Problem solving: assumptions

Due to a lack of understanding in the use of analytical skills, most people resort to disconnected problem solving techniques to analyze their problems in lieu of a structured logical approach. This stems from the fact that we do not give analysts the tools necessary to do their jobs. Simply put, many of today s analysts lack the proper mentoring and training necessary to accomplish the desired result—the elimination of problems. Without these tools these analysts revert to their inherent god-given analytical techniques i.e., inference, perceptions, assumptions, intuition and reports by others. 

A basic assumption is that where a set of process considerations has been identified by the process engineer, the resulting design has been carried out accurately and competently. HAZOP looks for situations unrecognised by the designer ( deviations ) and examines whether there may be a hazardous implication. Thus, a HAZOP is NOT a place to carry out design work, a problem solving exercise, or a technique for... 

Comparative simplicity of MEIS-based computing experiments is due primarily to the simplicity of the main initial assumption of its construction on the equilibrium of all states belonging to the set of thermodynamic attainability Dt(y) and the identity of their physico-mathematical description. These states belong to the invariant manifold that contains trajectories tending to the extremum of characteristic thermodynamic function of the system and satisfying the monotonic variation of this function. The use of the mentioned assumption consistent with the second thermodynamics law allows one, as was noted, not to include in the formulation of the problem solved different more particular principles, such as the Gibbs... 

To solve this problem, some assumptions should be made on the relationship between the error of the regression line and the concentration. As a rule, one assumes that the error of the regression line is proportional to the concentration. The variance function Var(X) is obtained by plotting the standard error vs. the concentration. The function is consequently estimated with the least-squares method Var(X) = Sl = (c -T d cone)2. An alternative approach is described in the ISO 11483-2 standard, which uses an iterative procedure to estimate the variance function [18]. 

In each of the questions and problems below, rather than just drawing a box around your answer, write a sentence or two describing how you solved the problem, the assumptions you made, the reasonableness of your answer, what you learned, and any other facts you want to include. You may wish to refer to W. Strunk and E. B. White, The Elements of Style (New York Macmillan, 1979) and Joseph M. Williams, St) ie Ten Lessons in Clarity Grace (Glenview, 111. Scott, Foresman 19S9) to enhance the quality of your sentences. 

In each of the questions and problems below, rather than just drawing a box around your answer, write a sentence or two describing how you solved the problem, the assumptions you made, the reasonableness of your answer, what you learned, and any other facts that you want to include. 

Define the problem and state the assumptions. (See Problem Solving on the CD.)... 

Most chemists need to be able to solve structure problems What compound will fit the spectral data A proper attitude toward this type of problem solving is needed, and nobody has said it better than Sherlock Holmes It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. Strategies are definitely needed. Generate possibilities, then select the best one that fits the data. If none fit, generate more possibilities and examine your assumptions. 

An important assumption in the formulation of problem-solving schemas is that recognition and understanding of the situations expressed in story problems are necessary elements in schema formation and invocation. To explore this assumption, consider that a story problem is, in principle, meant to be a shorthand representation of a real-world situation. Sometimes the stories are elaborate, as in the imaginative problems of Boys Own Arithmetic (Weeks, 1924), which can run from two to five pages (see Table 3.1). More often, the stories are terse, only one or two sentences in length, and students are expected to use their own prior knowl-... 

For all of these problems, we ll apply the same problem-solving approach, notation system, and assumptions ... 

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