How do we respond to the below discussion post from the student below? The Heuri

Question

How do we respond to the below discussion post from the student below?

The Heuristic approach to problem solving involves techniques utilizing practical methods that can be considered less than perfect or optimal. Because of this, the heuristic approach is considered an approximation based method. However, it is typically sufficient for situations that require immediate action, or during times when finding an optimal solution is not considered practical or possible. Heuristic methods are based on educated guesswork, intuition, or common sense.

This approach is used a lot by floor level managers in manufacturing plants, like the one that I work in. And I must admit that I was guilty of using this method regularly when I was in that roll. This method comes in handy when snap decisions must be made and immediate action must be taken, as the heuristic approach to problem solving is less time consuming. However, I can attest that this method is not without its risks. Decisions made utilizing this approach can be wrong, resulting in huge losses in time, production, and man hours. Additionally, it can cause an organization to miss out on a better, more profitable, solution that may exist elsewhere. So, I would recommend that heuristic decision making be used for short term solutions to immediate problems, but avoided when a company is trying to map out a strategy to optimize profits

Explanation / Answer

The above self critical analysis about using heuristic methods is correct to some extent. Heuristic methods are based on approximation, using experience and untuitive judgment. there's no exact scientific formula used in heuristic approach. Therefore it comes with risks of errors of judgment, which might be costly than the cost of working out a scientific, logical and empirical optimal solution. And therefore should be used with caution and discretion. Its use should be limited to problems that require immediate resolution and have the tolerance for reasonable inaccuracy as per capabilities of heuritic methods.

Given the limitations and risks associated with heuristic methods, there's some logic behind heuristic methods, as it draws upon the user experience and untuitive intelligence. Therefore there's a subjectivity also, and the output of a heuristic method depends upon vary from user to user. More intelligent and experienced users will make less errors and the solution arrived by heuritic method will be more close to optimal solution.

There are benefits of heuristic method, which makes it worthwhile to use it over logical solutions. It requires much time and effort reuiqred, so is more productive from the perspective of output/input ratio. does not require elaborate analysis, so can be with anyone having reasonable anaylical capabilities and relevant experience in the related field. In addition, there are some situations, which require heuristic approach only, as there are no other scientific basis to find an optimal solution. So heuristic methods should be used with discretion and by experience and intuitive users.

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