Problem Solving (SCQF 4) – Assessor guidance

Both tasks below must be completed

Task 1: Investigating
Investigate reasons why a straightforward problem related to your work has arisen. The problem will be one that might be dealt with in several different ways, but will occur in a familiar situation. You will need to carry out a number of steps to deal with the problem.

To do this you will have to:
 recognise the main reasons for the problem, situation, or issue, for example:
 what are the causes of the problem
 why has the situation arisen
 who is involved?
 decide on an approach to deal with the problem

Task 2: Planning and solving
Plan, organise, and carry out a straightforward activity to deal with the problem.

To do this you will have to:
 work out an action plan to deal with the problem, for example:
 what are the tasks involved
 in which order should the tasks be done
 who should do each task
 are there any limitations you must work within
 do you need permission to carry out any tasks in your action plan?
 choose and get the resources you will need to carry out your action plan, for example:
 equipment
 information
 money
 input from other people
 carry out your action plan

Task 3: Checking and evaluating
Check how well your approach to the problem-solving activity worked in practice.

To do this you will have to:
 identify the strengths and weaknesses of your problem-solving activity, for example:
 did you identify the main reasons for the problem
 did the action plan run to time
 did everyone carry out their allotted tasks
 did you allocate enough resources?
 suggest ways of solving similar problems in future based on this experience