Business Roles

Question 1

Problem Solving

Answer 1

It is the process of analysing a situation to identify strategies that can be used to change the situation. Problem solving requires creative thinking.
Problem solving is a mental process that involves problem finding, which is the ability to identify the problem.
It also involves problem shaping, which is the ability to break down the problem in such a way that a clear solution can be found.

Question 2

Decision Making

Answer 2

Decision making is a choice made by using one’s judgement.
It is also aimed at finding a solution to a problem by choosing a best solution or course of action.

Question 3

Steps in Problem Solving

Answer 3

Identify the problem
Define the problem
Identify alternative solutions
Evaluate alternative solutions
Choose the best solution

Question 4

Identify the problem

Answer 4

Identify the exact problem
Acknowledge that there is a problem

Question 5

Define the problem

Answer 5

Define the possible cause of the problem
Gather as much information as possible to establish the cause of the problem

Question 6

Identify Alternative Solution

Answer 6

Identify all different possible solutions
Decide on the cause

Question 7

Evaluate Alternative Solutions

Answer 7

Use critical evaluation and analytical skills to evaluate each solution
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative solution

Question 8

Choose the best solution

Answer 8

Identify which solution will be used
The best solution should match the size and the resources of the business

Question 9

Formulate/ Develop an action plan

Answer 9

Arrange the necessary resources and delegate tasks
Establish a time line for implementation and set deadlines

Question 10

Implement the action plan

Answer 10

Carry out the planned actions/ solutions
Communicate delegated tasks/ deadlines to employees

Question 11

Evaluate the action plan

Answer 11

Assess whether the problem has been solved partially or entirely
Monitor/ test the solution/ action plan/ strategy continuously

Question 12

Delphi-Technique

Answer 12

Businesses must invite a panel of experts to research the complaints from customers.
Experts do not have to be in one place and can be contacted individually.
Design a questionnaire consisting of questions on how to improve the quality of their products and distribute it to the panel members/ experts.
Request the panel to individually respond to the questionnaire / suggest improvements to the products and return it to the business.
Summarise the responses from the experts in s feedback report.

Question 13

Force-Field Analysis

Answer 13

Describe the current situation and the desired situation.
List the pros and cons that will support and resist change.
Allocate a score to each force using a numerical scale, where 1 is weak and 5 is strong.
Weigh up the positives and negatives then decide if the project is viable.
Choose the force with the highest score as the solution.

Question 14

Brainstorming

Answer 14

Sate/ Define the business problem clearly, so that all participants understand the problem.
Members state possible causes of the business problems.
Set a time limit for each brainstorming session.
Use each suggestion, to inspire new thoughts/ ideas.
All members of the group randomly make suggestions (aloud).

Question 15

Nominal Group Technique

Answer 15

Encourage group to clearly define the problem/ to improve the quality of their products due to various complaints so that all the small groups can work together on the same problem.
The business must divide the employees into smaller groups.
Encourage employees to ask clarity seeking questions.
The business must eliminate ideas that are duplicated/ similar.
Collect the rating and calculate total points.

Question 16

Negatives of Delphi-Technique

Answer 16

It is an expensive technique to use due to high administrative costs.
May be time consuming/ complicated to analyse data received from experts.

Question 16

Positives of Delphi-Technique

Answer 16

May use a group of experts without bringing them together.
Experts will give the business clear ideas/ solutions on how to improve on productivity/ profitability.

Question 17

Positives of Force-Field Analysis

Answer 17

Employees feel included and understood.
Employees develop and grow with the business.

Question 18

Negatives of Force-Field Analysis

Answer 18

Requires the participation of all business units.
It is time consuming since the business must stabilise before more changes can be made.

Question 19

Positives of Brainstorming

Answer 19

Stimulates creative thinking in the workplace.
Better solutions are developed through collective contributions.

Question 20

Negatives of Brainstorming

Answer 20

Some team members may dominate the discussions.
Brainstorming may result in conflict due to differences in opinions.

Question 21

Positives of Nominal Group Technique

Answer 21

It provides time to think about the question in silence before responding.
Strong technique for preventing conformity to group pressure.

Question 22

Negatives of Nominal Group Technique

Answer 22

It is time consuming as each member must make a presentation.
Small groups limit participation and are pre-selected.

Question 23

Meaning of Creative Thinking

Answer 23

Creative Thinking is the ability to think of original and innovative ideas.
It focuses on exploring ideas/ generating possibilities and looking for many answers.

Question 24

Advantages of creative thinking

Answer 24

Better unique ideas are generated. Complex business problems may be solved. Improves motivation amongst staff members. Employees have more confidence as they can live up to their full potential.

Question 25

Ways in which businesses can create an environment that promotes creative thinking

Answer 25

Make time for brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas. Place suggestions boxes around the workplace and keep communication channels open for new ideas. Encourage job swops within the organisation/ Study how other businesses are doing things. Encourage alternative ways of working/ doing things.