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Course Outline

Introduction to Creative Problem Solving

  • Understanding creativity and the mechanics of creative thinking
  • The role of creativity in problem-solving, innovation, and decision-making
  • Identifying barriers to creative thinking and strategies for overcoming them
  • The creative problem-solving cycle: from issue identification to solution implementation

Defining and Framing the Problem

  • Distinguishing between symptoms and the core problem
  • Developing a clear, actionable problem statement
  • Identifying objectives, constraints, and desired outcomes
  • Reframing problems to uncover new perspectives

Gathering and Analyzing Information

  • Identifying relevant information and supporting evidence
  • Posing effective questions to gain a deeper understanding of the problem
  • Exploring facts, assumptions, and underlying causes
  • Organising information to support creative analysis

Identifying Root Causes

  • Moving beyond surface symptoms to identify fundamental causes
  • Applying the 5 Whys Method
  • Constructing a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram
  • Utilising cause-and-effect analysis to structure complex issues
  • Selecting the most significant 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-world business or organisational challenges

Evaluating and Selecting Solutions

  • Establishing criteria for evaluating ideas
  • Objectively comparing alternatives
  • Assessing feasibility, impact, risks, and resource requirements
  • Using Scatter Diagrams and other analytical tools where appropriate
  • Balancing creative innovation 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 results and preventing recurrence
  • Applying the method to a practical case study

From Idea to Action

  • Translating 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 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
  • Using Design Thinking to address 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 the organisation
  • Presenting proposed solutions and receiving feedback

Retrospective and Continuous Improvement

  • Reviewing the problem-solving process and outcomes
  • Identifying what worked, what did not, and areas for improvement
  • 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
  • Applying learning to current tasks and projects
  • Final discussion and Q&A

Requirements

No prior prerequisites are required.

Target Audience

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

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Price per participant

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Provisional Upcoming Courses (Require 5+ participants)

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