Creative Problem Solving

• Icebreaker
• Housekeeping Items
• The Parking Lot
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: The Problem Solving Method

• What is a Problem?
• What is Creative Problem Solving?
• What are the Steps in the Creative Solving Process?

Module Three: Information Gathering

• Understanding Types of Information
• Identifying Key Questions
• Methods of Gathering Information

Module Four: Problem Definition

• Defining the Problem
• Determining Where the Problem Originated
• Defining the Present State and the Desired State
• Stating and Restating the Problem
• Analyzing the Problem
• Writing the Problem Statement

Module Five: Preparing for Brainstorming

• Identifying Mental Blocks
• Removing Mental Blocks
• Stimulating Creativity

Module Six: Generating Solutions (I)

• Brainstorming Basics
• Brainwriting and Mind Mapping
• Duncker Diagrams

• The Morphological Matrix
• The Six Thinking Hats
• The Blink Method

Module Eight: Analyzing Solutions

• Developing Criteria
• Analyzing Wants and Needs
• Using Cost/Benefit Analysis

Module Nine: Selecting a Solution

• Doing a Final Analysis
• Paired Comparison Analysis
• Analyzing Potential Problems

Module Ten: Planning Your Next Steps

• Identifying Tasks
• Identifying Resources
• Implementing, Evaluating, and Adapting

Module Eleven: Recording Lessons Learned

• Planning the Follow-Up Meeting
• Celebrating Successes
• Identifying Improvements

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Review of Parking Lot
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations