# Portability: UNIVERSAL
# Last validated: 2026-05-17
# Next review: 2027-05-17

PROBLEM SOLVING - Structured Thinking
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DESCRIPTION
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Problem solving and analysis strategies for complex tasks.
Structured thought processes for difficult situations.

PROBLEM-SOLVING APPROACHES
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1. DIVIDE & CONQUER
   Problem -> Subproblems -> Solve individually -> Combine

   When to use: Large, complex problems that can be broken down.

2. ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS (5 Whys)
   Symptom -> Why? -> Why? -> Why? -> Cause -> Solution

   When to use: When it is unclear what the actual problem is.

3. CONSTRAINT RELAXATION
   Unsolvable -> relax constraints -> solve -> tighten constraints

   When to use: When requirements are too restrictive.

4. ANALOGY SEARCH
   New problem -> Similar known problem -> Adapt solution

   When to use: For novel problems without an obvious solution.

ANALYSIS METHODS
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  Method application
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  SWOT strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/risks
  Pro/Con decision making
  Pareto 80/20 prioritization (find the most important 20%)
  Fishbone Root Cause Analysis (Ishikawa Diagram)

DECISION HEURISTICS
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When Uncertainty:
  1. What is the worst case scenario?
  2. Is it reversible?
  3. What is the cost of inaction?

With complexity:
  1. What is the easiest first step?
  2. What would an expert do?
  3. What would be the 80% solution?

PRACTICAL TIPS
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- Always start with the easiest step
- Document thought processes for future reference
- If there is a blockage: take a break, reformulate the problem
- 80% solutions are often better than 100% plans

SEE ALSO
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docs/help/denkstrategie.txt Cognitive and metacognitive strategies
docs/help/strategies.txt Categorize, evaluate, test
docs/help/operators.txt Basic operators and patterns
