Megan Van Den Berg
Business studies essay – activity 2
Brainstorming
Introduction:
A number of processes and techniques have been developed to solve problems
Definition:
Brainstorming is a group activity designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution of a problem.
It improves the quantity or quality of ideas generated.
Some advantages of using brainstorming include: boosts the participants’ morale, enhances work enjoyment
and improves teamwork.
Ground Rules for brainstorming:
Focus on quantity: the more ideas generated, the greater the chance of providing a better solution.
Don't criticise: participants should focus on adding to ideas, reserving criticism for a later stage of the process.
Welcome unusual ideas: to get a long list of good ideas, unusual ideas are welcomed.
Combine and improve ideas may be combined to form a single better idea.
Steps to follow in brainstorming:
1. Define the problem
The problem must be clear, not too big and captured in a specific question.
2. Select participants
A facilitator chooses a brainstorming panel, consisting of the participants and an idea collector. A group of 10 or
less members is generally more productive. The group should include: several core members of the project,
several guests from outside the project and one person to record the suggested ideas.
3. Inform participants
A memo is sent to the participants well in advance, so that they can think about the problem beforehand.
4. Create a list of lead questions
During the brainstorm session, the creativity may decrease. The facilitator should stimulate creativity by
suggesting a lead question to answer.
Hints for improving brainstorming sessions:
Participants who have ideas but were unable to present them are encouraged to write their ideas down and
present them later.
The chairperson can encourage an idea generation goal.
When many participants have ideas at the same time, the one with the most relevant idea should be given
priority. This encourages elaboration on previous ideas.
Managers and other superiors may be discouraged from attending, since it may reduce the generation of
unusual ideas.
Conclusion:
Business studies essay – activity 2
Brainstorming
Introduction:
A number of processes and techniques have been developed to solve problems
Definition:
Brainstorming is a group activity designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution of a problem.
It improves the quantity or quality of ideas generated.
Some advantages of using brainstorming include: boosts the participants’ morale, enhances work enjoyment
and improves teamwork.
Ground Rules for brainstorming:
Focus on quantity: the more ideas generated, the greater the chance of providing a better solution.
Don't criticise: participants should focus on adding to ideas, reserving criticism for a later stage of the process.
Welcome unusual ideas: to get a long list of good ideas, unusual ideas are welcomed.
Combine and improve ideas may be combined to form a single better idea.
Steps to follow in brainstorming:
1. Define the problem
The problem must be clear, not too big and captured in a specific question.
2. Select participants
A facilitator chooses a brainstorming panel, consisting of the participants and an idea collector. A group of 10 or
less members is generally more productive. The group should include: several core members of the project,
several guests from outside the project and one person to record the suggested ideas.
3. Inform participants
A memo is sent to the participants well in advance, so that they can think about the problem beforehand.
4. Create a list of lead questions
During the brainstorm session, the creativity may decrease. The facilitator should stimulate creativity by
suggesting a lead question to answer.
Hints for improving brainstorming sessions:
Participants who have ideas but were unable to present them are encouraged to write their ideas down and
present them later.
The chairperson can encourage an idea generation goal.
When many participants have ideas at the same time, the one with the most relevant idea should be given
priority. This encourages elaboration on previous ideas.
Managers and other superiors may be discouraged from attending, since it may reduce the generation of
unusual ideas.
Conclusion:
