Problem Solving

From a systems science perspective, problem solving moves beyond addressing isolated symptoms to understanding and altering the underlying structures that generate undesirable outcomes. This holistic approach involves mapping the interconnected components, feedback loops, and dynamic relationships within a complex system to identify how a problem emerges and is sustained. Rather than implementing linear, cause-and-effect fixes that can lead to unintended consequences, the goal is to identify high-leverage points where small, well-focused interventions can produce significant, lasting, and system-wide improvements.

1. Foundations of Problem Solving
   1. Nature of Problems
      1. Problem Definition and Characteristics
      2. Simple vs Complex Problems
      3. Well-Defined vs Ill-Defined Problems
      4. Problem Types and Categories
   2. Problem-Solving Paradigms
      1. Analytical Problem Solving
      2. Creative Problem Solving
      3. Systems-Based Problem Solving
      4. Design Thinking Approach
   3. Cognitive Aspects of Problem Solving
      1. Mental Models and Problem Representation
      2. Cognitive Biases in Problem Solving
      3. Pattern Recognition
      4. Intuition vs Systematic Analysis