The Problem Solving Model "PSM"

The intended purpose of this study is to provide a generic cross-disciplinary and cross-functional framework to problem solving. This research brings together the experience of the author as consultant and educator, which investigates the most common denominators in people’s approach to problem-solving, and proposes a cross-functional and multi-layered problem solving model “PSM”. This research builds on Peter Drucker’s (2008) process that serves as an approach to decision making. The methodology followed in this study is cross-disciplinary qualitative data collection and analyses. The research started with a descriptive observation of the workplace and various approaches taken over the course of 16 years in seven different countries. Participants consisted of working professionals and graduate level students. The findings of the research shows that the application of “PSM” at the personal and professional levels demonstrated clarity and a systematic methodology to designing, and formulating an approach to dealing with new, repetitive, and complex tasks or situations. This research proposes a generic problem-solving model that incorporates 5WH as core component in each stage of the model.