Creative thinking and problem solving Topic 10 Unit

Creative thinking and problem solving Topic 10

Unit 1: Creative thinking • Creativity – the act of generating new, original ideas and making them real • Innovation – applying creative ideas by developing effective new plans / processes • Creativity can contribute to increased productivity and profitability by: – Helping business respond to threat of competition – Development of better production methods

Unit 1: Creative thinking – Business can extend range of services – Provide best possible products/services • Need to identify an opportunity eg. A product/service that does not exist or improve existing product • An entrepreneur should listen to ideas, mix with creative people and accept it’s possible to improve on anything

Unit 1: Creative thinking • First step in creative process is to turn idea into an opportunity • Creative ideas must be realistic • Example: Rural area with no electricity • Changes or potential changes in business environment present opportunities

Unit 2: Problem Solving • The problem solving cycle: 1. State the problem 2. Problem definition 3. Identify constraints 4. Identify solutions 5. Selection 6. Action 7. Monitor

Unit 3: Processes and techniques 1. Brainstorming • Group activity designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution of a problem • It boosts morale, enhances work enjoyment and improves teamwork • Ground rules: focus on quantity, don’t criticise, welcome unusual ideas and combine and improve ideas

Unit 3: Processes and techniques • Steps to follow in brainstorming: – Define the problem – Select participants – Inform participants – Create a list of lead questions • Improve sessions by: write down ideas, encourage a goal for number of ideas, most relevant idea gets priority

Unit 3: Processes and techniques 2. Mind maps • Effective method of note-taking and useful for generating ideas • Write main idea in the centre of a page and add related ideas • Able to quickly identify and understand the structure of the subject • Encourages creative problem solving

Unit 3: Processes and techniques • Mind maps are useful for: – Summarising information – Combining information from different research sources – Thinking through complex problems – Presenting information in format that shows overall structure of subject

Unit 3: Processes and techniques 3. SCAMPER • Used most in planning new uses or developments for products/services that already exist • Substitute – parts, material, people • Combine – mix, integrate, put together • Adapt – alter, change to other elements

Unit 3: Processes and techniques • • Modify – change shape, colour, surrounding Put - to another use Eliminate – simplify, reduce functions Reverse – turn inside out, upside down, back to front 4. Delphi – find out how people feel by doing questionnaires. Effective but costly

Unit 3: Processes and techniques 5. Force-field analysis – done when there is doubt about a change. Pros and cons weighed 6. Empty chair technique – use chair with an imaginary person to listen. Helps to understand another point of view 7. Nominal group technique – uses cards to write ideas anonymously

Unit 3: Processes and techniques • Indigenous knowledge – practices and skills developed to improve quality of life • Can help to solve problems and identify business opportunities • Examples: herbal cures, measuring systems, communication systems, stokvels • Do they still work today?

Unit 3: Processes and techniques • Non conventional thinking include: – Non-traditional thinking = out of the box – Contrarian thinking = against popular beliefs – Lateral thinking = different point of view • Rules to follow: – Be prepared for change – Think differently – The end is most important

Unit 4: Business success • Both managers and leaders have to think creatively to solve problems • Leaders work with vision and direction and keeps mission of business and goals in mind to produce results • Management uses structures and systems to achieve results