CIT 102: INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING

Dr. O. M. Awoniran
What is Problem Solving
• Everyone must have felt at least once in his or her life how wonderful
it would be if we could solve a problem at hand preferably without
much difficulty or even with some difficulties.
What is Problem Solving
• Problem solving is the process of identifying a problem, developing an
algorithm for the identified problem and finally implementing the
algorithm to develop a computer program
What is Problem Solving
• Problem solving is an art and there are no universal approaches one
can take to solving problems. 
• generally speaking, there is guessing and hence an element of luck
involved in problem solving.
• However, in general, as one gains experience in solving problems, one
develops one's own techniques and strategies, though they are often
intangible.
Importance of Problem Solving
1. Intelligent time management
• Time management skills can often be under looked as one of
the benefits of problem-solving skills.
• However, those with problem-solving abilities also typically
possess stellar time-management skills.
• The ability to manage their time wisely and laser-focus on
what’s important to the business will lead to better decision-
making and business impact. 
Importance of Problem Solving
2. Ability to prioritize, plan, and execute strategies
• Problem solvers have no issue with carefully assessing
customer and client needs and how to prioritize, plan, and
execute strategies for how to meet them.
• They can manage all moving parts since they can strategize
how best to meet multiple unique demands.
Importance of Problem Solving
3. Ability to think outside the box
• Problem solvers can often identify opportunities in
problems.
• Thinking outside of the box is an important problem-solving
skill since it can often lead to better outcomes than had been
expected originally. 
Importance of Problem Solving
4. Ability to work under pressure
• This is often one of the most important benefits of problem-
solving skills in the workplace.
• Problem solvers often have personalities that respond well
under pressure, including accelerated deadlines and
changing project parameters.
• Depending on problem to be solved, one might prefer
someone who can deliver quick solutions or someone who
takes their time to identify the next steps -- both are valid
problem-solving qualities. 
Importance of Problem Solving
5. Ability to address risk
• Planning is an important problem-solving skill.
• Problem solvers are not just equipped to deal with the
problem at hand but are also able to anticipate problems
that will arise in the future based on trends, patterns,
experience, and current events.
Steps for Problem Solving
• Suppose while driving, a vehicle starts making a strange noise. We
might not know how to solve the problem right away. First, we need
to identify from where the noise is coming? In case the problem
cannot be solved by us, then we need to take the vehicle to a
mechanic. The mechanic will analyse the problem to identify the
source of the noise, make a plan about the work to be done and
finally repair the vehicle in order to remove the noise
Steps for Problem Solving
• From the scenario, it is explicit that, finding the solution to a problem
might consist of multiple steps.
• When problems are straightforward and easy, we can easily find the
solution.
• But a complex problem requires a methodical approach to find the
right solution.
• In other words, we have to apply problem solving techniques.
Steps for Problem Solving
• Problem solving begins with the precise identification of the problem
and ends with a complete working solution in terms of a program or
software.
• Key steps required for solving a problem using a computer are shown
in Figure1
Steps for Problem Solving
Steps for Problem Solving:
1. Analyzing the Problem
• It is important to clearly understand a problem before we begin to
find the solution for it.
• If we are not clear as to what is to be solved, we may end up
developing a program which may not solve our purpose.
• Thus, we need to read and analyze the problem statement carefully in
order to list the principal components of the problem and decide the
core functionalities that our solution should have.
• By analyzing a problem, we would be able to figure out what are the
inputs that our program should accept and the outputs that it should
produce.
Steps for Problem Solving:
2. Developing an Algorithm
• It is essential to device a solution before writing a program code for a
given problem.
• We can imagine an algorithm like a very well-written recipe for a dish,
with clearly defined steps that, if followed, one will end up preparing
the dish.
• We start with a tentative solution plan and keep on refining the
algorithm until the algorithm is able to capture all the aspects of the
desired solution.
• For a given problem, more than one algorithm is possible and we
have to select the most suitable solution.
Steps for Problem Solving:
3. Coding
• After finalizing the algorithm, we need to convert the algorithm into
the format which can be understood by the computer to generate the
desired solution.
• Different high level programming languages can be used for writing a
program.
• It is equally important to record the details of the coding procedures
followed and document the solution.
• This is helpful when revisiting the programs at a later stage.
Steps for Problem Solving:
4. Testing and Debugging
• The program created should be tested on various parameters.
• program should meet the requirements of the user.
• It must respond within the expected time.
• It should generate correct output for all possible inputs.
• In the presence of syntactical errors, no output will be obtained.
• In case the output generated is incorrect, then the program should be
checked for logical errors, if any.
Steps for Problem Solving:
4. Testing and Debugging
• Software industry follows standardized testing methods like unit or
component testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance
testing while developing complex applications.
• The errors or defects found in the testing phases are debugged or rectified
and the program is again tested.
• This continues till all the errors are removed from the program.
• Once the software application has been developed, tested and delivered to
the user, still problems in terms of functioning can come up and need to be
resolved from time to time.
• The maintenance of the solution, thus, involves fixing the problems faced
by the user, answering the queries of the user and even serving the request
for addition or modification of features.