PS means problem solving
B means business
+ means and
Creative Thinking And Problem Solving
Definitions
● Strategy → An action plan to achieve a specific goal.
● Action Plan → A plan that shows all the steps necessary to achieve a specific goal.
● PS → The process of gathering the facts necessary to overcome a specific
challenge.
● Decision-Making → In this step, the decision-maker(s) must consider various
alternatives before deciding on the best one.
● PS Technique → The method used to solve complex B-related problems.
● CT → The ability to look at the same scenario/challenge and come up with original,
new, innovative ideas/solutions.
● Innovative → When different new ideas are used to create something unique or
create a new solution for the same problem.
PS in B
B often have to operate in challenging B environments and may experience many
challenges. B must have mechanisms in place to help them work through these problems by
gathering the facts necessary to overcome a specific challenge or by considering various
alternatives before deciding on the best solution for the problem.
Differences Between Decision-Making + PS
Decision-Making
● Often done by one person/senior management → makes it more authoritative.
● The person/senior management considers various alternatives before deciding on
the best one.
● This process is part of the PS cycle because decisions need to be taken in each step
of the cycle.
PS
, ● Problems can be solved by a group/team or an individual team member → makes it
more inclusive.
● The group/team generates/identifies various solutions and critically evaluates each
one.
● This process of analyzing a situation helps the group/team to identify strategies that
bring about change.
PS Steps + Their Application
B need to know how to apply PS steps when faced with a challenge.
📌 Example:
If workers’ morale is low, management must:
● Gather all relevant information about the problem.
● Consider all possible solutions.
● Make a decision + implement the solution.
● Evaluate whether morale has improved.
Steps in PS
1️⃣ Identify the Problem
● Acknowledge that there is a problem before solving it.
● Get information + suggestions from affected individuals to identify the exact problem.
2️⃣ Define the Problem
● Understand the nature of the problem.
● Gather as much information as possible to establish its cause.
3️⃣ Identify Alternative Solutions
● Use a PS technique like brainstorming or the Nominal Group Technique.
● Decide on the best possible solution(s).
4️⃣ Evaluate Alternative Solutions
● Use critical evaluation + analytical skills to assess each solution.
● Consider the advantages + disadvantages of each alternative.
5️⃣ Choose the Best Solution
● Set criteria for the best solution (e.g., time, cost, risk).
● Get consensus or decide on the solution that best fits the B.
● If no clear solution is found → go back to step 1.