A NEW METHODOLOGY FOR FORMULATING ILL-STRUCTURED PROBLEMS

A four phase model is presented in which problem generation and proble m formulation precede problem solving and solution implementation. A r elatively new heuristic for formulating ill-structured problems is des cribed. The methodology is a systematic thinking process which combine s analytical precision with structured imagination, and is called the 'why-what's stopping' analysis. Current techniques for defining proble ms are positioned as inadequate because they do not always fit the pro blems faced in day to day work and because they ignore human behaviora l deficiencies. Defferal of judgment, active divergence and active con vergence are identified as three behavioral skills which underly the s uccessful application of the 'why-what's stopping' analysis. Several e xamples of the application of this process in real world situations ar e provided. Directions for future research are discussed.