Identify a problem at your school and use the workplace problem-solving process to come up with a solution for it. Briefly explain each step along the way, and then write a conclusion as to why you think the solution will work.

Identifying and clarifying the problem: The problem at my school is vandalism. Some people have been painting the school lockers at night while no one is around. At first, everyone thought that some students or other members of the school itself were playing pranks. However, there have been repeated occurrences, and it is now clear that the actions have malicious intent. The school’s administrators have interrogated both students and staff members about the matter. No evidence seems to have surfaced yet.

Generating alternatives: The school’s administrators can make use of various alternative solutions for the problem mentioned above. For example, the school could hire and place a security guard near the area where the vandalism seems to occur. The authorities could also put up video cameras in the concerned section so they can easily identify the vandals and bring them to justice. Another option would be to offer a reward to anyone at the school (including teachers, students, and staff members) for any information that the individual can provide about the given situation.

Evaluating the consequences: Though hiring a security guard or installing video cameras are good ideas, the school administrators would need to spend money to implement either solution. In addition, even though the reward offered for useful information might cost less, it could lead to problems for a student or informant in the future. For instance, the vandals (either students or outsiders) could bully or cause the student harm.

Choosing a solution: The safest and most effective solution to this problem would be to install video cameras in the concerned area. A security guard would not be able to cover the same amount of ground as effectively as video cameras could do. Further, hidden cameras would help in identifying the perpetrators, and the video footage could serve as evidence against them. This solution would also help in keeping the students away from this matter.

Implementing the solution: In order to buy and install the cameras, the school would have to use its own funds or hold a fundraiser, i.e., organize a school event to collect money necessary for the purchase. This step in the problem-solving process would also include purchasing and installing the cameras.

Evaluating the results: Finally, the school would have to evaluate the results of its solution of installing video cameras. In other words, the school administrators would need to determine whether their decision actually helped solve the issue of vandalism.

Explanation:

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