Creating Problem Solving Techniques

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Creative Problem Solving

• Training Topics
• Understanding the process of Creativity and
  Problem Solving
• Removing Blocks and Barriers to finding the best
  solution
• Looking at Problem Solving in 2 steps
• Problem Identification
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Problem Solving Tools
• Problem Identification
• SWOT Analysis
• Pareto Principle
• Problem Re-statement (5 Whys)
• Problem Solving
• Brainstorming
• Cause and Effect Analysis

Problem Identification Problem Solving
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Creative Problem Solving

• MMM Training Solutions
• Contact Pramila Mathew
• Mobile [phone]
• Website www.mmmts.com

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CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
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How SHOULD we solve problems?
How DO we solve problems?

• Keep an open mind.
• Analyze the situation by breaking down the
  problems into smaller parts.
• Structure your
• findings.

Because our minds cannot cope with the
intricacies of complex problems, we settle for
partial solutions, thus tending to oversimplify.
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Why is Problem Solving so Challenging?
Analysis is the core element of efficient
problem solving. However, human beings tend to
avoid Analytic Structure as we are not taught
those techniques at early ages.
The Thinkers Toolkit by Morgan D. Jones, 1995
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What is Structuring?

• Structuring is to analysis what a blueprint is to
  building a house, it is like a road map for a
  trip.
• It helps the mind make sense out of complex
  problems.
• It allows us to compare and weigh one element
  against another.
• It focuses on one element at a time.

The Thinkers Toolkit by Morgan D. Jones, 1995
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Attitudes That Kill Creative Ideas
Youre two years ahead of your time.
Not practical for operating.
Dont be ridiculous.
That beyond our responsibility.
It isnt in the budget.
Its too radical a change.
Were not ready for that.
We tried that before.
We dont have time.
Top management will never go for it.
Weve never done it before.
It costs too much.
Well be the laughing stock.
Has anyone else tried it?
Thats not out problem.
Lets form a committee.
Are our competitors doing it?
Cant teach an old dog new tricks.
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Creative Problem Solving Tools

• Problem Restatement Technique
• SWOT Methodology
• Pareto Principle
• Brainstorming

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Problem Re-statement
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Problem Re-statement

• The aim of problem re-statement is to
• Broaden our perspective of a problem, not to
  solve it
• Help us identify the central issues alternative
  solutions
• Increase the chance that the outcome our analysis
  produces will fully, not partially, resolve the
  problem.

The Thinkers Toolkit by Morgan D. Jones, 1995
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SWOT Technique
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SWOT TECHNIQUE
SWOT Analysis is a simple but powerful framework
for analyzing your company's Strengths and
Weaknesses, and the Opportunities and Threats you
face. This helps you to focus on your strengths,
minimize threats, and take the greatest possible
advantage of opportunities available to you.
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Pareto Principle
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8020 Rule or Pareto Principle
This rule argues that typically 80 of
unfocussed effort generates only 20 of results.
The remaining 80 of results are achieved with
only 20 of the effort.
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Brainstorming
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Brainstorming A Creative Technique

• Brainstorming is a great way of generating
  radical ideas.
• During the brainstorming process there is no
  criticism of ideas, as free rein is given to
  people's creativity (criticism and judgment cramp
  creativity.)
• Individual Brainstorming
• It is best for generating many ideas, but tends
  to be less effective at developing them.
• Can be risky for individuals. Valuable but
  strange suggestions may appear stupid at first
  sight.

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Brainstorming A Creative Technique

• Group Brainstorming
• tends to develop fewer ideas, but takes each idea
  further
• needs formal rules for it to work smoothly
• group brainstorming sessions are usually
  enjoyable experiences, which are great for
  creating cohesion in a team

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Great Inventors

• Airplane, Wright Brothers - Aeronautical
  Engineers?
• Bicycle mechanics
• Submarine design, G. W. Garrett - Nautical
  Engineers?
• Clergyman
• Cotton Gin,Eli Whitney - Mechanical engineer?
• Attorney
• Fire extinguisher,George Manby - Chemical
  engineer?
• Captain of the militia

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Contact Information

• MMM TRAINING SOLUTIONS
• 59/29, College Road,
• Nungambakkam, Chennai 600006.
• Landline 91-44-42317735
• Website www.mmmts.com

Pramila Mathew - Training Consultant and
Executive Coach Mobile [phone] E-mail
Pramila.Mathew_at_mmmts.com
Vikas Vinayachandran - Training
Consultant Mobile [phone] E-mail
Vikas_at_mmmts.com