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An overview of creative thinking and problem-solving techniques that businesses can use to maintain their market position. It covers the distinction between problem-solving and decision-making, the application of creative thinking skills to complex business problems, and various problem-solving techniques such as brainstorming, Delphi technique, and forced combination. The document also discusses the benefits and impact of creative thinking in the workplace.
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Business enterprises are under constant pressure to outperform their competitors and meet their shareholders’ expectations. In order to maintain their market position, business enterprises need to find effective and creative solutions to problems. Entrepreneurs have to use advanced tools and techniques to help them to be creative.
Creative thinking
and Problem-
solving
Distinction between problem solving and decision making. Steps in problem-solving
Apply creative thinking skills to solve complex business problems.
Benefits/advantages of creative thinking in the workplace.
Impact (positives/negatives) of creative thinking/problem solving techniques.
Application of creative thinking-/problem solving techniques.
Ways for businesses to create an environment that promotes creative thinking.
o Distinguish between problem-solving and decision- making.
o Name/Outline/Apply the steps in problem-solving to scenarios/case studies.
o Identify and address challenges from given scenarios by applying advanced problem-solving techniques.
o Apply creative thinking skills to solve complex business problems.
o Explain the benefits/advantages of creative thinking in the workplace.
o Evaluate the impact (positives/negatives) of creative thinking/problem- solving techniques, e.g. Delphi technique Force-field analysis Brainstorming Mind mapping Nominal group technique SCAMPER Forced combination Empty chair
o Explain how businesses can apply the above creative- thinking/problem-solving techniques. o Suggest/Recommend ways for businesses to create an environment that promotes creative thinking.
Do you know the distinction between problem-solving and decision-making?
4.2.1 Description between problem-solving and decision-making
Distinguish between problem solving and decision making. (4)
Answer to activity 1 Problem-Solving Decision-Making Problems can be solved by a group/team or an individual team member
Decision making often done by member of management – becomes authoritarian Alternative solutions are generated, identified and critically evaluated
Various alternatives are considered before deciding on the best one Process of analysing a situation to identify strategies to bring about change
It is part of the problem solving cycle as decisions need to be taken in each step Sub max (2) Sub max (2)
4.2.2 Steps in problem-solving Identify the problem. Define the problem. Identify alternative possible solutions Evaluate alternative solutions. Select/choose the best alternative. Develop/formulate an action plan/strategy. Implement the suggested solution/action plan. Monitor the implementation of the action plan. Evaluate the chosen solution to the problem. Take corrective measures.
Decision-making Problem-solving Making a choice between alternatives which are usually obvious
Finding solutions to problems and which are usually not obvious
Identify the problem-solving technique that is represented by EACH statement below.
a) Employees are requested to sit in groups and suggest ideas on how to improve business sales.
b) The company wants to consult experts on how to adapt the layout of the company for a conservation awareness campaign.
c) The CEO wants to make a confidential decision by pretending to discuss these problems with a non-existing person.
d) TGB Ltd. wants to change the design of their product and considers the pros and cons of their decision.
e) Charlie Chocolate factory asked employees for ideas on how to combine their chocolate
Problem solving technique: a) Brainstorming√√ b) Delphi technique √√ c) Empty chair technique √√ d) Forced-field analysis√√ e) Forced combinations √√ (5x2) (10)
Application and evaluate the impact (positives/negatives) of advanced creative thinking / problem- solving skillsProblem-solving Technique
Impact
Application
Positives
Negatives
Force-field Analysis
^
The various factors supportingand opposing a particular ideacan be seen in a visualsummary. ^
It can lead to goals that arebetter designed, and based onevidence.
^
It requires the participation of allbusiness units and this is not alwayspossible. ^
It may not result in a full consensusamong the group. ^
It is time-consuming which in turncan be expensive.
^
It is used to look to all theforces for and against adecision (pros/advantages andcons/disadvantages)
Delphi technique
^
Experts give anonymous suggestions so theyfeel and be more creative. ^
Experts can feed off one another's ideas.
^
Sometimes there will be noconsensus between therespondents. ^
The process is time consuming andexpensive.
^
Invite a panel of selectedexperts’ to participate in theprocess. ^
Carefully design thequestionnaire and send it tothe panel.
Brainstorming
^
Stimulates creative thinking. ^
People get ideas from othersand build on them. ^
No one is allowed to criticize any suggestedideas.
^
Can be dominated by one strongteam member. ^
Shy members don’t contribute.
^
Solve problemsin a team. ^
Generate newideas in agroup.
Nominal Group technique
^
Group members all participate. ^
Votes are anonymous and may be morehonest. ^
All the members have an equal say in the finaldecision.
^
Ideas may not converge and theremight not be consensus. ^
The chosen solution will not bealways the best one.
^
Divide the group into smallergroups. ^
Identify the problem and makeit clear to everybody. ^
Number the possibilities andlet everybody vote for the top 3solutions. And the votingdecide on the best solution.
Mind mapping
^
Very easy to generate. ^
Stimulates brain. ^
Easy to remember.
^
Quite complicated and too manyinfluences will make it very difficultto find a solution. ^
Some people find mind maps toochaotic and messy.
^
Organize thoughts. ^
Summarize notes. ^
Generate new ideas. ^
Solve problems.
Forcedcombination
^
Stimulates creativity. ^
Allows people to really think outside the box.
^
People involved can feel inhibited byhow wild ideas can become.
^
Generate new ideas in agroup.
Empty chair
^
Clarifies the problem ^
Solutions must be clearly justified.
^
Limited creativity since only oneperson’s view is really applied.
^
Make decision on your own.
SCAMPER
^
It is easy to use. ^
Stimulates objectivity. ^
Helps to generate different ideas.
^
Can lead to a lot of debate. ^
Time consuming.
^
See thingsdifferently.
Giant Mobile Phone Ltd (GMP) wanted to change software of some of their mobile phones. Employees were requested to suggest new ideas in a large group without working individually. These ideas were used to inspire new thoughts. The management of GMP evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of each idea.
Discuss the advantages of ONE problem-solving technique. (4)
Advantages of brainstorming Stimulates creative thinking√ in the workplace.√ People get ideas from others√ and build on them.√ Brings/Generates more new ideas Creates a good team spirit√ Max (4)
AND/OR Advantages of Force-field analysis Employees feel included√ and understood.√ Employees develop√ and grow with the business.√
4.5 Ways for businesses to create environment that promote
creative thinking/conducive environment for creative thinking. Encourage alternative ways of working/doing things. Encourage staff to come up with new ideas/opinions/solutions Encourage job swops within the organisation/studying how other businesses are doing things.
with creative.
