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Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

  • Exploring creativity and the nature of creative thinking
  • The impact of creativity on problem resolution, innovation, and decision-making
  • Recognising barriers to creative thought and strategies to overcome them
  • The process of creative problem solving: from identifying an issue to implementing a solution

Defining and Framing the Problem

  • Distinguishing between symptoms and the underlying issue
  • Crafting a clear and actionable problem statement
  • Defining objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
  • Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying relevant data and evidence
  • Posing effective questions to gain deeper understanding of the problem
  • Investigating facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
  • Organising information to facilitate creative analysis

Identifying Root Causes

  • Looking beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover underlying causes
  • Applying the 5 Why Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Utilising cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex problems
  • Selecting the most relevant causes for further investigation

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Techniques for generating a broad range of ideas
  • Utilising divergent and convergent thinking
  • Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
  • Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
  • Developing associations and unconventional solutions
  • Practical exercises based on real business or organisational challenges

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

  • Establishing criteria for assessing ideas
  • Objectively comparing alternatives
  • Evaluating feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
  • Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate
  • Balancing creative innovation with practical business requirements

Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method

  • Overview of the 8D problem-solving approach
  • Defining the problem and assembling an effective problem-solving team
  • Identifying and implementing corrective actions
  • Verifying results and preventing recurrence
  • Applying the method to a practical case study

From Idea to Action

  • Converting selected solutions into actionable plans
  • Defining responsibilities, resources, milestones, and deadlines
  • Identifying potential implementation risks
  • Monitoring progress and measuring results

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Understanding the core principles of Design Thinking
  • Empathising with users to understand their needs
  • Defining the challenge from the user's perspective
  • Ideating, prototyping, and testing solutions
  • Utilising Design Thinking to approach ambiguous and complex problems

Integrated Creative Problem-Solving Workshop

  • Applying selected creative thinking and problem-solving techniques to a practical challenge
  • Combining root-cause analysis, idea generation, evaluation, and action planning
  • Working individually and/or in teams on problems provided by the trainer or customer
  • Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

  • Reviewing the problem-solving process and outcomes
  • Identifying successes, failures, and areas for improvement
  • Creating an improvement plan
  • Utilising the START / STOP / CONTINUE retrospective framework
  • Identifying opportunities to apply creative thinking in everyday work

Workshop Summary

  • Review of key principles and techniques
  • Personal action points
  • Transferring learning to current tasks and projects
  • Final discussion and Q&A

Requirements

None

Audience

  • Individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of creative thinking mechanisms and improve their effectiveness
 7 Hours

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