Analytical Problem Solving and Innovation

Learning Objectives

• Increase proficiency in analytical problem-solving.
• Recognize personal conceptual blocks.
• Enhance creativity by overcoming conceptual blocks.
• Foster innovation among others.

A Model of Problem-Solving

• Step 1: Define the Problem
  • Differentiate fact from opinion.
  • Specify underlying causes.
  • Tap everyone involved for information.
  • State the problem explicitly.
  • Identify what standard is violated.
  • Determine whose problem it is.
  • Avoid stating the problem as a disguised solution.
• Step 2: Generate Alternative Solutions
  • Postpone evaluating alternatives.
  • Ensure all involved individuals generate alternatives.
  • Specify alternatives that are consistent with goals.
  • Specify both short- and long-term solutions.
  • Build on others’ ideas.
  • Specify alternatives that solve the problem.
• Step 3: Evaluate and Select an Alternative
  • Evaluate relative to an optimal standard.
  • Evaluate systematically.
  • Evaluate relative to goals.
  • Evaluate main effects and side effects.
  • State the selected alternative explicitly.
• Step 4: Implement and Follow Up on the Solution
  • Implement at proper time and in the right sequence.
  • Provide opportunities for feedback.
  • Engender acceptance.
  • Establish ongoing monitoring system.
  • Evaluate based on problem solution.

Constraints on the Analytical Problem-Solving Model

• Step 1: Defining the problems
  • Lack of consensus on the problem.
  • Acceptance of problem definition.
  • Symptoms are often confused with the real problem.
  • Confusing information.
• Step 2: Generating Alternatives
  • Alternatives are evaluated as they are proposed.
  • Few possible alternatives are usually known.
  • The first acceptable solution is usually accepted.
  • Alternatives are based on what was successful in the past.
• Step 3: Evaluating and Selecting an Alternative
  • Information on alternatives is limited.
  • Search for information occurs close to home.
  • The type of information is constrained by other factors.
  • Gathering information is costly.
  • Preferences for the best alternatives are not always known.
• Step 4: Implementation and Follow Up
  • Acceptance is not always forthcoming.
  • Resistance to change.
  • Uncertainty about what part of solution to monitor.
  • Political and organizational processes must be managed.
  • It may take a long time to implement a solution.

Impediments to Creative Problem-Solving

• Most people assume that creativity is one-dimensional.
• Almost everyone has created blocks that inhibit creativity.

Conceptual Blocks

• Each of these four different approaches to creativity can be inhibited.
• Mental obstacles constrain the way problems are defined.
  • Examples of overcoming blocks:
    • Percy Spencer’s Magnetron, a special radar detector, led to the invention of the microwave.
    • Spence Silver’s Glue led to the development of the enormously popular Post-It Notes.
• Constancy inhibits the solution of some kinds of problems, as consistency can drive out creativity.
• Commitment leads to present problems being seen only as variations of past problems.
• Compression involves not filtering out irrelevant information or finding needed information, and using artificial constraints and defining the boundaries of a problem too narrowly.
• Complacency involves not filtering out irrelevant information or finding needed information, and using artificial constraints and defining the boundaries of a problem too narrowly.

DeBono's Ways of Thinking

• Vertical Thinking involves continuity, making choices, stability, searching for what is right, being analytic, understanding the idea's origin, and developing an idea.
• Lateral Thinking involves discontinuity, changes, instability, searching for what is different, being provocative, considering where the idea is going, and discovering the idea.

Multiple Thinking Languages

• More languages available to problem solvers increases the creativity of the solution.
  • Words
  • Symbols
  • Sensory Input(i.e., smell)
  • Feelings and Emotions
  • Visual Imagery

Improving Problem Definition

• Synectics include making the strange familiar and the familiar strange.
  • Use analogies which can be personal, direct, symbolic, and fantasy.
• Elaborate the definition by generating 2 different plausible definitions, thinking in plural.
• Reverse the definition by turning the problem upside down.

Generating More Alternatives

• Defer judgment through brainstorming.
• Expand current alternatives through subdivision.
• Combine unrelated attributes using relational algorithms and morphological synthesis.

Rules of Brainstorming

1. No evaluation of ideas is permitted.
2. Wild ideas are encouraged.
3. Quantity before quality.
4. Build on ideas of others.

Morphological Synthesis Steps

1. The problem is written down.
2. Attributes of the problem are listed.
3. Alternatives to each attribute are listed.
4. Different alternatives from the attributes are combined.

Relational Algorithm

• Connects two elements in a problem by applying connecting words that force a relationship.

Hints to Facilitate Creative Problem-Solving

• Give yourself relaxation time.
• Find a place where you can think.
• Talk to other people about ideas.
• Ask other people for their suggestions about your problems.
• Read a lot.
• Protect yourself from idea-killers.

Three Principles for Fostering Creativity

1. Pull people apart; put people together.
2. Monitor and prod.
3. Reward multiple roles.

Behavioral Guidelines

• Follow the four-step procedure for analytical decision-making.
• When approaching a difficult or complex problem, remember that creative solutions need not be a product of revolutionary and brand-new ideas.
• Try to overcome conceptual blocks.
• To enhance creativity, use technologies that elaborate problem definition.

Explore analytical problem-solving techniques, including problem definition, alternative generation, and evaluation. Learn to overcome conceptual blocks and foster innovation. Understand how to evaluate alternatives effectively and implement solutions.