Untie the Knot
Course Objective
To become a Creative Problem Solver and
an Effective & Efficient Decision Maker
Course Content
1.What is thinking?
2.Types of thinking and their barriers
3.Creative Problem Solving Process
4.Decision making Process and its barriers
Word of Wisdom
We cannot solve our problems with the same level of
thinking that we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein
Before We Start
Thinking
Decision
Making Problem
Solving
Thinking
What is Thinking?
Thinking is to use the mind for processing
information and imagination in order to
make sense of our world.
Is your brain working now?
Connect the dots by 4 straight consecutive lines
Is your brain working now?
Is your brain working now?
You have 6 matchsticks
Arrange them in a pattern of six
equilateral triangles
(without breaking them)
Is your brain working now?
Is your brain working now?
Types of Thinking
Types of Thinking
ANALYZING NEW
EVALUATING IDEAS
REASONING
Left Right
CRITICAL CREATIVE
THINKING THINKING
Barriers to critical thinking
Barriers to Critical Thinking
Unwarranted
Egocentrism
Assumptions
Wishful
Socio centrism Thinking
Barriers to Creative Thinking
Stress.
Routine.
Beliefs.
Fear.
Problem
solving
What is a Problem?
}
Events SHOULD
Deviation
Y ACTUAL
SHOULD + ACTUAL = PROBLEM
Creative PS & DM Processes
Environmental Problem
Analysis Definition
Develop
Control
Possible Cause
Implementation Test the
Creative Problem Solving Possible Cause
(CPS) Process
Decision making Generating
Process Solution options
1. Analyzing the environment
Gathering information about what is going
on in your organization and outside of it
Listening to employees and customers
Hire consultants
Monitor weak signals
SWOT Analysis
2. Defining the problem
4 fundamental dimensions that define a problem:
1.
1. WHAT
It has an identity; information that describe
what is happening.
2.
2. WHERE
It has a location; information that defines
where it is happening.
3.
3. WHEN
It has a timing. information that defines when
it is happening.
4. EXTENT
4. It has a magnitude; information that defines its
extent.
3. Develop Possible Causes
Questions IS IS NOT
WHAT
WHERE What IS the What IS NOT the
WHEN problem? problem?
EXTENT
Possible Cause:
4. Test the Possible Cause
}
Events SHOULD
POSSIBLE Deviation
CAUSE
Y ACTUAL
TEST: Would
this possible THE DEVIATION AS SPECIFIED
cause product WHAT
this outcome? IS
WHERE
IS
WHEN
EXTENT
NOT
GM
Word of Wisdom
“A problem clearly stated is a
problem half solved.”
5. Generating Options for solution
Classification of the known options and
generating additional options.
6. Decision Making
Phases of Decision Making
Define
Objectives
Choose Best
Alternative
Classify
Objectives
Evaluate
Alternatives
against
Objectives
Define Objectives
Specify the objectives:
Derived from two general areas:
Results – What is to be accomplished?
Resources – What are the resource limits
within which I must stay?
Objectives
- Low Cost
-Appearance
- Easy Service
- Durability
-Spare parts
Classify Objectives
All objectives listed under two headings:
MUSTS: limits that cannot be violated
WANTS: express relative desirability
Objectives
MUSTS
- Cost
-Appearance
WANTS
-Easy Service
- Durability
-Spare Parts
Evaluate Alternative against objectives & choose
Objectives Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C
MUSTS
-Low Cost GO NO GO GO
-Appearance GO GO GO
WANTS
Weight Score Weight*Score Score
Weight*Score
-Easy Service 7 2 14 5 35
- Durability 9 3 27 4 36
-Spare Parts 3 4 12 2 6
53 77
TOTAL
The Hidden Traps in Decision Making
The Blinders Trap
Focusing on one thing or on what’s
in front of you only
The Anchoring Trap
The mind gives unbalanced weight to
the latest information it receives.
The Status Quo Trap
The fear of change & taking risks
Open ourselves to criticism & regret
The Sunk Cost Trap
Making choices in a way that justifies past,
defective choices .
The Confirming Evidence Trap
Seeking information that
supports your existing point of
view while avoiding information
that contradicts it.
Creative PS & DM Processes
Environmental Problem
Analysis Definition
Develop
Control
Possible Cause
Implementation Test the
Creative Problem Solving Possible Cause
(CPS) Process
Decision making Generating
Process Solution options
7. Implementing solutions
Implementation needs to account for
details and anticipate and overcome
obstacles
8. Controlling for results
Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution
Case Study
