Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.

If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

By being aware of the different ways that our minds proceed in solving problems, and then by making conscious choices at each point in the process, greater effectiveness, efficiency and innovation can be achieved in problem solution. Problem solving methods are characterized as being composed of two main components, designated as "Model Systems" and "Guess-and- Test Cycles". Model systems are single-pass, feed-forward operations, while Guess-and-Test Cycles require repetitive applications with information feedback as an essential part of each application. The characteristics of each of these two components are presented, and it is shown that both contain prominent weaknesses which could render them ineffective in a large number of circumstances. However, in each case where one component is weak the other has particular strength. For this reason the two components frequently are combined or alternately sequenced. Analyses of the nature of these two problem solution system components and of combinations of these components are presented as based on the use of information theory. Also presented are optimization methods for formulating and using these components to achieve efficient, innovative problem solutions.