By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Apply a creative problem-solving process to solving problems
• Identify types of information to gather and key questions to ask in problem solving
• Identify the importance of defining a problem correctly
• Identify and use four different problem definition tools
• Use basic brainstorming tools to generate solutions
• Evaluate potential solutions against criteria and perform a final analysis to select a solution
• Understand how to identify tasks and resources necessary to implement solutions

What will you learn on this course?

• The problem-solving method
  
  We begin by defining “problem” and other situations that lend themselves to the creative problem-solving process.


• Information gathering
  
  Next we explore different types of information, key questions and different methods used to gather information.


• Problem definition
  
  Here we explore why problem solvers need to clearly define the problem. We also introduce several tools to use when defining a problem and writing a problem statement.


• Preparing for brainstorming
  
  This module introduces techniques for dealing with common mental blocks to brainstorming, and ideas for stimulating creativity.


• Generating solutions
  
  We explore several idea-generating techniques: free-association style brainstorming, brainwriting, mind mapping and Duncker Diagrams.


• Analysing solutions
  
  In this module we look at criteria for solving the problem, as well as distinguishing between wants and needs. We also introduce the cost/benefit analysis as a method of analysing solutions.


• Selecting a solution
  
  Here we discuss that final analysis, as well as the Paired Comparison Analysis tool for selecting a solution.