Design a generic problem-solving process. Include a brief description of each step; and a graphic which depicts the logic of the process and each of the process steps.

Here are some hints to help with designing a problem-solving process:

• There is no one definitive approach for solving management problems

• If you base your paper on the generic problem-solving process, apply it to:

  • - The kind of problems you encounter at work

  • - The kind of problems you are interested in solving (even complex world issues)

• Your paper may define problem-solving as delivering innovative solutions

- Generate a generic process for delivering innovation in response to opportunities or threats

Materials to draw from:

Generic problem-solving approach:

1. Perform a situation analysis (e.g., assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats).

2. Formulate a statement of the problem.

3. Define performance standards that are observable, measurable, and relevant to the goal.

4. Generate alternative solutions to the problem.

5. Evaluate these alternatives in terms of their consequences to the organization.

6. Select the best alternative solution with the highest value and the lowest adverse effect on the organization.

7. Implement a pilot test of the proposed solution and revise as indicated by practical experience.

8. Implement the solution.

9. Evaluate the outcome.

10. Revise the process as necessary.

Generic Problem-Solving (Innovation)

You may choose to build your generic problem-solving

approach to address how your organization should deliver innovative solutions to Solve problems Capture opportunities Expand on Conventional Thinking Patterns Consistently deliver innovation

Applying the Creative Process

Emphasizes insight that occurs subconsciously in resolving a perplexing problem:

1. Preparation: conscious, direct, mental effort devoted to accumulation of information pertinent to the problem.

2. Frustration: Failure of analytical processes to solve the problem leads to frustration and then mental stewing

3. Inspiration or illumination: Flashes of insight can come at any time and any place.

4. Verification: As flashes and intuition are not always correct, they must be tested and evaluated.

The Creative Process (ENGAGE)

1. Excite the Inquisitive and Curious Minds with Stimuli.

2. Nurture Different Thinking Strategies to Produce New ideas

   Beyond the Conventional

3. Gain New Information and Perspectives by Evaluating Data with New Ideas

4. Apply Insights and Interpretations to Glean New knowledge from Information.

5. Grow New Wisdom from Processing and Distilling New Knowledge

6. Empower New Wisdom to Procreate Creative and Innovative Outcomes.

With that being said,

Design a generic problem-solving process. Include a brief description of each step; and a graphic which depicts the logic of the process and each of the process steps.