Creative thinking

Question 1

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

Answer 1

-Businesses use creativity and different problem-solving techniques to solve complex business problems

-Management must:

–Always be willing to listen and respond enthusiastically to new ideas from staff members

–Encourage all staff members to develop unique or new ideas

–Train staff members on innovative techniques

–Make time for creating new ideas

Question 2

Advantages of creative thinking

Answer 2

–Better, unique or unconventional ideas and solutions are generated

–Complex business problems may be solved

–Improves motivation amongst staff members

-Creativity may lead to new inventions which improve the general standard of living

Question 3

Differences between problem-solving and decision making

Answer 3

Problem-solving:
-Problems can be solved by a group. This makes it more inclusive

-The group will generate various solutions and then critically evaluate each one

-This process of analyzing a situation will help the group to identify strategies that will bring about change

Decision-making:
-Its often done by one person. This makes it more authoritative

-The person will consider various alternatives before deciding on the best one

-This process is part of the problem-solving cycle because decisions need to be taken at each step of the cycle

Question 4

Problem solving steps

Answer 4

-Identify the problem
-Define the problem
-Identify alternative solutions
Evaluate alternative solutions
-Develop an action plan
-Choose the best solutions
-Implement the action plan
-Evaluate the action plan

Question 5

Define the problem

Answer 5

-Define all possible causes of the problem

Question 6

Identify the problem

Answer 6

-Acknowledge that there is a problem before it can be solved

Question 7

Identify alternative solutions

Answer 7

-Decide what seems to be the best solutions to the problem

Question 8

Evaluate alternative solutions

Answer 8

-Use critical evaluation and analytical skills to evaluate each solution

Question 9

Choose the best solution

Answer 9

-Identify which solution will be used

Question 10

Develop an action plan

Answer 10

-Establish a timeline for implementation and set deadlines

Question 11

Implement action plan

Answer 11

-Carry out the planned actions to solve the problem

Question 12

Evaluate action plan

Answer 12

-Assess whether the problem has been solved partially or entirely