Reanalyze the problem using the tools that you have learned in this course.

Of particular interest is whether you

would have arrived at a different solution. (Due for online submission on March 2 2020)

Summary:

Firstly, the problem is defined using Duncker Diagram and the root cause will be determined using 5 whys. Next,
validation of the current solutions will be done. After that, SCAMPER will be used to generate new solutions and lastly,
KT decisional analysis will be conducted to verify the viability of new solutions. Final solution is to seek medical attention
to control the symptoms of sneezing (which is the root cause of bullying), in which I had done previously later in
secondary school. Perhaps parents and teachers’ intervention can be minimized because forming a group of friends that
will help to protect myself from the bullies, plus bracing myself to have a clear standpoint will help in solving the
situation.

Problem definition: Duncker Diagram

Getting bullied by classmates in school

Problem

Stop getting bullied Make it okay not stop getting bullied

General Solution

Let higher Make myself less Make myself stop Make myself get
Functional Solutions
authorities punish vulnerable to the existing in front of used to bullying
the bullies bullies the bullies

Report to parents Form a Have a Transfer to another Ignore the bullying

Specific Solutions school completely
and/or teacher group of clear
regarding bullying friends standpoint
that will and dare to
help to say ‘NO’ to
protect the bullies
from
bullies

The 5-whys: Determining the root cause of bullying

1. Why bullying happened?

Classmates don’t like me (the victim).

2. Why are you being disliked by classmates?

They disliked my behavior.

3. Why the bullies dislike your behavior?

My behavior is disturbing to the others.

4. Why your behavior is disturbing to the others?

My behavior, which is frequently sneezing during class is considered ‘disgusting’ by others, hence disturbing.

5. Why did you sneeze frequently during class?

I had an incurable disease (sinusitis) which will cause me sneezing uncontrollably everywhere I am.
Validation of current solution: Report to parents and teachers regarding bullying incident, leading to the punishment
of the bullies
Is the solution logical?
Does the solution solve the real
problem?
Is the problem permanently solved,
or is this a patchwork solution?
Are all the criteria and constraints
satisfied?
Does the solution have impact?
Is the solution economically,
environmentally, politically, and
ethically responsible and safe?
Have you used any Socratic
questions?
Have the consequences of the
solution been examined?
Have you argued both sides – the
positive and the negative?
Has the solution accomplished all it
could?
Is the solution blunder-free?
Have the procedure and logic of the
arguments been checked?
Yes. It was not considered as an action without common sense.
Yes. The bullies stopped bullying for a while after being punished.
It was a patchwork solution. Even though the bullies got punished by the
teachers and the bullying stopped, it produced another problem: victim
getting ostracized and being feared of.
The criteria, which is stop bullying, is satisfied. However, there are no
constraints.
Yes. The bullies got afraid of getting punished again by teacher.
Not applicable for economical, environmental and political factors, but it was
ethically responsible and safe.
Not applicable.
Only part of the consequences is examined. One of the “sure-to-happen”
consequence is the bullies are getting punished by teacher, hence solving the
problem. However, another consequence is being overlooked which is
boycotting of the victim, and it ended up as neither the bullies nor the victim
was benefitted from the solution in the end.
No. Therefore, the bad consequences on the victim was overlooked.
No. Besides punishment, teacher can do something extra such as teaching the
importance of respect among classmates.
No. Punishment which involves caning may potentially cause physical injury
to the hand, if the strength of hitting is too high.
Not entirely.
Osborn’s checklist - SCAMPER: Idea generation to solve the problem

Substitute Make the bullies the victim of bully instead by finding their weaknesses and attack them from there
(Substitute the victim)

Combine Form a group of understanding friends that will help to build self-esteem and protect from bullies
(Combine with the classmates to form a defense towards bullies)

Adapt Get used to bullying by ignoring the situation completely

(Adapt to bullying incidents)

Modify Victim braced herself by having a strong standpoint and dare to say “NO” to bullying, plus explain
her situation clearly so that the bullies can understand. If things go well, victim might make friends
with the bullies instead
(Modifying the mind of bullies so that they became understanding and stop the bullying process)

Put to other Elect the bullies for the important positions (eg: school prefects, class monitors) in school so that
uses they will shift their focus on fulfilling duties and maintaining their image as leaders of the class
(Shifting their roles from bullies to leaders of the class)

Eliminate Stop the sneezing behavior by seeking medical attention to control the symptoms of sinusitis
(Eliminate the root cause of bullying)

Rearrange Transfer to another school

(Separate the victim and bullies physically)

KT Decision Analysis is done based on the solutions proposed in the table above.

Decision Statement: Choose the solution that will stop the bullying.

Musts:

1. Effectively stop bullying

2. Ethically safe (no one will be harmed in the process)

Wants:

1. Easy to be implemented
2. Long-term solution
3. Both bullies and victim benefit (win-win situation)

Solutions S C A
Musts
1 GO GO NO GO
2 NO GO GO GO
Wants Weight Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score
1 6 - - 7 42 - -
2 9 - - 7 63 - -
3 4 - - 4 16 - -
TOTAL - -- 121 - -
 Solutions M P E R
Musts
1 GO GO GO GO
2 GO GO GO GO
Wants Weight Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score
1 6 3 18 2 18 5 30 5 30
2 9 8 72 6 54 9 81 6 54
3 4 7 28 7 28 8 32 5 20
TOTAL 118 100 143 104

From the table above, seeking medical attention to control the symptoms of sinusitis is the most effect solution to curb
bullying, followed by finding a group of friends as defense, and be brave to explain the situation.