Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.

notebook July 15, 2024

Creative thinking and Problem solving

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

At the end of this topic, you should be able to:

­ elaborate on the meaning of creative thinking
- outline/explain/describe/discuss the advantages/benefits of
creative thinking in the workplace
- explain how businesses can use creative thinking to generate
entrepreneurial opportunities, for example, designing
environments that stimulate creative thinking
- define/elaborate on the meaning of problem-solving
- outline/explain/distinguish the differences between decision
making and problem-solving
- outline/explain/discuss/describe the problem-solving cycle
- name//explain/discuss problem-solving techniques
- explain/describe how businesses can apply problem-solving
techniques to solve business problems
- identify problem-solving techniques from given scenarios/case
studies

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Meaning of creative thinking

• process of generating innovative and imaginative ideas
• ability to see things in a new way
• being able to think of unique ideas to solve problems
• help to solve business problems successfully

Advantages of creative thinking in the workplace:

• New, innovative, and better ideas and solutions are generated.
• Creativity is key to staying one step ahead of competitors.
• Complex business problems may be solved.
• It leads to increased productivity of the entire business.
• It improves motivation amongst staff members.

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Ways in which businesses use creative thinking to generate

entrepreneurial opportunities
• design environments - stimulate creative thinking.
• encourage staff - new ideas and solutions.
• encourage alternative ways of doing things.
• respond enthusiastically to all ideas and never let anyone feel less
important.
• suggestion boxes - workplace - communication channels open - new
ideas.
• train staff - innovative techniques, creative problem-solving skills,
and lateral thinking.

Complete Activity 12.1

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Problem solving
• process of finding solutions to difficult situations
• requires creative thinking
• alternative solutions identified and critically evaluated
• results in good decision-making

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Problem Solving cycle

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

The differences between decision making and problem-solving

DECISION MAKING
- process of choosing from several alternatives.
- various alternatives considered before deciding the best one.
- part of the problem solving process - solution is chosen.
- usually made by one person.

PROBLEM-SOLVING
- process of finding a solution to a problem.
- alternative solutions are identified and evaluated.
- involves analysing the problem to identify solutions.
- usually involves a group/team.

Complete Activity 12.2

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Problem Solving Techniques

Force-field analysis (implement change)
• Describe current situation/problem and desired situation. Score Score
3 3
• List driving forces and restraining forces - support and
resist change. 1 3

• Allocate a score to each force using a numerical scale, 1 2

where 1 is weak and 5 is strong.

3 1
• Weigh up the positives and negatives - decide if project is 8 9

viable.
• Choose the force with the highest score as the solution.
• If viable, find ways to increase the forces for change.
• Identify priorities - develop action plan.

Delphi Technique
- relies on a panel of experts to find solutions to a problem
- experts not in the same place - contacted individually
- series of questionnaires to obtain feedback from experts.
- responses are summarized in feedback report
- prepare final feedback report - all methods to solve problem
- choose best solution - reaching consensus

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Nominal group technique

- similar to Delphi but experts all in the same room
- small groups, members give responses, write down
- all group responses written down, no criticism
- individual rating of each response
- response with highest rating: solution

Brainstorming
• The problem must be defined clearly.
• People in the group suggest ideas and solutions at random.
• All ideas must be written on a flip chart.
• The facilitator must encourage everyone to participate and ensure that
no one criticizes any suggestions.
• When the time is up/no one has any more ideas, the sheets with
suggestions are hung around the room.
• Similar ideas are grouped together using coloured pens.
• The group evaluates the ideas and rates them according to how
successful they think each idea will be.
• A plan of action is discussed to put the best ideas into practice.

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Complete Activity 12.3

Page. 180

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

Complete Activity 12.4

Page. 181

Complete Consolidation

Page. 183

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THE END

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Chapter 10 CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING.notebook July 15, 2024

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Attachments

SCAMPER a creative thinking technique.flv