Strategies for Creative Problem Solving

Chapter 1: Problem-Solving Strategies: Why Bother? 1
What's the Real Problem? 1
Correct Problem Definition/Wrong Solution 7
A Heuristic for Successful Problem Solving 8
Summary 11
Web-Site Material 11
References 13
Exercises 13
Further Reading 15

Chapter 2: The Characteristics, Attitudes, and Environment Necessary for Effective Problem Solving 17
Getting in the Right Frame of Mind 18
Having a Vision 22
Working Together in Teams 26
Responding to Criticism 30
Conflict Resolution 32
Summary 34
Web-Site Material 35
References 37
Exercises 37
Further Reading 40

Chapter 3: Skills Necessary for Effective Problem Solving 41
Critical Thinking 41
Summary 63
Web-Site Material 64
References 65
Exercises 65
Further Reading 73

Chapter 4: First Steps 75
The First Four Steps 76
Summary 90
Web-Site Material 90
Reference 91
Exercises 91

Chapter 5: Problem Definition 93
Defining the Real Problem: Four Techniques 93
Technique 1: Using the Duncker Diagram to Define the Real Problem 94
Technique 2: Using the Statement-Restatement Technique 98
Technique 3: Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis 103
Which Technique to Choose? 109
Determine Whether the Problem should be Solved 109
Brainstorm Potential Causes and Solution Alternatives 111
Summary 111
Web-Site Material 112
References 113
Exercises 113
Further Reading 125

Chapter 6: Breaking Down the Barriers to Generating Ideas 127
Recognizing Mental Blocks 129
Improving Your Creative Abilities 133
Risk Taking 135
Summary 141
Web-Site Material 142
References 142
Exercises 143
Further Reading 145

Chapter 7: Generating Solutions 147
Brainstorming 147
Free Association 148
Vertical Thinking 149
Lateral Thinking 154
Organizing Brainstorming Ideas: The Fishbone Diagram 157
Cautions 159
Brainwriting 159
Futuring 159
Cross-Fertilization 162
Analogy 165
Incubating Ideas 167
Triz 168
Use The Defect to Solve The Problem 177
Summary 179
Web-Site Material 179
References 180
Exercises 181
Further Reading 185

Chapter 8: Deciding the Course of Action 187
K.T. Situation Appraisal 188
K.T. Problem Analysis 194
K.T. Decision Analysis 194
Adverse Consequences of the Alternative Solutions 198
K.T. Potential Problem Analysis 208
Summary 214
Web-Site Material 215
References 215
Exercises 215
Further Reading 227

Chapter 9: Implementing the Solution 229
Approval 229
Carry Through 241
Follow Up 242
Goal Setting 244
Summary 244
Web-Site Material 245
References 246
Exercises 246
Further Reading 247

Chapter 10: Evaluation 249
General Guidelines 249
Ethical Evaluation 253
Safety Considerations 260
Summary 260
Web-Site Material 261
References 261
Exercises 261
Further Reading 270

Chapter 11: Troubleshooting 271
Some General Guidelines 271
Technical Troubleshooting Exercises 280
Interactive Computing Module on Troubleshooting 292
Troubleshooting Laboratory Equipment 294
Summary 295
Web-Site Materia