1. Problem Solving Methods

2. Engineers Solve Problems
Problem solving is a powerful human activity.
Computers are useful tools in problem solving, but it is the human who actually solves the problem.
It is impossible to teach specific facts that will always lead to a solution.
The ability to solve problem comes from doing it.
Many things must pull together to solve a problem.

3. Problem Solving
Problem solving is a combination of experience, knowledge, process, and art
Design process is a series of logical steps that when followed produce an optimal solution given time and resources as two constraints

4. Problem Solving; cont’
A problem is a situation, quantitative or otherwise, that confronts an individual or group of individuals, that requires resolution, and for which the individual sees no apparent path to the solution.

5. Problem Solving; cont’
Problem solving is a process, an activity whereby a best value is determined for an unknown, subject to a specific set of conditions. It is a means by which an individual uses previously acquired knowledge, skills and understanding to satisfy the demands of an unfamiliar situation.

6. What skills must be used when solving a problem?
Knowledge
Motivation
Experience
Communication Skills
Learning Skills
Group Skills

7. Problem Analysis
A distinguishing characteristic of a qualified engineer is the ability to solve technical problems; both art and science
Science; knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, physics, etc
Art; proper judgment, experience, common sense, and know-how; to know when and how rigorously science should be applied and whether the resulting answer reasonably satisfies the original problem is an art

8. Techniques for Error Free Problem Solving
Always draw a picture of the physical situation,if possible.
State any assumptions made.
Indicate all given properties on the diagram with their units.
Convert units to a given unit system. Label unknown quantities with a question mark.

9. Skills used in Implementing Problem Solving Strategies
Analysis
Use logic to:
Identify the system to be analyzed
Identify the objective Identify relationships
Divide the system into parts

10. Skills used in Implementing Problem Solving Strategies
Synthesis
Use creativity to:
Develop ideas via brainstorming
Evaluate the ideas by analysis when enough ideas have been generated

11. Skills used in Implementing Problem Solving Strategies
Decision Making
Use logic to
compare the various ideas and
select the “best” one(s)
Generalization - Going from the specific to the broad use abstraction to:
Aid in analysis, synthesis, and decision making

12. 3.1 Types of Problems Research Problems Knowledge Problems
Troubleshooting Problems
Mathematics Problems
Resource Problems
Social Problems
Design Problems

13. Difficulties in Problem Solving
Most common difficulty: failure to use known information.
To avoid this problem:
Write the problem in primitive form and sketch an accurate picture of the setup (where applicable).
Transform the primitive statements to simpler language.
Translate verbal problems to more abstract mathematical statement(s) and figures, diagrams, charts, etc.

14. General Problem Solving Method
Define and understand problem
Sketch the problem
Gather information
Generate and evaluate potential solutions
Use applicable theories and assumptions
Refine and implement solution
Verify and test solution

15. Define and Understand Understand what is being asked
Describe input/output (I/O)
what are you given
knowns
what are you trying to find
unknowns
Sketch the problem

16. Gather Information Collect necessary data
List relevant equations/theories
State all assumptions

17. CHECK YOUR WORK!! Don’t stop at getting an answer!!
Think about whether the answer makes physical sense.
you are the instructor and you have to turn in final grades. In your haste, you calculate the average of Susie’s grades (100, 70, 90) to be 78 and give Susie a C...

18. Getting It Right
The problem solving process may be an iterative process.
If at first you don’t succeed (i.e., the algorithm test fails), try again…
The more thorough you are at each step of the problem solving process, the more likely you are to get it right the first time!!

19. Creative Problem Solving
The nine dots shown are arranged in equally spaced rows and columns. Connect all nine points with four straight lines without lifting the pencil from the paper and without retracing any line.
Individual Exercise (3 minutes)

20. Creative Problem Solving

21. Creative Problem Solving
If you enjoy solving puzzles, you will enjoy engineering
Crick and Watson figured DNA when they were young
Engineers create from nature what did not exist before
In this creative process, the engineer marshals skills in mathematics, materials, and other engineering discipline and from these resources create a new solution for a human need

22. Creative Problem Solving
Engineering is not dull or stifling; send people to moon, communication from battlefield, etc
Creative artists spent many years perfecting their skills
Engineers need patience, practice, and gaining problem-solving techniques by training

23. Self-Questions for Problem Solving
How important is the answer to a given problem?
Would a rough, preliminary estimate be satisfactory or high degree accuracy demanded?
How much time do you have and what resources are at your disposal?
Data available or should be collected, equipments and personnel, etc

24. Self-Questions for Problem Solving
What about the theory you intend to use? Can you use it now or must learn to use it? Is it state of the art?
Can you make assumptions that simplify without sacrificing needed accuracy?
Are other assumptions valid and applicable?
Optimize time and resources vs reliability

25. Engineering Method
Recognize and understand the problem (most difficult part)
Accumulate data and verify accuracy
Select the appropriate theory or principles
Make necessary assumptions
Solve the problem
Verify and check results

26. Engineering Method
Perfect solutions to real problems do not exist. Simplify the problem to solve it; steady state, rigid body, adiabatic, isentropic, static etc
To solve a problem, use mathematical model; direct methods, trial-and-error, graphic methods, etc.

27. Standards of Problem Presentation
Engineers should have ability to present information with great clarity in a neat, careful manner
Poor engineering documents can be legal problems in courts
Follow standard forms such as shown in the textbooks

28. Building Effective Leadership Skills
Creating Your Own Leadership Legacy

29. Background/Overview
Effective leadership skills are needed more than ever to stay ahead of the competition.
Through the examples of five leadership legends, you will hear ideas and strategies that you can incorporate into your personal leadership style to help drive winning results in your organization.
Historically, the training of actuaries has underserved the leadership component. Using effective leadership skills can help actuaries be more impactful, and better influence the businesses they support.

30. The essence of leadership is service to others
On a basic level, as a leader, you exist to:
Inspire others to strive for excellence
Ensure the work environment is safe, challenging, and fair
Teach, mentor, provide guidance
True leaders put the welfare of the group ahead of their own self-interest
“Selfless” does not mean “hands-off”
Great leaders enhance institutional capability by driving the actions of others to achieve greatness
Leadership is all about helping others to succeed.

31. The perceived complexity of leadership arises from its seemingly overwhelming number of duties
Create and establish strategies
Ensure effectiveness and efficiency
Communicate openly and often
Build solid relationships
Act with integrity and fairness
Provide counsel and direction
Exert influence in the absence of ownership
Foster collaboration
Motivate, coach and develop others
Produce results, meet objectives and exceed goals
How can a leader avoid being overwhelmed by this complexity?

32. Focusing on a few key qualities and incorporating them into every action simplifies the act of leading others, and increases leadership effectiveness
There is no standardized approach to effective leadership
Your effectiveness as a leader is directly proportional to how well the key qualities you focus on align with your values and your personality
My five qualities of a great leader are:
Maintains and demonstrates strong convictions
Develops and communicates a clear, winning vision
Creates a high performance culture
Convinces rather than controls
Continually learns

33. Maintain and Demonstrate Strong Convictions Leadership Profile: Joan of Arc

34. Maintaining and demonstrating strong convictions gives leaders their credibility
Integrity
Lead by example
Personal accountability
Strive for excellence
“Play for your paycheck”
“Bring your ‘A’ game every day”
“Average is defined as the best of the worst, or the worst of the best”

35. Develop and Communicate a Clear, Winning Vision Leadership Profile: Martin Luther King, Jr.

36. A clear, compelling, winning vision is the cornerstone of building organizational success
Establish and articulate a clear vision of the future for your business to inspire commitment from others:
Should be “stretch,” but not “folly”
Include measurable indicators of progress and success
Develop compelling long-term business strategies to achieve the vision:
Built with a strong understanding of the external environment
Takes into account perspectives and capabilities of your organization and those with which it interacts
Ensure broad strategies are translated into clear and effective operating plans and tactical initiatives

37. Create a High Performance Culture Leadership Profile: Herbert D
Create a High Performance Culture Leadership Profile: Herbert D. Kelleher, Southwest Airlines

38. A High Performing Culture engages, challenges, and fully leverages employees, which promotes innovation and continuous improvement
Build your team to win!
Assess, then stretch/challenge top players
Seek to Redeploy, Rehabilitate, or, if needed, Remove underperformers
Hire winners
Execute aggressive performance management as part of your overall talent management strategy
Set clear performance objectives and expectations
Monitor and document performance; reward success, and hold people accountable for poor performance
Provide direct, helpful feedback
Take corrective action when necessary
Pay for performance, pay for potential
Drive a culture of open and fast communication to support rapid response to changing business conditions
Build inclusion, leverage diversity
Continually raise the bar – don’t get complacent

39. Convince Rather Than Control Leadership Profile: William Wallace - “Braveheart”

40. Any leader can get work done by barking orders…

41. …But the enlightened leader convinces people to engage in the right behaviors, gains buy-in, and gives them choices while influencing them to perform at a high level
Clearly articulate your point of view and persuade employees to accept your proposal and/or recommendation
Project self-confidence without arrogance
Develop effective and constructive strategies for influencing important decisions, sometimes shifting the organization’s direction or way of looking at things
Use high-impact, efficient communication vehicles to get your points across

42. Continuous Learning Leadership Profile: Jack Welch

43. The Profession of Leadership requires continuous learning, just like Actuarial
Regularly conduct an honest self-assessment
Initiate efforts to develop skills that will enhance performance in current role and/or accelerate readiness for future roles
Take full advantage of available learning and development programs, e.g., executive development programs, courses, professional certifications
Solicit feedback and guidance from mentors or coaches, then genuinely listen to feedback and apply learnings
Seek challenges that provide opportunities for on-the-job development of critical knowledge and skills
Ask questions to learn from others with different knowledge, experience or perspective

44. Summary The essence of leadership is service to others
Don’t be overwhelmed by the seemingly endless number of tasks and obligations leadership requires
Rather, focus on a few core attributes as you practice the profession of leadership, like these:
Have strong convictions
Develop and communicate a clear, winning vision
Create a high performance culture
Convince rather than control
Be a continuous learner
What qualities of a great leader would you add to this list?

45. Some Final Thoughts Your role as a leader is more critical than ever
Identify a take-away to work on towards building more effective leadership skills
What will be your leadership legacy?

46. Open Discussion