Abstract
This research integrated KT (Kepner & Tregoe) method and TRIZ tools for problem solving. The process includes six stages: (0) Situation Appraisal; (1) Problem Definition; (2) Problem Analysis; (3) Solution Generations; (4) Solution Selection and Integration; and (5) Solution Verification. This structured process can help problem solvers convert murky surface problems to specific problem points, and then to critical key disadvantage(s) effectively. To make up the front-end process for solving murky, complex problems. The process modifies “Situation Appraisal” of the KT method with backward process reviews and added failure hypothesis to identify the failure point(s). The process further adopted “Is, Is not” method to clarify problem and “Risk Analysis” to select solutions. In addition, the capability of expressing function relationships among multiple components and function-upon-function were established. A new method of attribubte-based cause-effect contradiction chain analysis was established to help user identify more potential problem causes thus leading to more possible solutions. The contributions of this research include: 1) Integrating KT method into an existing TRIZ process to help analyze murky, complex problems more effectively; 2) Enhancing Function Analysis to include capability of expressing multiple functions among components and function-up-functions; 3) Proposing the Attribute-based Cause-Effect Contradiction Chain Analysis which can identify more detail advantages thus providing more opportunity for problem solving; 4)Establishing the forms and explanation for the full process to facilitate problem solving.