TEC SWF

6/11/2012

National Training Institute

Improving Problem Solving Abilities

Developed by: Dr. Steve Fardo Foundation Professor Department of Applied Engineering andTechnology Eastern Kentucky University
Jump to first page

EKU Technology

Creative Problem Solving

This presentation is designed for business, industry, education or other professionals who wish to more effectively apply creative techniques for problem solving. The primary purpose is to allow participants to capitalize on their creative talents (everyone has them !!!). Techniques for stimulating creative thought, such as brainstorming and storyboarding, will be studied and applied by the group. We encourage the use of a very creative textbook entitled -

EKU Technology

Jump to first page

Objectives
Recognize the value of creative problem solving for work and life Describe the creative problem solving process (Osborn) List characteristics of the creative person Recognize ways to enhance creativity Discuss the basic psychology of creative problem solving Participate in a creative problem solving activity involving the following: Fact-Finding Idea-Finding Solution-Finding Participate in brainstorming /creative problem solving activities

EKU Technology

Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

YOU Need to Know -The Value of Problem Solving and Ideas The Creative Problem Solving Process The Characteristics of a Creative Person Ways to Enhance Creativity

EKU Technology

Jump to first page

Ways to

Joel Barker Video Series Mike Vance Audio Series (Many Others Available)
EKU Technology
Jump to first page

References (Chronological)
Applied Imagination by Alex F. Osborn, 1953 The Art and Science of Creativity by George Kneller, 1965 Doubling Idea Power by Sidney J. Parnes, 1975 Creative Thinking by Mike Vance, 1988 A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech, 1990 A Kick in the Seat of the Pants by Roger von Oech, 1992 Analyzing Performance Problems by Robert F.Mager and Peter Pipe, 2000 2012 and Beyond EKUs Noel Center for Creative Learning
Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Problem Solving Basics

Sensing Problems and Challenges (Know the FACTS) Defining the Problem Problem Restatement IDEA-Finding (Apply CPS) Brainstorming Techniques (Simple) Storyboarding Techniques (More Advanced) Determine SOLUTIONS (Critical Thinking)
Jump to first page

EKU Technology

Problem Solving Techniques

Brainstorming (Basic)*** Storyboarding (Advanced)** Attribute Listing Forced Relationships Paradigm Change Synectics Value Engineering Value Analysis Work Simplification
Jump to first page

Types of Problems
Thing People

OR
Factual Judgmental Creative

EKU Technology

Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Examples of Problems Solved Through Creative Problem Solving (by Groups)

New Products Developed Improved Productivity New Concepts / Inventions Improved Training Reduced Accidents Increased Sales Improved Benefits Improved Public Relations Product Names / Slogans Developed _____________________ (Others?)

Jump to first page

Blocks to
Lack of Perception Emotions Habits Lack of Imagination Lack of Information Lack of Expression Lack of Support

Jump to first page

New Ideas
What would make life better for you, if available? A) at work B) at home

Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Applied Imagination
by Alex Osborn

Three Procedures
Fact-Finding Idea-Finding Solution-Finding
Jump to first page

The Creative Person

Intelligence Awareness Fluency Flexibility Originality Elaboration Skepticism Persistence Intellectual Playfulness Humor Nonconformity Self-Confidence

Jump to first page

The Creative Act

Phase 1

Preparation
Phase 2

Incubation
Phase 3

Illumination
Phase 4

Verification

Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Ways to
Brainstorming Attribute Learning Bionics Forced Relationships Paradigm Change Synectics Value Analysis Work Simplification Storyboarding
Jump to first page

Brainstorming
Four Basic Rules:
Criticism is ruled out Free-wheeling is welcomed Quantity is wanted Combination and Improvement are sought

Jump to first page

Brainstorming
Procedures:
Identify facilitator Select a recorder of ideas List as many ideas as possible Encourage listing more ideas Review ideas to generate new ones Begin combination and improvement Conduct a final review of ideas Session ends; Decide Implementation
Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Decide Implementation
Ideas used immediately Ideas used in the near future Ideas to be studied at length

Jump to first page

Theories of Creativity
TIME
Divine Inspiration
Madness Intuitive Genius Life Force Cosmic Force Gestalt Theory Factor Analysis Bisociation
Jump to first page

Creativity & Intelligence

Creative Thought Non-Creative Thought Contrasts:
Divergence-Convergence Growth-Safety Openness-Defensiveness

Correlation of Creativity / Intelligence All of us have creative abilities!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Sensing Problems
List problems (challenges) that are related to work

Problem Restatement

Jump to first page

Idea-Finding
Adapt Modify Magnify Minify Substitute Rearrange Reverse Combine
Jump to first page

Stimulating Idea-Finding
from Doubling Your Idea Power by S.A. Parnes

Be optimistic Search for breadth as well as depth Consider yourself a thinker Develop a honeybee mind Sharpen your nose for problems Learn to play with ideas Look for the elegant answer Be alert for hunches Be courageous and independent in thought Continue to acquire knowledge Be alert for the unexpected
Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Stimulating Idea-Finding Continued

State your problem carefully Schedule practice sessions Carry your idea trap with you Use idea banks and museums Relax your mind Be enthusiastic and confident Find the right time of day Set a quota and a deadline Dont kid yourself with vague ideas Sharpen all of your senses Exercise your imagination

Jump to first page

Idea - Finding
Selected Problem Statement:

Ideas (tentative leads to solution):

Now go back and circle the ideas that have the most potential

Jump to first page

Creative Thinking
by Mike Vance

Notes:

Jump to first page

Title goes here

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Definitions
Thought process in which previously learned principles are applied to a new situation Problem must first be defined Involves several steps: Select and Define the Problem Isolate the Problem Get the facts Question with an open mind Develop an improvement plan Initiate the plan Follow-up
Jump to first page

Creative Problem Solving

Solving a problem in a new or better way Structured approach to imaginative thinking Imaginative approach to logical thinking

Jump to first page

References
Applied Imagination by Alex F. Osborn, 1953 The Art and Science of Creativity by George Kneller, 1965 Doubling Idea Power by Sidney J. Parnes, 1975 Creative Thinking by Mike Vance, 1988 A Whack on the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech, 1990 A Kick in the Seat of the Pants by Roger von Oech, 1992 Analyzing Performance Problems by Robert F.Mager and Peter Pipe, 1998

Jump to first page

Title goes here

10

TEC SWF

6/11/2012

Jump to first page

Title goes here

11