problem solving and creative thinking Flashcards
2 differences between problem solving and decision making
[ group, various, evaluate ] [ one, senior, alternatives, best ]
PROBLEM SOLVING:
- problems can be solved by a group/ team or an individual team member
- the group/ team will identify various solutions and critically evaluate each one
DECISION MAKING:
- often done by one person/ a member of senior management who makes it authoritarian
- the person considers various alternatives and decides on the best one
problem solving steps (3 headings and 1 point each )
[ identify, define, identify ]
- identify the problem
- acknowledge that there’s a problem before it can be solved - define the problem
- name the problem by stating exactly what the problem is - identify alternative solutions
- decide what seems to be the best solution to the problem
4 ways to apply the Delphi technique
[panel, research] [place, contacted] [requested, questionnaire] [summarise, report]
- the business must invite a panel of experts to research the challenges it might face
- experts do not have to be in one place and will be contacted individually
- experts will be requested to send individual responses to questionnaire
- business will summarise all feedback from experts into a report
2 advantages of the Delphi technique
[ group, bringing] [ clear, improve]
- businesses may use the group of experts without bringing them together
- experts will have clear ideas on how to improve productivity/ profitability
2 disadvantages of the Delphi technique
[ expensive, willing/ interested ]
- it’s an expensive technique due to the admin costs
- not all experts are willing or interested in giving feedback or completing the questionnaire
4 ways to apply the Force-field analysis
[ describe, list, allocate, weigh ]
- describe the current situation as well as the desired situation
- list all the driving and resisting forces 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 and decide if the project is viable
2 advantages of Force-field analysis
[ included, understand ] [ strengthen, weaken ]
- employees feel included and understand where the business is going
- it enables the business to strengthen the driving forces and weaken the restraining forces
2 disadvantages of the Force-field analysis
[participation, time-consuming, changes]
- it requires the participation of all business units
- it is time consuming because the business must stabilise before further changes can be made
4 ways to apply the Brainstorming technique
[define, understand] [time, session] [members, causes] [members, randomly]
- the business must define the problem clearly so that all participants understand it
- the group must set a time limit for each brainstorming session
- members must state possible causes of the business’ problems
- all members of the group randomly make suggestions
2 advantages of the Brainstorming technique
[ stimulates, motivated, contribute]
- stimulates creative thinking in the workplace
- employees are motivated as they are allowed to contribute to the problem solving
2 disadvantages of Brainstorming technique
[conflict, difference] [dominate, influence]
- discussions may result in conflict due to difference in opinions
- some group members may dominate the discussion and influence others
what’s the key word for identifying the Nominal Group technique
- smaller groups
4 ways businesses can create an environment that stimulates creative thinking
[encourage, respond, place, encourage ]
- encourage alternative ways of doing things
- respond enthusiastically to all ideas and never let anyone feel less important
- place suggestion boxes around the workplace and keep communication channels open for new ideas
- encourage job swops within the organisation
benefits/advantages of creative thinking in the workplace
[better, complex, improves, keep up]
- better ideas and solutions are generated
- complex business problems may be solved
- improves motivation amongst staff members
- management or employees may keep up with new technology
