10 A Systematic Approach to Problem Solving Two Problem-Solving Models Most problem-solving models go through a cycle as described in Chapter 9. This includes naming the problem, analyzing its causes, setting a goal, searching for alternative solutions, analyzing proposed solutions, developing a plan, and evaluating it after it is implemented. In this chapter, you will use several of the problem-solving methods found in the previous chapter to go beyond identifying problems into deeply analyzing them and developing action plans. For very simple problems your team can use the Compact Problem-Solving Method found on page 162. It has five steps and takes about one half-hour- from naming the problem to evaluating the plan. The Comprehensive Problem-Solving Method is much more involved; it evaluates a complex problem thoroughly and eventually results in a detailed plan of action. This method has six steps, which take three to five hours to complete. ' 161