Developing and Selecting Solutions Graham Parker's Structured Guide to Problem Solving describes the problem-solving process in four steps, one of which is Developing and Selecting Solutions (Step 4). The other phases are not summarized here, however it is interesting to note that Phase 4 is the start of solution development, while during the first three Phases of the process specific study problems have already been defined, a selection process is undertaken to decide which problems to address, and finally the problem to be studied is characterized by the collection and analysis of the data to be studied. We then resume the process of developing solutions to address the problems identified in the previous phases, as we enter Phase 4. This particular phase of the Creative Problem Solving process is considered the primary decision-making phase. The solution implementation function is based on two fundamental ideas: (1) consideration of possible solutions by studying the results of previous phases and the ideas generated by them; and (2) development of evaluation criteria. A simplified approach to developing solutions is the "internal" search for solutions under the assumption that there are no new problems, only unsolved problems. This simply suggests that the research team ask, “has anyone else had this problem?” Consideration would be given to an issue of similar circumstances, how the problem was solved previously, whether the solution was successful, and whether any disadvantages arose from the implemented solutions. This method simply uses history to our advantage so that we don't find ourselves recreating a solution that perhaps has already been developed and could serve current needs. A second consideration would be to find out if anyone else is looking at the same thing, or a similar problem. We could determine what they have learned to date, whether we can help each other, and perhaps pool resources to broaden the scope of ideas and solutions. Internal efforts can quickly bring solutions to common problems, which are addressed frequently, which minimizes the effort to arrive at a successful solution. Parker explains that sometimes solutions can be found by simply restating the problem, then by examining other problems/solutions with the goal of solving current problems, a solution from previous events can potentially be redesigned to fit an existing event. When the causes of particular problems have been identified, the problem solving process can be directed in different directions, but we are concerned with eliminating the causes.