Introduction to Problem Solving

The Fortune 500 is a list of companies that have earned the highest profits nationwide. This list is updated every year. Some companies move up in their ranking number while others move down. Some companies listed provide tangible products, called goods (goods include everything physical we buy from food to cars). While other companies meet the needs of their customers in an intangible way called services (services include things like home internet, travel and accommodations, like hotels, etc.).

Think for just a moment about why the companies listed on the Fortune 500 are so successful, profitable, and recognized. What does a retail company, like Walmart (#1, 2022) have in common with a technology company, like Apple (#3, 2022)? What do both of those companies have in common with CVS Health (#4, 2022)? All of those companies ranked in the top 5 for the 2022 Fortune 500, but is there more to it than that? Let’s examine the similarities a little closer.

Similarities Between Large Companies

Many customers may debate the quality, cost, and accessibility of successful companies, but there is one undeniable similarity that each company/business shares with the others on the list. Whether providing goods and/or services, all of these successful companies solve a problem!

Did you know that there is a process to problem solving?
- Yes, there is!
Did you know that you can apply that process to various challenges in school and in life?
- Yes, you can!

There are variations of this process and it may be called by different names, but the core elements of the process are similar and in many cases the exact same.

In this module, you will explore and experience the problem-solving process. You will learn first hand why critical thinking and problem solving skills are considered fundamental building blocks of success. Let’s begin by reviewing one type of problem solving approach known as the Engineering Design Process.

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.