1. Introduction to Problem Solving

2. Problem Solving in Everyday Life
Identify the problem. The first step toward solving a problem is to identify the problem.
Understand the problem
What is involved in the problem?
Understand the knowledge base of the person or machine for whom you are solving the problem – what the person know?
Identify alternative ways to solve the problem
Should be as complete as possible
Must be acceptable ones
Select the best way to solve the problem from the list of alternative solutions
Select criteria for the evaluation
Evaluate the pros and cons of each possible solution before selection
List instructions that enable you to solve the problem using the selected solution
Numbered, step-by-step instructions must fall within the knowledge base
Evaluation the solution
Check its result to see if it is correct, satisfies the needs with the problem

3. Types of Problems Problems with … Requires a series of actions
Algorithmic solutions
Requires reasoning built on knowledge and experience, and a process of trial and error
Heuristic solutions

4. Problem Solving with Computers
Definitions:
Solution  instructions followed to produce best result
Result  outcome, computer-assisted answer
Program  instructions for solution using computer language

5. Difficulties with Problem Solving
Lack of problem solving experience
Inadequate solution steps
Incorrect problem definition
Alternatives chosen incorrectly
Invalid logic
Incorrect solution evaluation

6. Software Development Method
Specify the problem requirements
Analyse the problem
Design the algorithm to solve the problem
Implement the algorithm
Test and verify the completed program
Maintain and update the program

7. Specify the Problem Requirements
State the problem clearly and unambiguously
To gain a clear understanding of what is required for its solution
Eliminate unimportant aspects
Zero in on the root problem

8. Analyse the Problem Identify the problem
Inputs – data to work with
Outputs – desired results
Additional requirements or constraints on the solution
Develop a list of problem variables and their relationships
The relationship may be expressed as formulas

9. Designing the Algorithm
Develop a list of steps – algorithm
Possible approach
Top-down design (divide and conquer)
List the major steps or subproblems
For subproblems, break down into further detail steps using stepwise refinement
Desk checking
Carefully verify the algorithm to ensure it works as intended

10. The Rest… Implementing the algorithm Testing and verifying the program
Convert the algorithm into program code using programming language
Testing and verifying the program
Test the completed program to verify that it works as intended
Test with different sets of data
Maintaining and updating the program
Modify the program to remove previously undetected errors

11. Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Models and methodologies used in information systems or software engineering system development
Forms the framework for the development process

12. Phases in SDLC Analysis of the problem Design of the solution
Analyse the problem to identify the needed data, the required results, and some ideas of how to process the data to achieve the desired results
Design of the solution
Decide what modules to use, how they interact, name the variables
Development of the solution
Test the code for each solution
Algorithms, flowcharts, pseudocode
Implementation of the solution
Solution is ready for use
Marketing, training, and final testing
Maintenance and review of the solution
Correction of found errors
Review product

13. Reference
Sprankle, M & Hubbard, J. (2012) Problem Solving and Programming Concepts, Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey, Chapter 1
Hanly, J.R. & Elliot B.K. (2009) Problem Solving and Program Design, Pearson Education, Inc., USA, Chapter 1