Creativity, Problem Solving and Decision Making

3 days

Introduction

Successful organisations recognise that critical thinking and creative solutions to problems significantly enhance business potential. Today‰Ûªs decision makers must use a variety of thinking styles, methodologies and creative processes. On this course, you will develop your skills as a critical thinker and problem solver. You will learn to leverage your personal thinking preferences using tools and techniques based on latest thinking.

Programme Objectives

This course will address the following key objectives:

• Enable you to make better decisions through critical thinking and creative problem solving
• Adapt to different thinking styles in group and team environments
• Recognise and remove barriers to individual and group creativity to foster an innovative work environment
• Systematically analyse a target problem
• Present your ideas clearly and concisely for maximum shareholder buy-in
• Transform your creativity into practical business solutions

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice and appropriate video material. The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Duration

3 days

Who should attend?

• This programme is designed for all managers, leaders and professionals who wish to improve the accuracy of their conclusions and decisions
• Individuals who desire to develop critical thinking and problem solving as a core competency
• Professionals who are looking for a refresher programme on how to analyse problems and develop potential solutions

THE PROGRAMME CONTENT

Creativity Tools

• Improving a product or service ‰ÛÒ Reversal and SCAMPER
• Creating new products, services & Strategies ‰ÛÒ Attribute Listing, Morphological Analysis & Matrix Analysis
• Generating many radical ideas ‰ÛÒ Brainstorming
• Making creative leaps ‰ÛÒ Random Input
• Widening the search for solutions ‰ÛÒ Concept Fan
• Looking at problems from different perspectives ‰ÛÒ Reframing Matrix
• Carrying out thought experiments ‰ÛÒ Provocation
• A simple process For creativity ‰ÛÒ DO IT
• A powerful integrated problem solving process ‰ÛÒ Simplex
• Subconscious problem solving

Tools for Understanding Complex Situations

• Appreciation
• Drill down
• Cause & Effect Diagrams
• System diagrams
• SWOT analysis
• Risk analysis and risk management
• Porters Five Forces
• PESTLE analysis
• Value chain analysis

Problem Solving

• Background
• Definition
• Problem solving styles
• Steps in problem solving
• A personal application and case study
• 10 tips to improve tour problem solving

Decision Making

• Introduction
• A framework for decision making
• Decision support analysis
• Psychology of decision making
• Communicating a decision

Techniques for Effective Decision Making

• Pareto analysis
• Paired comparison analysis
• Grid analysis
• Decision tree analysis
• PMI
• Force field analysis
• Six thinking hats
• Cost/benefit analysis

To discuss your training requirements and how this course can work for you, please contact us.