Over the course of this semester, we have established that an efficient problem solving skill-set is one of the most desirable and beneficial skills a graduate may possess when entering the workforce. In fact, in a survey conducted by Victoria University comparing professional skills by importance, problem-solving skills were ranked highly by both academics and businesses in the field (Victoria University, 2016) .It is vital that problems are approached using a logical and systematic framework, and more importantly, that the actual problem, rather than the perceived problem, is identified (Fogler and LeBlanc, 2014). We have learned how to effectively make this comparison by utilizing such methodology as The Dunker Diagram, and the Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis (KTPA), amongst other techniques.
By approaching problems with a systematic plan, we are able to make decisions based on factual circumstances rather than assumptions, and by doing so the solutions that are reached become long-term or even permanent, rather than temporary fixes to alleviate issues that will need to be reconsidered later on (Verbal Communication in the Workplace, 2008). One technique we explored to assist with this is The Dunker Diagram, which outlines the functional and specific solutions to a problem, segregated into a …show more content…
As said by Karl Popper, one of the leading philosophers of 20th century science, “All life is problem solving” (Llopis, 2013). It is with this mindset and the skills developed throughout this semester that will best equip me entering a company as an employer, by establishing myself as a lateral thinker, and one that can determine the finite details when faced with hurdles, to efficiently return to an improved level of