SessId001

name: Problem Solving Clinic

designers: Johanna and Don

max number of participants: to be decided

min number of participants: to be decided

optimum number: to be decided [optima are discovered, not decided DickKarpinski]

{and why is this so? why can't optima be decided? don}

[Well, a bunch a things are implied by the use of the term optimum. First, it suggests that there is some measure of some aspect which we wish to maximize or minimize without changing the speed of light or any other basic parts of the system. Then it also suggests that the aspect in question is a dependent variable which is determined by other things in the system. Enough? DickKarpinski, answerer of rhetorical questions.]

duration of session: to be decided

configuration of room: flexible, chairs only [Hey, this won't be any fun if you have chairs only. You need people. Chairs don't talk a lot. DickKarpinski]{but Dick, if we let people in, they'll only create problems.<grin> don}

Actually Johanna & I reviewed your suggestion about including people and agree with you. Besides chairs, what else do you think the people will need? {don}

Problem solving at the meta level is knowing what to do when you know that you don't know what to do. This session will explore tools, models, and methods for figuring out what to do when you don't know what to do.

What would you like to know about this session? What can you suggest for it?

It has been my experience, repeatedly, that most of the time we don't know what to do is because we are unprepared. Toolsmiths, modelers and methodologists are constantly trying to convince us that their latest solutions can substitute for lack of preparation. The area where this most applies to system development is in requirements definition. This session should nicely complement the one on requirements. I look forward to it. JamesWard

James, I violently agree with your statement "... solutions can substitute for lack of preparation". I look forward to talking with you about this. DonGray

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Updated: Monday, July 17, 2000