SBFS1103 - Report on Thinking Skills and Problem Solving: Case Study

This report addresses a case study centered around an individual facing potential job loss and personal hardship. The assignment requires an analysis of the situation, considering rumors of company downsizing and the individual's personal circumstances, including the recent loss of a spouse and the responsibility of raising three children. The report identifies the core issues and problems, explores the different perspectives of colleagues, and relates the situation to Hayes' six-step problem-solving model. It then utilizes problem-solving tools, specifically a fishbone diagram, to visualize and analyze the causes and effects of the problem. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and outlines the structure for a more comprehensive analysis, demonstrating the application of critical thinking and problem-solving methodologies in a challenging real-world scenario. References from various sources have been used to support the arguments.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Thinking Skills and Problem Solving
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author Note:

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SOCIOLOGY
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Identification of the different issues and problems of the case..................................................3
Explanation of the different ways of judgement and rejection of the reasons and claims by
colleagues...................................................................................................................................3
Relation of the six step conceptions of problem solving by Hayes...........................................3
Figure No 1: Six Step Problem Solving Model.....................................................................4
Use of Problem Solving Tools to solve the problem.................................................................5
Figure No 2: Fish-Bone Diagram...........................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................5
References..................................................................................................................................6

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SOCIOLOGY
Introduction
The following report will be based on the dilemma in the mind of a person who has
gone through a personal loss. The rumour of a possible downgrading by the management of
the office has led to such a dilemma as the person fears of being in an unemployed situation
at a tough time when he has lost his spouse in an accident and has been left with the
responsibility of three children.
Identification of the different issues and problems of the case
The case revolves around a confusion in the office related to employee downsizing.
The case of employee downsizing is a serious matter as it will lead to the termination of a
number of different contracts of the employees (GarcíaPeñalvo, 2015). This can lead to the
loss of the job and will create a tensed situation. The matter further worsens with the fact that
I have recently lost my spouse in a road accident and have to make sure that my three young
children does not bear the effect of such a crisis situation.
Explanation of the different ways of judgement and rejection of the reasons and claims
by colleagues
The crisis in the office has been spreading like wildfire and there has already been a
number of possibilities that have started to creep in the minds of the employees like me. My
own judgement says that given the recent financial problems the company might opt for an
employee deduction.
Relation of the six step conceptions of problem solving by Hayes
The six step problem solving model will be the best solution to the problem as it will
help define the problem and its main cause and then help to select a solution and implement it
accordingly.

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SOCIOLOGY
 Define the Problem-There is a chance of some employees getting sacked due to
some management problems which will create issues for me as because the death of
my spouse has left me as the sole earning member of the family who has to take care
of the three children.
 Determination of the cause of the problem-The cause of the problem is that the
office that I work in has decided to sack some employees. Though the news is not
fully true, I have to think on this.
 Development of the alternative solutions-In the present situation I have to search for
new job opportunities or have to start some business.
 Selection of the solutions-The best solution is to search for new and better job
opportunities.
 Implementation of the solutions-The search of new jobs is the only solution and I
have to do it much earlier.
 Evaluation of the outcome-The outcome in this case will be the chance to ensure the
success of the new job.
Figure No 1: Six Step Problem Solving Model
Source: (Hesse et al. 2015)

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Use of Problem Solving Tools to solve the problem
The problem solving tools will be used to solve the complex issue. The fishbone
diagram can be used in the following case.The fishbone diagram shown below has shown the
effect of the current problem, the termination policy of the workplace has been the cause of
the problem. The procedures to change such a problem must be implemented in order to
avoid termination.
Figure No 2: Fish-Bone Diagram
Source: (GarcíaPeñalvo, 2015)
Conclusion
The following draft provides a brief picture of the future report on the same issue. The
situation that the person is currently in, the dilemma of the person in the future downgrading
in the office has been defined. Lastly the providence of the models to be used in the report
makes the draft a complete and effective one.

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References
GarcíaPeñalvo, F. J. (2015). Entrepreneurial and problem solving skills in software engineers.
Hesse, F., Care, E., Buder, J., Sassenberg, K., & Griffin, P. (2015). A framework for
teachable collaborative problem solving skills. In Assessment and teaching of 21st
century skills (pp. 37-56). Springer, Dordrecht.