T2: t1: Creative Thinking And Problem Solving

Question 1

Meaning of creative thinking

Answer 1

• approaching a thought, idea, problem, situation in a new/interesting way
• process of putting facts, concepts, principles together in new and original ways
• business needs to find creative solutions to solve problems efficiently

Question 2

Meaning of routine thinking

Answer 2

• regular, ordinary, conventional thinking
• doesn’t lead to new ideas or patterns of thought, only imitates/perpetuates old thinking patterns and leads to conclusions that have already been reached

Question 3

Meaning of creative thinking

Answer 3

• process used to come up with new, fresh ideas
• using lateral thinking solves problems through reasoning to find solutions that aren’t immediately obvious, unusual solution

Question 4

Meaning of conventional solutions

Answer 4

• ordinary and unimaginative solutions
• solutions obtained through logical, analytical problem-solving methods
• often 1 solution to a problem
• chooses and looks for what is right

Question 5

Meaning of non-conventional solutions

Answer 5

• different and creative solutions
• solutions obtained from creative thinking
• often more than 1 solution to a problem
• changes and looks for what is different

Question 6

Four ways in which businesses can create an environment that stimulates creative thinking

Answer 6

• encourage staff to come up with new ideas, opinions and solutions
• encourage alternative ways of working and doing things
• provide working environment conducive to creativity, free from distractions
• make time for brainstorming sessions to generate new ideas

Question 7

Four advantages of creative thinking in the workplace

Answer 7

• better, unique, unconventional ideas and solutions are generated
• complex business problems may be solved
• employees have more confidence as they can live up to their full potential
• improves motivation among staff members

Question 8

Meaning of problem solving

Answer 8

• problems can be solved by a group or an individual team member
• alternative solutions are generated, identified and critically evaluated
• process of analyzing a situation to identify strategies to bring about change

Question 9

List four steps in problem solving

Answer 9

• identify problem
• define problem
• identify alternative solutions for problem
• evaluate alternative solutions

Question 10

Meaning of the Delphi Technique

Answer 10

• technique used to solve new and complex problems
• popular method of gathering information by using a selected expert panel on a specific topic
• group of experts never meet face to face
• uses series of questionnaires to obtain feedback from experts

Question 11

List four ways in which businesses can apply the Delphi technique in the workplace

Answer 11

• business must invite a panel of experts to research customer complaints
• experts don’t have to be in one place and will be contacted individually
• design a questionnaire consisting of questions on how to improve the quality of the products and distribute them to the panel of experts
• request panel to individually respond to the questionnaire and suggest improvements to the products and return it to the business

Question 12

Advantages of the Delphi Technique

Answer 12

• group of experts will be used without bringing them together
• experts can give new information on problems
• information received from experts can be kept confidential
• experts need to reach a consensus so the best solution is found

Question 13

Meaning of the force field analysis

Answer 13

• method of listing, discussing and analyzing various forces of proposed change
• often used for planning ajd implementing change in the business
• analysis involves identifying advantages and disadvantages of a decision

Question 14

List four ways in which businesses can apply the force field analysis

Answer 14

• describe current situation and desired situation
• write proposal for change in the middle
• list all forces driving (advantages) and resisting (disadvantages) change
• list all forces in support of change in one column

Question 15

List four advantages of working with others to solve problems

Answer 15

• problem can be solved faster and easier
• workload decreases if everyone does their share
• greater results can be achieved
• problem is viewed from different perspectives