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Course Outline

Fundamentals of Creative Problem Solving

  • Comprehending creativity and the mechanics of creative thinking
  • The impact of creativity on problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
  • Recognizing barriers to creative thought and strategies to overcome them
  • The creative problem-solving workflow: from issue identification to solution implementation

Defining and Structuring the Problem

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

Collecting and Assessing Information

  • Identifying relevant data and evidence
  • Posing effective questions to gain problem insights
  • Examining facts, assumptions, and fundamental causes
  • Structuring information to facilitate creative analysis

Determining Root Causes

  • Looking beyond surface symptoms to find underlying causes
  • Applying the 5 Whys Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Utilizing cause-and-effect analysis to organize complex issues
  • Selecting the most pertinent causes for deeper investigation

Generating Creative Solutions and Alternatives

  • Techniques for producing a broad spectrum of ideas
  • Utilizing divergent and convergent thinking styles
  • Challenging assumptions and exploring alternative viewpoints
  • Applying De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
  • Developing associations and non-traditional solutions
  • Practical exercises based on real-world business or organizational challenges

Evaluating and Choosing Solutions

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

Structured Problem Solving with the 8D Method

  • Introduction to the 8D problem-solving approach
  • Defining the problem and assembling an effective resolution team
  • Identifying and implementing corrective actions
  • Verifying outcomes and preventing recurrence
  • Applying the methodology to a practical case study

From Concept to Execution

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

Introduction to Design Thinking

  • Understanding the principles behind Design Thinking
  • Empathizing with users to understand their needs
  • Defining the challenge from the user’s perspective
  • Ideating, prototyping, and testing solutions
  • Using Design Thinking to navigate 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 or in teams on issues provided by the trainer or client
  • Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

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

Workshop Summary

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

Requirements

No prerequisites required.

Audience

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

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