2nd Technique: Using the present state/ desired state and the Dunker diagram to define the real

problem
Dunker diagram: is a means to determine the real problem by first describing the present state (where you are) and then describing the desired state (where you want to go). The desired state should not contain solutions to problems that are not in the present state. helps to obtain solutions that satisfy the present state/ desired state statements. The unique feature of Dunker diagram is that it contains two major paths to go from the present state (the problem statement) to the desired state (an acceptable problem solution).

 The diagram has three main components: General solutions. Functional solutions: What to do Specific solutions: How to do it The left hand side of the diagram deals with the desired state, while the right hand side addresses the present state.

3rd technique: Using the statements restatement technique

It reshapes and rewrites the problem more accurate, to be more clear. When restating a problem, it is important to inject new ideas, rather than simply changing the words order. Using triggers provides decision maker with several alternative approaches to examine to solve the problem.

Triggers towards arriving at a better problem statement

Trigger 1: try emphasizing different words inside the traditional problem statement. Trigger 2: choose a term that has an explicit definition and substitute the explicit definition each time the term appears. Trigger 3: Make an opposite statements, changing positives to negatives. Trigger 4: Change every to some, sometimes to never-- Trigger 5: replace persuasive words like certainly, clearly with arguments like may be Trigger 6: Express words in the form of equation, or picture trying to find explicit relationships.

 Using one or more problem restatement triggers are helpful in arriving at a definite problem. It is often helpful to relax any constraints placed on the problem, modify the criteria and idealize the problem when writing restatement sentence.

4th technique: Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis

It arrives at the real problem by asking critical thinking questions that revolve around four main dimensions: What is the problem versus what is not the problem? Where does the problem occur versus where is everything Okay? When did the problem first occur versus when was everything okay? What is the extent of the problem?

Which technique is better?

No one best technique. Different techniques work better for different individuals and in different situations, and the selection of the technique is SUBJECTIVE BUT SHOULD BE JUSTIFIED. The main point is to be organized as well as creative in your approach.