medium- structured- how to conduct defense, tire-blowout
3. Ill-structured- WOCS

Question 3

What two terms are often associated with problem solving?

Answer 3

1. Critical reasoning- problem solving

2. Creative thinking- outside the box

Question 4

What are the 7 steps of the Problem Solving process?

Answer 4

1. gather information and knowledge (continually)
2. Identify the problem
3. Develop criteria
4. Generate possible solutions
5. Analyze possible solutions
6. Compare possible solutions
7. Make and implement the decision

Question 5

Facts, Assumptions, Interests and Organizing Information are part of which step?

Answer 5

1. Gather information and knowledge

Question 6

When identifying a problem, leaders actively seek to identify its ___ , not merely the symptoms on the surface.

Answer 6

root cause

Question 7

What step contains the who, what, when, where and why?

Answer 7

2. Identify the problem

Question 8

A ___ is a standard, rule or test by which something can be judged.

Answer 8

criterion

Question 9

Which step involves Screening and Evaluating criteria?

Answer 9

3. Develop criteria

Question 10

Generating multiple options is a part of which step?

Answer 10

4. Develop possible solutions

Question 11

leaders ___ to determine merits and drawbacks

Answer 11

5. Analyze Possible Solutions

Question 12

Which step commonly uses a Decision Matrix?

Answer 12

6. Compare Possible Solutions

Question 13

part of ___ involves persuading the audience that it is correct

Answer 13

7. Make and Implement the Decision

Question 14

What are 12 Roadblocks to Problem Solving?

Answer 14

1. Fear of failure
2. Tunnel vision
3. Over seriousness
4. Over certainty
5. Binding customs- we have always done it this way
6. Fear of the unknown
7. Command pressure
8. Failure to properly identify the problem
9. Failure to talk to others who have dealt with it
10. Lack of adequate information
11. Not identifying all the players
12. Not specifying the desired end state