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Creative Problem Solving.

Name:

Instructor:

Due Date:

Course Number:
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Introduction

A problem can be defined as a deviation from the standard (EBA website). The PADIL

framework for problem solving is a 5-step process for identifying and solving problems. The

letters in PADIL can be substituted for Problem, Alternative, Decide, Implement, Learn

(Albany.edu, 2021). Each of these words mean something within the context of problem solving.

Problem refers to identifying and understanding the issue that is to be resolved. Alternative

means looking for possible solutions to the identified issue. Decide refers to identification and

selection of the best solution among the options. Implement refers to the execution of the

solution by following a set plan. Learn refers to perform an assessment of the solution to check

whether it is viable and applicable (Albany.edu, 2021).

 Step 1 involves redefining the problem. This entails confirming that you are

working on the right problem while also reframing the problem to check whether

by viewing them from a different perspective might generate a wider pool of

solutions.

 Step 2 involves generating all the possible solutions to the identified problem.

One should seek to generate more solutions than originally expected and using the

techniques for generating alternatives such as brainstorming and brainwriting.

 Step 3 involves eliminating unsuitable solutions. To choose a solution, one is

expected to define the criteria used to evaluate each of the alternatives. In some

cases, it may be appropriate to use a weighted ranking that shows a clear

comparison and selection logic.

 Step 4 involves the actual selection of the decision.

 Step 5 involves implementing the solution selected.

 Step 6 involves learning and seeking feedback about the solution. The final step in

the process, this entails examining whether the decision was truly successful and

is still the right solution while also carrying out investigation on what went

wrong, in the case of a failed solution, and try to determine what to change next

time.

Step 1

The issue being faced by the organization is that of public safety. With the spread of the

Covid 19 pandemic has come stringent rules for how business is to be conducted publicly and

deviation from this will place the employees and customers in a place of vulnerability to the

disease, and the organization in an undesirable position of unethical business dealings which

leads to other problems as well (Dechert LLP, 2020). The problem here is swiftly and effectively

implementing work safe protocols despite resistance.

The priority is to adhere to the work safe protocols as any deviation from them could

spell some disastrous consequences for the company if the government found out about the

unethical practices or contamination occurred and the company is forced to shut down operations

(Susser and Tyson, 2020). The second priority is to implement this without aggravating

employees and customers who feel discomfited by the new Covid 19 regulations concerning

safety and social distancing. Explicit examples of occurrences of the problem include customers

who do not want to wear a mask inside our premises, employees who keep disregarding social

distancing rules because for their own convenience and customers and employees who are

reluctant to sanitize before transactions.

Step 2

After stating the obvious facets of the problem, two ways of solving the problem present

themselves. The first method adopts a more disciplined course of action while the alternative

supports a more lenient and business friendly course of action. Because the problem carries with

it two different dimensions of problem, our solution has to incorporate distinct solutions for each

part of the overall problem. In this case, our solutions need to address both the disregard for

social distancing and safety and the risk of losing customers to other companies or centers that

appear to be friendlier and accommodating. It is not possible to choose one problem at the

expense of another because both problems are core problems that would significantly impact the

operation, and existence, of the company if left unchecked. To complete this step, it is necessary

to find solutions that solve the disregard for safety regulations and also handle the public

relations of the company sufficiently.

Step 3 and Step 4.

Two creative solutions present themselves: Tighten the implementation of Covid 19

regulations while providing incentives to customers to be consistent with their observance of the

safety regulations or allow the disregard for Covid regulations to proceed but introduce barriers

that enforce the social distancing rule, increase capacity for the centers to accommodate more

customers and hire additional staff to politely coordinate movement of people that will not be in

the breach of the safety regulations. To choose a solution, I must exhaustively evaluate each

option and choose the most suitable.

The first solution takes a hard stance on customer service but essentially guarantees their

safety at no extra charge to them. In fact, for them it is beneficial to follow the safety rules as it
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increases their chances of claiming an incentive. The advantage of this solution is that it allows

the company to operate within legal and ethical bounds. The disadvantage is that it may lead to

reduced volume of customers which will in turn lead to reduced profit. The incentives that are

necessary to keep the customers coming translate to higher expenses for the company.

The second solution is more accommodating to customers but walks an ethical fine line.

By allowing the customers to keep their freedom, the company creates a reputation for

friendliness and good customer service which may increase volume of customers and profits as

well. The ethical downside is significant as the measures, which are lenient and average, may

place the customers at a theoretical risk of infection even though they may be good enough to

keep the government away. The set up of barriers and the hiring of new staff will increase the

expenses but the high customer volume may compensate for that adequately.

The first solution is better because it takes care of the non-negotiable priority first. While

customer turn out during the pandemic is of high importance to a business’ survival, it should not

come at the expense of public health as the downside of that aspect is significantly bigger. The

business stands to gain more from the second solution but in a strictly pragmatic view, which

according to Dechert LLP (2020) should be adopted in tough economic times, the first solution is

more suitable as it has fewer fatal downsides.

Step 5

Judgements and bias are inevitable for as long as we are human. In the formulation and

consideration of the potential solution, I used a heuristic. While the solution is relatively

straightforward, the mental shortcut of oversimplification of the situation occurred. The factors

that affect the profits and customer turn out are numerous even though not as significant as the
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two mentioned in steps 3 and 4. To avoid this bias, one should analyze all the relevant and

minute aspects of the problem and solution to prevent the solution from being implemented as a

stock solution.

Proceeding with the first solution might be construed as an occurrence of escalation of

commitment. This occurs when someone continues to stick to past ideas and decisions even

when current evidence no longer supports them. In our case, this applies to the continuation and

strengthening of safety regulations even though the failure of this system is what leads us to the

current problem. To avoid this bias, one should consider all the factual data before making a

decision and consulting others who have been in a similar position.

Conclusion

The primary takeaway from this search for a solution is that no solution is inherently

perfect. In the real world, problems are complex and the best decision is usually the most

functional one. In our case, the problem had two aspects of which none could be foregone. This

demanded the creation of an equally complex solution which, despite the application of our

process, is far from perfect. In addition, the PADIL system has showed to be functional and

represents an easy and scientific way of coming up with solutions that take care of the problem at

its root.
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References

EBA. (2021). 5 step Problem Solving Approach.: https://www.educational-business-

articles.com/5-step-problem-solving/. Accessed 12th Feb 2021.

Dechert LLP (2020). COVID-19 Coronavirus Business Impact: ICO Confirms Approach to Data

Protection Enforcement.: https://iclg.com/briefing/11711-covid-19-coronavirus-business-

impact-ico-confirms-approach-to-data-protection-enforcement. Accessed 12th Feb 2021.

Albany College. (2021). Chapter 5: Problem Solving.: www.albany.edu › faculty › vanness ›

Moore.

Susser, Peter and Tyson, Tahl. (2020). What Are Companies’ Legal Obligations Around

Coronavirus?. The Havard Business Review.: https://hbr.org/2020/03/what-are-

companies-legal-obligations-around-coronavirus. Accessed 12th Feb 2021.