Steps to derive problems

The problem solving process is very complex and is generally approached by each person differently, however the book takes the approach that the most successful problem solvers are those that make a conscious effort to understand the context of the problem than those that use "gut" instincts or intuition to come to a solution. Some problems are well defined because the situation is easily discernible and has a resolution that is feasible, however in many cases there is not not an clearly identifiable problem and must be explored which makes for the ill defined problem. The ill defined problem  must be approached by the modeler with the effort to pick the relevant information from the symptoms, causes, data, pressures, short falls and opportunities that make up the mess and turn it in to a well defined problem. There are many different approaches that people use to work their way through this process and implementing a viable solution however it was found that when a combination of divergent and convergent thinking are employed, the best outcome is reached. Divergent thinking is an approach that is more of a brainstorming technique where the modeler is encouraged to be creative and think of all of the different questions and answers that are relevant to the situation, it is usually considered the idea generation portion of each stage in the problem solving process. Convergent thinking is more structured and is usually in response to the outcome of the convergent thinking process and involves a single solution or goal.
Convergent and divergent thinking should be utilized in all six stages of the problem solving process

(Powell & Baker, 2009).

References:

Powell, S. G., & Baker, K. R. (2009). Management Science, The Art of Modeling with Spreadsheets. Hoboken, NJ: Elbe, Susan.