Problem solving methods

Problem Solving Methods Most, if not aU, problems or applications that involve mass transfer can be approached by a systematic-course of action. In the simplest cases, the unknown quantities are obvious. In more complex (e.g., iTmlticomponent, multiphase, multidimensional, nonisothermal, and/or transient) systems, it is more subtle to resolve the known and unknown quantities. For example, in multicomponent systems, one must know the fluxes of the components before predicting their effective diffusivities and vice versa. More will be said about that dilemma later. Once the known and unknown quantities are resolved, however, a combination of conservation equations, definitions, empirical relations, and properties are apphed to arrive at an answer. Figure 5-24 is a flowchart that illustrates the primary types of information and their relationships, and it apphes to many mass-transfer problems. 

The standard requires the supplier to investigate the cause of nonconformities relating to product, process, and quality system and record the results of the investigation. The supplementary requirements require the supplier to use problem-solving methods when an internal or external nonconformity occurs. 

Having collected the data you will need to sort it and manipulate it so as to reveal the significance of the nonconformities and theorize about the possible causes. There may be several causes, in which case there will be some that dominate the others. Your job is to discover the dominant cause of the nonconformity and test the theories to find the actual cause, using problem-solving methods (see below). 

There are many tools you can use to help you determine the root cause of problems. These are known as disciplined problem solving methods. 

Perhaps the most inipoilant job that the engineer faces on a day-to-day basis is the need to solve problems. Several problem solving approaches arc presented in Part IV in an attempt to identify hazards (particularly of an accidental nature). These problem solving methods include, but are not limited to ... 

These problem solving methods often involve a need to determine the following ... 

This problem looks complicated, so it is a good idea to apply the seven-step problem-solving method. 

Kanal, L. N., and Dattatreya, G. R., Problem-solving methods for pattern recognition. In Handbook of Pattern Recognition and Image Processing, (T. Y. Young, and K.-S. Fu, eds.) Academic Press, New York, 1985. 

An expert system does much more than extract information from a database, format it, and offer it up to the user it analyzes and processes the information to make deductions and generate recommendations. Because an ES may be required to present alternative strategies and give an estimate of the potential value of different courses of action, it must contain a reasoning capacity, which relies on some sort of general problem-solving method. 

Chemistry is full of calculations. Our basic goal is to help you develop the knowledge and strategies you need to solve these problems. In this chapter, you will review the Metric system and basic problem solving techniques, such as the Unit Conversion Method. Your textbook or instructor may call this problem solving method by a different name, such as the Factor-Label Method and Dimensional Analysis. Check with your instructor or textbook as to for which SI (Metric) prefixes and SI-English relationships will you be responsible. Finally, be familiar with the operation of your calculator. (A scientific calculator will be the best for chemistry purposes.) Be sure that you can correctly enter a number in scientific notation. It would also help if you set your calculator to display in scientific notation. Refer to your calculator s manual for information about your specific brand and model. Chemistry is not a spectator sport, so you will need to Practice, Practice, Practice. 

Knowledge Extraction. Expert systems are usually used to solve hard" problems for which the solution methodology is not documented. An expert is a person who can provide the highest quality answers or advice for a specific problem domain. Unless the expert routinely teaches the problem-solving method, he or she will probably have difficulty in clearly describing the method. 

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a class of problem solving methods aimed at identifying the root causes of problems or events. The practice of RCA is predicated on the belief that problems are best solved by attempting to correct or eliminate root causes, as opposed to merely addressing the immediately obvious symptoms. By directing corrective measures at root causes, it is hoped that the likelihood of problem recurrence will be minimized. However it is recognized that complete prevention of recurrence by a single intervention is not always possible. Thus RCA is often considered to be an iterative process and is frequently viewed as a tool of continuous improvement. 

TRIZ is a problem solving method that was developed by Genrich Altshuller over a forty-year period in the former Soviet Union [C-20], it has many devotees, used in many major companies and there is an on-line journal devoted to the topic [C-21], The acronym is derived from the Russian for Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. It is very different from the other creativity techniques described above, in that it operates via a study of patterns of problems and solutions and not by the spontaneous creativity of individuals and groups. It was based on the analysis of over 1.5 million patents, since extended to 2.8 million, to discover patterns that predict breakthrough solutions to problems. 

Powers, G.J., "Non-Numerical Problem Solving Methods in Computer Aided-Design," IFIPS Conference on Computer-Aided Design, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, 1972. 

After most numbered examples, a practice problem is presented for the students to practice the problem-solving method. The complete answers are presented in Appendix 4. The smdents will then use these methods to solve the end-of-chapter problems. 

N. L. Nilsson, Problem-Solving Methods in Artificial Intelligence, Chap. 3, p. 53. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1971. 

It is possible to foster creativity, through chemistry, in children if we make use of scientific methods in teaching of chemistry. The important of such methods are problem solving method, project method, laboratory method etc. We can say that most chemists were creative because they relied on method of discovering new knowledge. For fostering creativity in children the chemistry teacher is expected the perform varied roles. He is expected to perform the following roles ... 

A scientific method is a method which is used for solving a problem scientifically. It is also referred as the method of science on or the method of a scientist. Sometimes it is called as problem solving method. So far it has not been possible to arrive at any commonly agreed definition of scientific method. 

New manufacturing technology will probably increase the need for machine oriented problem solving methods. Any movement of the... 

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