Professional Formulation

Thinking Critically Simulation Review

University of Phoenix

In the Thinking Critical Simulation, it appeared that a few different problem solving tools and techniques were used to frame the problem. The simulation used a criteria matrix to rate each problem in terms of urgency and criticality. This method was used along with Importance Weighting. Value analysis was also part of this problem solving simulation, as the rate of urgency and criticality was sorted by priority (University of Phoenix).

Team C, from JC Carlin’s Critical Thinking class at University of Phoenix analyzed this simulation and was asked which evaluation tools and techniques that they would have applied had they created this simulation. All agreed that the Criteria Matrix was an excellent choice of a problem-solving tool. Importance weighting was also a famous choice, as priorities must be chosen so that the problems will be solved in order of significance and in a timely manner. Value analysis would have been used to rate the urgency and criticality and to sort them by priority.

Only one problem solving tool was not used in the simulation that would have been had Team C designed it. In addition to the evaluation tools and techniques that were used in the simulation, they probably would have applied the Cause-and-Effect (Fishbone) Diagram. This diagram, by listing all possible causes of the problem, would help to frame the actual problem, rather than just to “treat” its symptoms. By using the Cause-and-Effect Diagram, framing the problem would result in a clearer picture of exactly what the problem is, rather than focusing only on its symptoms.

The criteria matrix assisted the decision making process by choosing which problems were the most critical versus which problems were the least critical and by listing the items by the importance of urgency. This way of listing the problems allow the problems on hand to be listed in a clear and easy way so the people or person trying to fix the problem can see what he or she is working with.

The importance weighting method allows one to list problems by how big of a problem they may or may not have on their hands. No matter if someone lists the problems from least important to most important or by most important to least important it allows a clear view again of what problems need to be worked with and in which order they should be handled in. The value analysis method is kind of the same method only this method is based on the value of the problem not on importance.

Without being organized and having methods to solve problems one may work on something that could be set aside or they may work on a problem that is not the problem, but may be a symptom of the problem. The value analysis is used to make sure that the problems that are being worked with are the real problems not the symptoms. With team C wanting to use the Cause-and-Effect Diagram this would have helped by showing a clear view of what the problems were and why they were happening.

The tools and techniques used in the simulation allowed team C to view the symptom and the problems to reflect the importance of each area by showing what was critical and non critical and what was urgent and non urgent, however,