Creative Problem Solving

The Creative Problem Solving workshop 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 workshop.     Course Outline Module One: Getting Started Icebreaker Housekeeping Items The Parking Lot Workshop Objectives 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 Module Eight: Analyzing Solutions Developing Criteria Analyzing Wants and Needs Using Cost/Benefit Analysis Module Nine: Selecting a Solution Doing a Final Analysis Paired Comparison Analysis Analyzing Potential Problems Module Ten: Planning Your Next Steps Identifying Tasks Identifying Resources Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting Module Eleven: Recording Lessons Learned Planning the Follow-Up Meeting Celebrating Successes Identifying Improvements Module Twelve: Wrapping Up Words from the Wise Review of Parking Lot Lessons Learned Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations