Applied Problem Solving in a Workplace - Capstone Project Example

The paper "Applied Problem Solving in a Workplace" is a perfect example of a management capstone project. According to Mayer and Wittrock (2006), problem-solving is cognitive processing directed at achieving a goal when no solution method is obvious to the problem solver. Problem-solving can be described as one of the most imperative skills for success in the workplace especially when dealing with complex problems. Identification of a problem, evaluation of all the relevant factors and development of a sound solution is essential.

Whether one is dealing with general problems in an organisation like a conflict with a co-worker, tracking a shipment that hasn’t arrived, or dealing with multiple tasks that need to be solved simultaneously, problem-solving is part of everyday life. Problem-solving can be defined as successfully searching for an operation or a series of operations in order to transfer the given actual state of the system to a goal state (Dunbar 1998). According to Finke (2001), people usually have to acquire and to apply knowledge about complex systems concerning the systems’ structure and dynamics in order to solve complex problems.

The author has found this to be particularly true in an educational establishment and especially in certain circumstances surrounding both teaching and learning. One area of an educational environment; the integration of children who’s English is not their first language into UK secondary system is a puzzle that many policymakers are hugely concerned about. Integration of these children will surely deliver a solution that will make sure that the education system is boosted and enhanced as the EAL students are now second or third generation migrants who will potentially go on to become the fabric of our society (DfE, 2012).

How do we integrate EAL (English as Additional Language) children in UK secondary school sector? Is it a question and a complex problem that needs to be solved? In reality, the root cause of the problem is not with EAL but other variables that need to be identified and resolved. The integration will require support policies such as academic support, linguistic support, outreach and co-operation and intercultural education in the education system of EAL. There are various improvements that the government is contemplating implementing or doing to improve the effectiveness of education in the UK.