Contribution to the design of a matrix to analyse and classify problem solving methods according to performance criteria

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Framework and context of the work.
• 1.1. Objective and structure of the work
• 1.2. Keywords:
• 1.3. On the necessity of an analysis and classification matrix - context of the work
• 1.4. Limitations of this work...
• 1.5. Problem, complexity and innovation - elaboration on central notions.
• 1.5.1. Problems, problem solving and Problem Solving Methods ............
• 1.5.2. Complex systems, complexity and systems thinking
• 1.5.3. Innovation and invention
• 2. Problem Solving Methods (PSM).
• 2.1. Analysed and compared methods
• 2.1.1. Axiomatic Design.
• 2.1.2. Quality function deployment (QFD)...
• 2.1.3. Robust Design, Taguchi Method.
• 2.1.4. Systematic Approach of Pahl and Beitz (SAPB or P&B)...
• 2.1.5. TRIZ - Theory of Inventive Problem Solving
• 2.1.6. Value Engineering (VE)
• 2.2. Short suggestion of some other interesting methods..
• 2.3. Positioning of the methods in the problem solving process or innovation process making use of the W-model.......
• 3. Development of criteria for classification, analysis and evaluation of Problem Solving Methods......
• 3.1. Performance and characteristic of Problem Solving Methods
• 3.2. Criteria and characteristic to describe the problem.......
• 4. Development of the analysis and comparison matrix
• 4.1. Example problems and their solution concepts
• 4.1.1. Convey glass disc problem ...
• 4.1.2. Disperse varnish problem
• 4.1.3. Glass polishing problem
• 4.1.4. Powder Injection Moulding (PIM) problem
• 4.1.5. Tea ball problem
• 4.1.6. Supplemental problem
• 4.2. Evaluation of the performance of Problem Solving Methods
• 4.2.1. Validation of Axiomatic Design
• 4.2.2. Validation of QFD.
• 4.2.3. Validation of Robust Design ....
• 4.2.4. Validation of the Systematic Approach of Pahl and Beitz.
• 4.2.5. Validation of TRIZ
• 4.2.6. Validation of Value Engineering.
• 4.3. Overall Analysis and Classification Matrix.
• 4.3.1. Composition of the overall analysis and classification matrix
• 4.3.2. Depiction of the AC-matrix
• 4.3.3. Proceeding to read the matrix statement.
• 5. Validation of the analysis and comparison matrix concept
• 5.1. Outline for the solution of a final example problem
• 5.2. Validation example problem
• 5.2.1. Description of the problem: Development of car tires for all-year usage
• 5.2.2. Statement of the matrix .....
• 5.2.3. Solution concepts ...........
• 5.2.4. Conclusions......
• 5.3. Validation of the concept with the help of the Validation Square .......
• 5.3.1. The Validation Square.........
• 5.3.2. Application of the Validation Square concept on the ACM....
• 6. Conclusion, outlook and summary..
• 6.1. Review of critical points and difficulties……....
• 6.2. Outlook.......
• 6.3. Summary....

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This work aims to develop a comprehensive framework for analyzing and classifying problem solving methods based on performance criteria. The objective is to provide a tool for selecting the most appropriate problem solving method for a given problem, taking into account various performance aspects.

• Performance Criteria for Problem Solving Methods
• Analysis and Classification of Problem Solving Methods
• Application of Problem Solving Methods in Different Contexts
• Development of a Matrix for Selecting the Appropriate Method
• Validation of the Matrix and its Application in Practical Scenarios

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: The first chapter establishes the framework and context of the work, outlining its objective, structure, and keywords. It discusses the necessity of an analysis and classification matrix, highlighting its importance in choosing the appropriate problem-solving method. The chapter also explores key notions like problem, complexity, and innovation.
• Chapter 2: This chapter delves into various problem solving methods, analyzing and comparing their characteristics and applications. It covers methods like Axiomatic Design, Quality Function Deployment, Robust Design, Systematic Approach of Pahl and Beitz, TRIZ, and Value Engineering. The chapter also briefly suggests additional interesting methods and positions these methods within the problem-solving process.
• Chapter 3: The focus shifts to the development of criteria for classifying, analyzing, and evaluating problem solving methods. The chapter explores performance and characteristic aspects of these methods, as well as the criteria and characteristics used to describe the problem itself.
• Chapter 4: This chapter presents the development of the analysis and comparison matrix. It includes examples of problems and their solution concepts, along with an evaluation of the performance of various problem solving methods. The chapter culminates in the development of the overall analysis and classification matrix, detailing its composition, depiction, and interpretation.
• Chapter 5: The chapter validates the concept of the analysis and comparison matrix through a practical example. It outlines the steps involved in solving a problem using the matrix, describing the problem, stating the matrix, outlining solution concepts, drawing conclusions, and applying the Validation Square concept.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This research focuses on problem solving methods, analysis and classification, performance criteria, matrix development, and validation. The key themes include:

• Problem Solving Methods
• Analysis and Classification
• Performance Criteria
• Matrix Development
• Validation