HowToRunAProblemSolvingGroup

From UoWiki

HowToRunAProblemSolvingGroup

Some ideas provided by the FacultyOfProblemSolving

If you have a problem that you want to share with others you might consider setting up a ProblemSolvingGroup. This is a simple guide.

Think about the problem(s) you want or need to have solved.

• Is it really a problem?
• What is your motivation for wanting to solve it: fun, serious, other?
• What sort of result(s) are you expecting or hoping for?
• What level of visibility is acceptable: group members only, Uo, the world?

Draw up an interesting proposal.

• What can you say about the problem that would make it interesting to others?
• How can you present the problem in an attractive way?
• Where should you promote you proposal: at a FOPS gathering, the UoWiki or UoList, elsewhere?
• Who are you hoping to attract? Certain kinds of problem attract certain kinds of people.

Provide a reference point.

• Where can people find information about you proposal? A homepage is good for this.
• Where can people get news about the problem solving effort?

Find resources.

• What sort of resource will you need? Will you use GroupWare on your own server, the UoWiki, OpenMute, FFC, something else?
• Who can you approach?
• Where can you appeal for resources? Perhaps the Uolist?

Coordinate the groups problem solving effort.

• How will the groups problem solving effort be coordinated? ProblemSolvingProtocols may be of use.
• Can/should you delegate this to someone else?
• What degree of formality seems appropriate?
• Will you work together online, offline, in the pub, all of the above?