Introduction
TOPIC: CREATIVE THINKING AND PROBLEMS SOLVING
Learners for the second term you will look into: Topic 1 Creative thinking and problem-solving Topic 1 describes how creative thinking is necessary for solving problems. It explains various problem-solving techniques. These can be used in a business to generate new ideas and find solutions to business problems. Creative solutions found in this way need to be assessed against the reality of the business environment
Task
Activity 1: Creative thinking and Problem solving
| The management of LEKKERBEKKIE wants to improve the quality of their kitchen designs. They have decided to design new kitchen units that will enable them to compete globally. They requested an expert to generate ideas on how to improve their designs to satisfy the needs of their customers |
You are an expert on advising businesses on problem-solving techniques. Write an essay on the following
- Elaborate on the meaning of problem-solving
- Explain the advantages of creative thinking in the workplace
- Differentiate between routine thinking and creative thinking
- Advise LB on how they can apply the Delphi technique and force-field analyses to solve businesses
______________40marks_______________
Process
STEP 1
learners will first go through the introduction video where they will get the topic that will be covered in the virtual class
follow up with the videos that are presented to them after the introduction to get more information on the topic
STEP 2
Learners will then follow up with a task and complete it
STEP 3
teacher and learners will through the memorandum and check the common errors and mistakes learners do when writing an essay
• Learners not starting the essay with the word “introduction”
• Learners not providing two facts relating to the topic/s assessed in the introduction
• Learners confused the “advantages of creative thinking in the workplace” with “ways in which business could provide an environment to stimulate creative thinking
” • Learners not writing facts in full sentences
• Learners' inability to apply the Delphi and Force-Field analysis techniques in real-life situations
• Learners not concluding the essay with the word “Conclusion”.
• Learners' inability summarise the content of the essay
Evaluation
Introduction
• Solving problems requires businesses to apply creative thinking skills. √ • Creative thinking is the thought process that leads to original/novel/new ideas. √ [Any other relevant introduction related to the meaning of problem-solving/ advantages of creative thinking/routine thinking/Delphi and force-field problem-solving techniques].
Any (2 x 1) (2)
Meaning of problem-solving
• Process of analyzing a situation √ to identify strategies to bring about change. √ • It is a process √ that requires creative/critical thinking. √ • Alternative solutions are generated/identified √ and critically evaluated. √ [Any other relevant answer related to the meaning of problem-solving] Max (6)
Advantages of creative thinking in the workplace
• Better/Unique/Unconventional ideas/solutions √ are generated. √ • May give the business a competitive advantage √ if unusual/unique solutions/ideas/strategies are implemented. √ • Complex business problems √ may be solved. √ • Managers/Employees have more confidence √ as they can live up to their full potential. √ • Managers will be better leaders √ as they will be able to handle/manage change(s) positively and creatively. √ • Managers can develop a completely new outlook, √ which may be applied to any task(s) they may do. √ • Improves motivation √ amongst staff members.[Any other relevant answer related to the advantages/of creative thinking in the workplace] Max (12)
Differences between routine thinking and creative thinking
ROUTINE THINKING - Regular, ordinary, √ conventional thinking. √
-CREATIVE The process used to come up √ with new/fresh ideas. √ -
Any other relevant answer related to routine thinking - Any other relevant answer related to creative thinking Submax(4) Submax(4)
Application of Delphi technique
• Businesses must invite a panel of experts to research the complaints from customers. √√ • Experts do not have to be in one place and will be contacted individually. √√ • Design a questionnaire consisting of questions on how to improve the quality of their products and distribute them to the panel members/ experts. √√ • Request the panel to individually respond to the questionnaire/suggest improvements to the products and return it to the business. √√ • Summarise the responses from the experts in a feedback report. √√ [Any other relevant answer related to the application of the Delphi technique to solve business problems] Submax (10)
Application of force-field analysis
• Describe the current situation and the desired situation. √√ • Write a plan/proposal for change in the middle. √√ • List all the forces driving (positive) and resisting (negative) change. √√ • List all forces in support of the change in one column. √√ Assign a score for each, from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong). √√ • Determine if the change is viable. If not, check which resisting forces can be influenced/mitigated/avoided to make the change possible. √√ [Any other relevant answer related to the application of the force-field analysis technique to solve business problems] Submax (10) Max
(20)
Conclusion
• Constant changes in the market impact business operations and so they need to adapt to them quickly and make quick/creative decisions. √√ [Any other relevant conclusion related to the meaning of problem-solving/advantages of creative thinking/routine thinking/Delphi and force-field problem-solving techniques] Any (1 x 2) (2)
[40]
Conclusion
1. DID YOU FIND THE LESSON INTERESTING?
2. WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED DURING THIS LESSON?
3. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS LESSON
4. WERE THE VIDEOS HELPFUL?