Introduction for essay-type question: Problem-solving is the collection of facts/ideas

required to overcome a specific challenge. ✓ Decision making is the process of

considering various alternatives before choosing the best solution. ✓ CREATIVE THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING
DIFFERENCES between problem solving and decision making
Ways businesses can create an environment that
PROBLEM SOLVING DECISION-MAKING promotes creative thinking in the workplace:
1. Encourage employees to suggest new ideas
2. Train staff to equip them with problem-solving skills/ideas
Done by a group/team or an done by one person / senior 3. Allow workshops e.g, brainstorming sessions
individual team member . It management . This makes
makes problem solving more decision making 4. Encourage alternative ways of doing things
INCLUDING. AUTHORITARIAN . 5. Management should react enthusiastically to all ideas

The person/senior
The group/team will generate
/identify several solutions and then
management will consider
several alternatives before
Remember!
You must be
PROBLEM SOLVING CYCLE - STEPS
critically evaluate each one. . able to
deciding on the best one.
identify and •IDENTIFY the problem
apply steps 1
from scenarios
This process is part of the •DEFINE the problem
This process of analyzing a situation
problem-solving cycle 2
will help the group/team to identify
because decisions must be
strategies that will bring about •IDENTIFY possible solutions
made in each step of the
change .
cycle . 3
•EVALUATE alternative solutions
4
ADVANTAGES OF CREATIVE THINKING IN THE WORKPLACE
•CHOOSE the best solution
• Unique ideas give the business a COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE. 5
• COMPLEX business problems are solved. •DEVELOP the action plan
• Employees have POSITIVE ATTITUDES as they feel part of the problem-solving process. 6
• Better SOLUTIONS are generated. •MONITOR the implementation of the solution
• PRODUCTIVITY increases as managers and employees are generating new ideas quickly. 7

CCPSPM
• Increases MOTIVATION amongst employees
•EVALUATE the implemented action plan/solution
8
Develop by CSNOW PLC (2023)

Conclusion for essay-type questions: Constant changes in the different

business environments have an impact on businesses and therefore they
need to adapt quickly and make quick/creative decisions.
 Remember! You must be able to IDENTIFY the
problem-solving techniques from scenarios.
PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES Develop by CSNOW PLC (2023)

DELPHI TECHNIQUE FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS BRAINSTORMING NOMINAL GROUP TECHNIQUE

Invite a panel of experts to find Force field analysis weigh a business' A problem-solving technique that takes The Nominal Group Technique is a variation
solutions for business problems. Experts driving forces (benefits) and place in a large group and is based on the of brainstorming where the individuals
do not need to be in the same place. restraining forces (disadvantages) spontaneous contribution of each come up with the ideas in smaller groups.
against each other and then decide member.
which changes must takes place.

APPLICATION APPLICATION APPLICATION APPLICATION

1. Businesses must invite a panel of 1. Describe the current situation 1. Define and state the problem. 1. Problem is stated and explained to the
experts to investigate complaints. and the desired situation. 2. Set a time limit for each brainstorming group.
2. Design a questionnaire and send to 2. List all pros and cons that support session within groups. 2. Divide workers in smaller groups.
experts. and oppose changes. 3. Each idea is used to inspire new ideas. 3. Every member must silent brainstorm.
3. Summarise the responses in a 3. Award a score to each force e.g 1 4. Record/Write ideas down where 4. Each member states aloud one idea
feedback report. for weak and 5 for strong. everyone it can see. which is recorded.
4. Send feedback report and a second 4. Choose the force with the highest 5. New ideas are not criticised. 5. Criticism of ideas/solutions is
questionnaire to experts. score as the solution. discouraged.

ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES ADVANTAGES

• Experts make anonymous • Workers bird included and part of • Stimulate creative thinking _ • All team members participate
suggestions. solution • People build on ideas from others. • Voting is anonymous and more reliable
• Experts give honest opinions. • Workers develop and grow with • Employees are motivated because they • All team members have an equal right
• Information by experts can solve enterprise contribute to problem solving. to the final decision.
complex problems. • Informed decisions can be taken.

DISADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

• The experts do not always reach • The process is time consuming. • Strong team members can dominate • There may be no consensus reached.
consensus. • Require participation of all the process. • The solution chosen is not necessarily
• The process is time consuming. business units. • Shy members may fear criticism and the best.
• Not all experts are willing to • The analysis is dependent on the prevent them from taking part. • It is time consuming because each
participate in giving feedback. knowledge and skill of the group. • It is time consuming because too many member must present their ideas.
ideas slows down decision-making
Keywords : Keywords : Keywords : Keywords :
Experts / Questionnaires Change / Advantages + Disadvantages Spontaneous / Creativity / Large groups Quiet / Small groups / Individual ideas