Tools of Problem-Solving

Tools of Problem-Solving

The APC tool For Problem-Solving

APC stands for:
• Alternatives
• Possibilities
• Choices
The three words are close in meaning, although one or more may be more appropriate
in a given situation.
Doing an APC means thinking of alternatives, or different approaches then, with these
multiple choices before us, we can select what seems to be the best solution.
Generating alternatives opens up possibilities. It requires special mental effort as the
human brain naturally looks for patterns and certainty rather than alternatives.
That is why a thinking tool such as APC forces the mind into new directions, into actually
focusing, concentrating on alternatives.

 “The Ideal Solution Method”

In this method the alternatives are listed and then ignored. Instead, an ‘ideal solution’
is fashioned for the situation.
Once that is considered, the list of alternatives can be consulted again to see which
one of them comes nearest to the ‘ideal solution’.
So the alternatives are now considered not on their own individual merit but according
to how close they come to the ‘ideal’.

 The TEC Framework

• T stands for Target
• E stands for Expand and Explore
• C stands for Contract and Conclude

This framework can be put into a time-limited 5-minute problem-solving session.
Spend 1 minute on Target and Task: The target is the precise focus of the thinking and
the task is the thinking task to be performed.
Spend 2 minutes on Expand and Explore: Open up the phrase, explore the territory,
pull in information and concepts.
Spend 2 minutes on Contract and Conclude: Try to make sense of when you have
come to a definite conclusion or solution.
By strictly timing ourselves according to this framework the mind really focuses and
produces results!