Problem Solving

PROBLEM:  

I Left my laptop charger at home in Cairns only have “2 hr 14 min (80%) ” left of charge in my laptop and have three assignments due this week.

CONTEXT: (Technical Complexity)                                 

What sounds like a simple problem to solve has actually turned into a complex one.

Last Thursday I flew from Cairns back to work on Horn Island where I will be for two weeks.

While unpacking my bags and setting up my room late Thursday night I realised that I had left my only laptop charging cable back in Cairns.

Express post 

•  Last time I had something sent express post from Cairns it did not arrive for over two weeks which meant I was back at home by the time it arrived. This is my last tour up in the Torres which means if I do express post it and it takes over two weeks I will have permanently lost the charger.

Buying it locally

• Not an option either as there is nowhere locally to purchase a new charger the closest electronics store which stocks the charger is in Cairns.

REALITIES: (Practice Space)

This individual problem is a private one. However there has been and will be further incidences of this problem occurring with touring employees forgetting necessary items back at home.

ACTORS:

There are a few key actors in this problem:

Tim (Me): The person who really needs the charger to get these assignments done.

Brianna: (My Girlfriend): The person at Cairns trying to source ways to get the charge to me in time.

TENSONS: (Why the problem exists)

Ultimately it is the main actor (ME) that has made this problem exist:

•  Mindset – Leaving things to the last possible minute and rushing to get packed.
• Disorganised – Leaving the charger not in its usual place where I wouldn’t miss it.
• Pre Planning – This is my last tour up in the Torres Strait, I planned to pack lightly so I have space to bring all my belongings home.
• Emotions – Being my last tour I was excited to get going and get this final tour over and done.

PROBLEM DEFINITION: What the problem would looked like if it were solved

• Stress Levels would significantly be reduced. 
•  Laptop would be charging.
• Brianna would be doing her assignments without worrying about my charger.
• This problem would never happen again to any touring employee.

CONCEPTS: Solutions.

• Create a pre-work checklist – Ensure all items are packed before leaving home.
• Have a second laptop charger in my backpack.
• Organise a Universal laptop charger to be stationed at Horn Island for anyone making this mistake.
• Research quicker, cost effective postage options.

Charge Remaining 0 hrs 25min 13%