|
Faculty
Business School
School/Department
Department of Business and Marketing
Course
Business Studies (Option)
Joint Degrees Programme (Common option)
Module title
CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
Total study hours
Staff-Directed Study Time 48 hours
Student-Centred Study Time 192 hours
240 hours
Level
6
Credit rating
24
Tutor contact details Jon Curwin
Dr Harry Matlay
Aims To examine the process of creative problem solving and enhance understanding of ‘self’ as a problem solver
Module description This module is concerned with how we can identify, define and respond to problem situations. Possible problem solving frameworks are examined and a wide range of creative problem solving techniques reviewed. Creativity is considered as part of the process and as a personal characteristic.
The module will explore:
Understanding Creativity
• Some definitions and theories
• Importance to the individual and the organisation
• Barriers to creativity
• ‘Self ‘ as a problem solver
Problem Situations
• Perspectives on the problem situation
• Fact finding
• Stakeholders and problem ownership
• Mapping and other techniques
Problem definition and redefinition
• Problem statement and restatement
• The use of appropriate techniques (e.g. Why, 5WsH, Laddering, Goal Orientation, Boundary Examination, Progressive Abstraction)
Idea generation by making choice from a range of possible creative problem solving techniques
• Brainstorming and variants
• Morphological analysis and related techniques
• Lateral thinking and associated methods
• Synectics
• Imagery, visualisation and drama
• Miscellaneous ideation techniques (e.g. clichés, proverbs, scenario day-dreaming, free association, Lotus blossom, symbolic representation)
Evaluation and implementation
• Current wisdom
• The use of selection and development techniques
• Evidence of problem movement
The problem solving process – a reflection
• ‘Self ‘ as a problem solver and problem manager
• Creativity for the individual and organisation
Rationale This double module is optional on the Joints degree and other degree programmes. It provides an opportunity for interested students to consider a number of alternative ways to approach and manage problem situations. The module encourages students to understand problems in different ways and different viewpoints. The importance of others and the importance of self are explored in the context of problem solving. Students are introduced to a range of techniques and the importance of choice.#p#分页标题#e#
Problem solving is an important transferable skill and this double module is concerned with developing those skills that can make a difference in the workplace and beyond.
Learning outcomes On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Evidence an understanding of a range of problem solving approaches
Intellectual Skills:
2. Make appropriate choices from the range of methodologies and techniques available.
3. Articulate the importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ in the problem solving process
Practical Skills:
4. Effectively apply, individually and with others, a number of techniques to clarify problem situations, define problems, redefine problems, generate ideas and offer problem solutions
Transferable Skills:
5. Reflect and articulate on the problem solving process
Learning and Teaching Strategy A weekly programme of lectures and workshops will be used to introduce a sequence of topics and concepts that develop an understanding of the creative problem solving process. It is expected that students will also do the necessary supportive work by making reference to:
• reading from an essential text like ‘Creative Problem Solving for Managers’ by T. Proctor
• the supportive website and links
• the moodle site
Students will work in self-facilitating groups to explore problem situations, to generate ideas and move a problem forward. Workshop time will be used to accommodate tutor contact and allow tutors present certain topic areas in more depth (e.g. the use of personality questionnaires, the use of creativity techniques).
ssessment Strategy Assessment will consist of three in-module assignments:
Assignment 1 (weighted at 20%)
A group assessment of a problem situation that will include a problem statement suitable for use by a group for assignment 2. 2000 words
Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2 and 4
Assignment 2 (weighted at 30%)
A group assignment that requires the creative use of a number of idea generating techniques. 3000 words
Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2 and 4
Assignment 3 (weighted at 50%)
An individual reflective report on the creative problem process and ‘self’ as a problem solver. 5000 words
Learning outcomes assessed: 3 and 5
Assessment Criteria 1. Evidence an understanding of a range of problem solving approaches
1st Class
The student will evidence the use of a range of problem solving approaches in an imaginative and effective way. Clear evidence of creative thinking
2:1
The student will use a range of problem solving approaches effectively. Evidence of creative thinking.
2:2
The student will demonstrate a clear understanding of a number of problem solving approaches. Evidence of creativity.#p#分页标题#e#
3rd Class
The student will demonstrate an understanding of some problem solving approaches but in a limited way. Little evidence of creative thinking.
Fail
The student will fail to demonstrate an adequate understanding of problem solving approaches.
2. Make appropriate choices from the range of methodologies and techniques available
1st Class
The student will choose effectively and insightfully from the range of methodologies and techniques available. Choice will clearly match the problem situation.
2:1
The student will make reasoned and appropriate choices from the range of methodologies and techniques available, aware of the problem solving context.
2:2
The student will choose effectively from the range of methodologies and techniques available aware of the problem solving context.
3rd Class
The student will a make reasoned choices from the range of methodologies and techniques available.
Fail
The student will fail to make appropriate choices from the range of methodologies and techniques available.
3. Understand the importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ when problem solving
1st Class
The student will demonstrate a good understanding of the role and importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ in the problem solving situation. The student will be aware of the varying roles individuals do and can play in shaping and moving the problem of interest.
2:1
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ in the problem solving situation. There is likely to be an awareness of the role individuals play in shaping and moving the problem of interest.
2:2
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the role and importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ in the problem solving situation.
3rd Class
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ in a problem solving context.
Fail
The student will fail to demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the importance of ‘self’ and ‘others’ in a problem solving context.
4. Effectively apply, individually and with others, a number of techniques to clarify problem situations, define problems, redefine problems, generate ideas and offer problem solutions
1st Class
The student will apply effectively, individually and with others, a range of creative problem solving techniques that improve problem understanding and achieve insightful problem resolution.
2:1
The student will apply effectively, individually and with others, a range of creative problem solving techniques to achieve better problem understanding and problem movement.http://www.ukassignment.org/yingguozuoye/ying_liu_zuo_dai_/
2:2
The student will apply effectively, individually and with others, appropriate techniques as part of a problem solving process.#p#分页标题#e#
3rd Class
The student will apply, individually and with others, a sufficient number of techniques as part of a problem solving process.
Fail
The student will fail to apply, individually and with others, a sufficient number of techniques as part of a problem solving process.
5. Reflect and articulate on the problem solving process
1st Class
The student will clearly describe and reflect on the problem solving process. Effective use will be made of concepts and theories. The answer will relate the personal experience offered by the course and personal insight to the creative problem solving process.
2:1
The student will clearly describe and reflect on the problem solving process. Effective use will be made of supportive course material. The answer will relate the personal experience offered by the course to the creative problem solving process.
2:2
The student will clearly describe and reflect on the problem solving process. The answer will relate the personal experience offered by the course to the management problem solving.
3rd Class
The student will adequately describe and reflect on the problem solving process.
Fail
The student will fail to adequately describe and reflect on the problem solving process.
Assessment dates • The first (individual) assignment will be due before the end of the first term.
• The second (group) assignment will be due before the end of the second semester.
• The third (individual) assignment will be due before the end of the second semester.
Related Modules Pre-requisite module(s) :
None
Excluded module(s) :
None
Follow-on module(s) :
None
Method of Feedback to students Written feedback is provided on all assignments. Assignment 1 (weighted at 20%) provides early feedback on progress with the module and feedback on the ideas for assignment 2. The module will also include workshop activities that review progress and provide student feedback.
learning Resources This module is supported by a website and moodle site, both giving course information, course material and useful links.
Essential Reading:
T. Proctor Creative Problem Solving for Managers: Developing Skills for Decision making and Innovation Routledge April 2005
Recommended Reading:
Jonne Ceserani Big Ideas: Putting the Zest into Creativity and Innovation at Work Kogan Page January 2003
Jane Henry Creative Management Sage Publications Limited March 2001
Jane Henry Creative and Perception in Management Sage Publications Limited August 2001
Bruce Hunig & Alain Rostain Creative Collaboration Crisp Publications Limited June 2003
Students will also be guided to search for supportive material suing the library and other sources.
|
