TERM 1 Topic 1.4 - Creative thinking and problem solving

Question 1

List the six steps of the PROBLEM SOLVING process

Answer 1

1) Identify the problem
2) Define the problem
3) Formulate a strategy
4) Implement the strategy
5) Allocate resources
6) Monitor and evaluate the strategy and process

Question 2

List FIVE steps of the FORCE FIELD analysis technique

Answer 2

ONE = List the driving & restraining forces
TWO = Rate each force from 1 (weak) to 5
(strong)
THREE = Use the total score on each side
to decide
FOUR = Choose the best option
FIVE = Use your knowledge to
WEAKEN the restraining forces and
STRENGTHEN the driving forces

{PS: Driving force - support the issue
Restraining force - prevent the issue}

Question 3

Problem solving solution:
FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

Name 2 advantages & 2 disadvantages

Answer 3

ADVANTAGES
1) Well balanced
2) Takes everyone’s opinions into
consideration

DISADVANTAGES
1) Decisions are not always based on facts
2) Everyone needs to take part to make it
effective

Question 4

Problem solving solution:
DELPHI TECHNIQUE

Name 2 advantages & 2 disadvantages

Answer 4

ADVANTAGES
1) Collects experts’ opinions
2) Ideas can be freely stated without
judgement

DISADVANTAGES
1) Takes a long time
2) Experts are usually very decisive and
may never reach a final decision

Question 5

Problem solving solution:
BRAINSTORMING

Name 2 advantages & 2 advantages

Answer 5

ADVANTAGES
1) Encourages open-mindedness (thinking
out of the box)
2) Build on one another’s ideas

DISADVANTAGES
1) Strong personalities dominate the
process
2) Some ideas can be unrealistic and waste
time

Question 6

Problem solving solution:
SCAMPER

Name 2 advantages & 2 disadvantages

Answer 6

ADVANTAGES
1)Brings ideas from different angles
2)Can give rise to ideas never considered
before

DISADVANTAGES
1) Takes a long time
2) Has to be conducted in the correct
environment

Question 7

What does SCAMPER stand for:

Answer 7

S = Substitute
C = Combine
A = Adapt
M = Magnify
P = Put to other uses
E = Eliminate
R = Rearrange

Question 8

Which of these rules does NOT apply in a brainstorming session?

A - Welcome unusual ideas
B - Reject unreasonable ideas
C - Combine and improve on ideas
D - Offer any and all ideas, no matter how
strange

Answer 8

Reject unreasonable ideas