Creative Problem Solving

In the past few decades, psychologists and business people alike have discovered that successful problem solvers tend to use the same type of process to identify and implement the solutions to their problems. This process works for any kind of problem, large or small.

This two hour Creative Problem Solving course will give participants an overview of the entire creative problem solving process, as well as key problem solving tools that they can use every day. Skills such as brainstorming, information gathering, analyzing data, and identifying resources will be covered throughout the course.

Completing this course will confer 2 CPD Credits towards internationally recognised Continuous Professional Development Requirements within organisations operating this kind of staff development methodology.

Course Outline

Module One: Getting Started

Module Two: The Problem Solving Method

• What is a Problem?
• What is Creative Problem Solving?
• What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process?

Module Three: Information Gathering

• Understanding Types of Information
• Identifying Key Questions
• Methods of Gathering Information

Module Four: Problem Definition

• Defining the Problem
• Determining Where the Problem Originated
• Defining the Present State and the Desired State
• Stating and Restating the Problem
• Analyzing the Problem
• Writing the Problem Statement

Module Five: Preparing for Brainstorming

• Identifying Mental Blocks
• Removing Mental Blocks
• Stimulating Creativity

Module Six: Generating Solutions (I)

• Brainstorming Basics
• Brainwriting and Mind Mapping
• Duncker Diagrams

Module Seven: Generating Solutions (II)

• The Morphological Matrix
• The Six Thinking Hats
• The Blink Method
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Eight: Analyzing Solutions

• Developing Criteria
• Analyzing Wants and Needs
• Using Cost/Benefit Analysis
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Nine: Selecting a Solution

• Doing a Final Analysis
• Paired Comparison Analysis
• Analyzing Potential Problems
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Ten: Planning Your Next Steps

• Identifying Tasks
• Identifying Resources
• Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting
• Case Study
• Review Questions

Module Eleven: Recording Lessons Learned

• Planning the Follow-Up Meeting
• Celebrating Successes
• Identifying Improvements
• Case Study
• Review Questions