Problem solving involves a number of welldefined steps, which are as follows:

Define the problem.

Analyze the problem.
Identify and evaluate possible solutions.
Select and justify the optimal solution.
Implement the solution.
Review.

The first step towards the solution of a problem is to

ensure that the problem is well-defined.
You cannot produce a solution to something that you are
not clear about.
You have to be able to define or describe the problem to
someone else.
A good definition of the problem includes a description of
the persons or organizations that the problem impacts
(i.e. whose problem is it?).
It also includes a description of how the problem manifests
itself and the environment and circumstances under which
it occurs.

A problem definition also contains some description of

what is expected of a solution and identifies possible
resource limitations that one needs to take into account in
the implementation of a solution.

After the problem has been clearly defined, you may want
to gather empirical data to help in the formulation of
possible solutions.
For example, if the problem is traffic congestion outside
the school, it would be useful to have some quantifiable
measures of how bad the traffic congestion is (how many
cars are blocking the traffic, or how long do individuals
have to wait).

Clearly, the choice of which data to gather and how to

gather them is an important decision in the problem
solving process.
Tools such as questionnaires, interviews, observations and
reviewing documents play an integral role in gathering the
required data.
Productivity tools also have an important role to play here
as they make the storage and analysis of data more
straightforward.

Once the problem has been analyzed, you are now able to
consider alternative ways of solving the problem (probable
solutions).
Related to the above, is research of the relevant
literature.
It is more than likely that other organizations or
individuals have experienced a similar problem before,
and you may be able to learn from their solution attempts.
Moreover, for many problems, there are well-established
fields of academic research, and the methodologies and
theories developed may prove useful in the formulation of
a possible solution.

Once the various possible solutions have been defined, you

need to choose one of them for implementation.
This process involves examining the strengths and
weaknesses (advantages and disadvantages) of each
probable solution.
Considerations to take into account here are cost, the
likelihood of success (will the solution, once implemented,
really solve the problem?) and the question of whether the
implementation of the proposed solution is likely to
produce additional problems.

There is no other choice but to implement the solution

selected as being the optimal if the problem is to be
solved.
However, before implementation can take place, the
solution must either be created, developed or acquired.
Some solutions have already been created or developed
and can be purchased, or is otherwise available, for
immediate use.
Other solutions have to be developed or created from
scratch following numerous processes/activities over a
long period of time before they are available.
Implementation of the solution essentially means that the
solution is in place, or available, for use by the affected
individual or organization in solving the problem.

Once the solution has been implemented, it becomes

necessary to evaluate or review it.
In carrying out such an evaluation, certain questions must
be asked.
Is the solution operational and functioning?
Did the solution work without producing other problems?
Is the solution effective? Did it solve the problem?
Is the solution efficient? Did it solve the problem using
minimum resources?
If the answer to these questions is yes, congratulations.
However, if the answer is no, the selected solution was not
the best and the problem-solving process must return to
the selection step in the best case scenario, or the
beginning in the worse, and progress to the review again.