Elements of methods of problem solving and the resource capability in software engineering

In his classic book ldquoHow to Solve Itrdquo, first published in 1945, Polya covers the methods of problem solving that apply to a wide variety of problems in many disciplines. In particular, Polya discusses problem to find and problem to prove that distinguish the types of problems to be solved. Chang proposed three elements of methods of problem solving and the rule and scope that complement the elements. This paper expands the discussions in Chang by addressing further the resource capability that supports the three elements and proposes a principle of balance that could guide successful implementations of the elements. This paper also discusses how these elements can be used to supplement the CMMI (Capability Maturity Model integration) proposed by the Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie-Mellon University.