Problem Decomposition

Disclaimer

The content and information contained in this document are the intellectual property of
Apex Hatchers, created for educational and training purposes only. This worksheet is
provided as-is, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited
to the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and
non-infringement. In no event shall the author be liable for any claim, damages, or other
liability, whether in an action of contract, tort, or otherwise, arising from, out of, or in
connection with the worksheet or the use or other dealings in the worksheet.

The recipient agrees not to reproduce, duplicate, modify, sell, resell, or exploit any
portion of the worksheet for any commercial purpose. This worksheet is intended solely
for the personal, noncommercial use of the individual recipient. Unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of this document, or any portion of it, may result in severe
civil and criminal penalties and will be prosecuted to the maximum extent possible under
law.

Apex Hatchers reserves the right to revoke the access privilege and/or take legal action
against any misuse, copyright infringement, or violation of this disclaimer.
What is Problem Decomposition?
Problem decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller,
more manageable sub-problems that are easier to solve. It helps tackle large, unwieldy
problems by dividing them into basic building blocks that can be addressed
systematically.

What are the Key Elements of decomposition?

The key elements of problem decomposition are:

1. Identifying the overall problem, goal or objective

2. Determining the inputs, outputs and relationships within the problem
3. Breaking the problem down into modules or sub-problems
4. Structuring the sub-problems in a hierarchical or sequential way

Steps to break down a Problem

To break down problems using decomposition, follow these steps:

1. Clearly define the end goal or objective

2. Identify all the main components and processes related to the problem
3. Break these down further into manageable sub-problems or tasks
4. Arrange the sub-problems logically in terms of order of completion and
dependencies
Real Life Examples of using this technique
● Planning a Vacation

Objective: Organize a 5-day family trip to Hawaii

Decomposition:

1. Determine the best location(s) to visit based on interests - beaches, culture,

adventure etc.
2. Research flight options across dates and airlines to find cheapest fares for group
3. Explore hotel and AirBnB options at chosen locations that fit budget constraints
4. Break down the itinerary by day including transportation, sightseeing, food etc.
5. Make list of essentials to pack factoring in activities planned
6. Arrange finances and bookings ensuring balances necessary payments in time

This breaks down vacation planning systematically into more manageable sub-problems
that can be solved creatively after gathering necessary inputs.

● Completing an Assignment

Objective: Finish 2,000 word research paper in 1 week

Decomposition:

1. Choose a research topic based on parameters like interest, resource availability etc.
2. Conduct literature review to gather high quality sources of information
3. Develop basic outline centered around thesis statement and main arguments
4. Break down sections using outlines and target word count for each
5. Schedule days/times for researching content, drafting paragraphs, review and edits
6. Layer sequence of sections smoothly through transitions and organizational flow
 7. Finalize paper by proofreading thoroughly before submission

The structured decomposition defines a clear path to systematically complete different

sub-tasks in coordination.

● Manufacturing a New Smart Home Device

Objective: Design and manufacture an innovative smart home security camera device
with extended features

Decomposition:

1. Specify product features, capabilities and hardware components

2. Break down device units - power, sensors, lenses, data storage, processors etc.
3. Divide requirements for embedded software unit functioning and cloud-based
analytics software
4. Segregate legal, regulatory and compliance considerations by region
5. Separate aesthetic, electrical and mechanical design elements
6. Identify supply chain logistics for production by components
7. Evaluate and shortlist suitable factories as per manufacturing capabilities
8. Analyze technical skills and staffing requirements for product teams
9. Create hierarchical WBS and capture costs, timelines for roll-out by geometry,
region etc.

The multifaceted problem was decomposed into modular units which could be efficiently
analyzed and managed by domain experts in assembly line to complete the sophisticated
product development.
Conclusion
Learning problem decomposition aligns well with a first principles thinking approach. By
methodically breaking down complex problems, you resist making assumptions and
instead tackle basic elements in a fundamental, step-by-step way. This allows for
innovative solutions to emerge based on logic and causality rather than pre-formed
notions. Mastering decomposition develops essential analytical skills and systematic
problem solving capabilities.

The key is to train yourself to decompose complex issues into manageable components
that can be addressed creatively using fundamental reasoning and evidence. This provides
a framework for resolving multifaceted problems through clarity of thought.

------------------------------------------- End of Document -------------------------------------------