Essay on "Army Problem Solving Process: Dr. Paul and Elder's Elements of Thought"

Essay 3 pages (1410 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

S. Army, Army, Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide, 11-2]

Developing the criteria

The criteria used are the standard that will be applied in judgment of particular solutions. According to the U.S. Army (2011 p. 11-3)[footnoteRef:7], criteria will be based on the assumptions and facts made in the previous steps and they help army officers formulate and evaluate different solutions to problems. The two types of criteria applied are screening and evaluation, and each requires the application of different elements of thought. Screening assesses the limits of every solution, and conclusions on each solution have to be defined if they are not feasible. Evaluation assesses the consequences of every solution, which have to be well analyzed before deciding on the best solution. [7: The U.S. Army, Army, Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide, 11-3]

Generating the possible solutions

Generating solutions requires both commanders and staff in the Army to brainstorm various solutions to a problem. Team members give their point-of-view on several solutions, which are then eliminated according to their implications. Creatively applying theories and concepts is essential at this stage, as solutions are summarized and those determined to be the best are chosen in the final stage.

Analyze possible solutions

After identifying all the possible solutions, Army leaders need to analyze each in order to analyze its advantages and disadvantages (U.S. Army, 2011 p. 11-5)[footnoteRef:8]. This stage is simplified if the question and purpose was well-defined, the relevant information was gathered, and if concepts were applied according to Paul and Elder's specifications. [8: The U.S. Army, Army, Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide, 11-5]

Comparing the possible solutions

In comparing the solutions, those which will achieve the objectives and goals that had been set in the beginning will first be set aside. The leaders assess how credible the statement and presentations given are before the final solution is considered (Eichhorn, 2013)[footnoteRef:9]. Inferences are crucial in this stage as the logic behind the final solution has to be better than all the others. [9: Eichhorn, "Developing thinking skills: critical thinking at the army management staff college,"]

Making and implementing the final decision

As this is the ultimate stage, all the eight elements of thought have to be put into consideration. The final solution has to relate to the main problem and has to satisfy the main purpose it was intended to. Army officers have to make sure information used was reliable and that accurate conclusions were made. Points-of-view applied should be based on correct analyses, which are largely influenced by the various concepts that were used. After key assumptions and facts are established, their implications are weighed and when concluding, the solution that meets all the criteria is picked and implemented accordingly.

Conclusion

One fact that is unchangeable with the Army is that situations change constantly and new problems will continue to arise every day. Drs Paul and Elder's elements of thought present a perfect solution to critical thinking that is required to deal with current and potential problems that may be faced by the U.S. Army. When these elements are applied in each step of the systematic method outlined by the Army problem solving process, Army leaders will be able to analyze problems, compare the most suitable solutions, choose the best option, and correctly identify and implement the most efficient solution. However, the elements of thought have to also apply intellectual traits and meet the necessary intellectual standards.

Reference list

Paul Richard and Linda Elder, The Thinker's Guide to Analytic Thinking: How to Take Thinking Apart and What to look for when you do. Los Angeles, CA: The Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2006.

Roy Eichhorn, "Developing thinking skills: critical thinking at the army management staff college." Strategic Systems Department Army Management Staff College. 2013. Accessed 7 February 2015. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/army/critical/roy.htm

The United States Government U.S. Army, Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide. Washington, DC: Department of the Army, 2011. READ MORE

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