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Module 4 (Ch I-3) Lesson Plan 9th ed 8wk- Problem Solving Analytically & Creatively-1-2.docx

Description

Problem solving builds on the foundation of self-awareness and stress management because creativity suffers if we have low self-awareness and poor stress management skills. Problem solving is an inherent part of a manager’s job, and particularly during times of change, managers must be able to solve problems in ways that are either analytical or creative. Although analytical problem solving is applied more frequently, creative problem solving is especially critical during times of innovation and more generally for one’s career success. This chapter reviews skills and tools related to both.

Everyone is a problem solver in daily life and three questions help determine what kind of approach individuals should take to solving them. (1) Are the outcomes predictable? (2) Is sufficient information available? And, (3) Are the means-ends connections clear? When the answers to these questions are “yes,” then analytical problem-solving methods can be used. When the answers are “no,” then creative problem solving is required since the process must deal with situations that are new, unpredictable, or uncertain. Constraints must be overcome in order to effectively implement either creative or analytical problem solving.

Objectives

By the end of this module, a successful learner should be able to:

Understand the Rational and Creative Problem Solving approaches
Recognize the difference between problem solving and problem framing
Assess himself/herself self as a rational and creative problem solver.
Recognize his/her personal conceptual blocks
Realize benefits from enhanced creativity by overcoming conceptual blocks
Foster innovation among others

Activities – Module 4

The learning activities for Module 4, (Chapter I-3) include:

First, Complete all of the diagnostic surveys for problem solving included in Chapter three as well as the additional surveys provided to the student by the instructor. Note: Please complete the assessments before you read the material in the chapter. Note: Complete the Problem Solving, Creativity and Innovation Assessment twice: first as part of the survey battery. Then, complete it again (post) after you have done the reading and completed the exercises and assignments.

The following assessments are in the text and/or available in MyMananagementLab: Note: Per the authors, only the first assessment is in MML. I checked MML, and found that both the "Problem Solving..." scale and the "Innovative Attitude Scale" are available in e-version. I also found two additional assessments aimed at "creativity." These assessments are: (1) Creativity Style; and (2) Creative Style Indicator. So, now you have even more opportunity to explore your creativity.

Problem Solving, Creativity and Innovation (Pre and Post versions) - MML
How Creative Are You?
Innovative Attitude Scale - MML
Creative Style Assessment

The reference information and self-assessment listed below are located in the Unit 4 Course Material folder. NOTE: The first four documents provide additional material related to frames of reference, their respective orientations, and leader’s preferences. The item, “Six Thinking Hats,” provides a summary of deBono’s brain strategy theory. The next item is the story of the “Mann Gulch Disaster Case.” NOTE: It is used to answer A0401, the first assignment in the module. The last two documents are Self-Assessments. NOTE: You will take these two assessments to complete Assignment A0402 (The second assignment in this unit).

Overview of Framing Model (Reference Handout)
Frames and Leader’s Focus (Reference Handout)
Reframing Words and Initial Definitions (Reference Handout)
Reframing Leadership (Reference Handout)
Six Thinking Hats – deBono (Reference Handout)
Mann Gulch Disaster (Case Study)
Self-Assessment: Preferred Frame(s) (Assessment)
Self-Assessment: Leadership Orientation – Your Style (Assessment)

Please complete the remaining Module 4 (Chapter I-3) activities in the order listed below. Hopefully, this will enable you to have the optimal learning experience.

Review Module 4 (Chapter I-3) DMS PowerPoint – “Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively.” Try to figure out the “brain-teaser” problems on slides 21, 23, 25 and 26
Read Chapter 3 – Skill Learning section. This discusses the above assessments, and provides an explanation of the “brain-teaser” problems.
View the video "iRobot: Creativity" (This is FYI. Answering the questions is optional).
Review the Module 4 Supplemental Presentation (PowerPoint) on “Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively.” [Note: This highlights different aspects of our topic].
Complete Assignment (A0401) – “The Mann Gulch Disaster Case.” (See Course Material-Resources)
Complete Assignment (A0402) – “My Preferred Frame and My Framing Flexibility.”
Post Journal entries – Assignment (P0201). Continue to make entries in your journal regarding experiences, applications/results, lessons learned etc. in keeping with this earlier personal assignment.
NOTE: THERE IS NO DISCUSSION FORUM THIS WEEK.
NOTE: THERE IS NO GTT SESSION THIS WEEK!!! Our next GTT #3 Session will be on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. (I think I will stay with a joint (ECF & NPL) session from 7-8:15/8:30 p.m.)