November 1989
Step 1: Establish the problem.
- a. Locate the topic and do a concept formulation on it.
- b. Do an internal systems analysis of the topic.
- c. Seek for any laws or rules that govern this topic in the world.
- d. Locate the major problems related to the topic.
- e. Select a problem for further work and state it with clarity.
Step 2: Relate the problem to its context.
- a. Do a systems analysis of the place of this problem in the larger world or universe system.
- b. Detail the relationship of the problem to three or four major components of the larger system.
- c. Locate the key system element(s) which governs the problem area.
- d. Identify the principal system outputs which make this problem important.
Step 3: Examine the thinking which governs the problem area.
- a. Examine the epistemological roots of the problem.
- b. Show the metaphysical involvements of the problem.
- c. Show the ethical complications of the problem.
- d. Relate the problem to worldviews.
Step 4: Propose and justify a solution to the problem.
- a. Propose a solution for the problem which furthers some stated general goal.
- b. Propose a systems analysis of the implementation of this solution.
- c. Tell why your solution will work better (be more effective and/or more efficient) than other solutions.
- d. Propose an assessment and an evaluation which would serve to measure progress in actual solving of the problem and in establishing the cost/benefit assurance.