Exam 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

Examples of the conceptual block of constancy include lateral thinking and only one thinking language.

When defining the problem,top priority should be placed on identifying all the underlying symptoms of the problem.

Mini-Case: The Minivan Story. In the May 30, 1994, edition of Fortune magazine, the story of the minivan was told. In the earlier years of the passenger vans, only hippies seemed to appreciate the attributes of the van. However, in the 1970s, all three U.S. automakers began to study ways to modernize and broaden the appeal of their vans. Listening to customers helped Chrysler avoid two crucial design errors: (1) it rejected the long, wedge-shaped nose design and (2) it rejected the design that placed the engine under a hump in the floor (blocking passage from front to back seats). Also, while Chrysler continued to push for front-wheel drive, both Ford and GM handed responsibility of the minivan to the truck divisions, which continued to focus on rear-wheel drive. GM's problems were compounded by the fact that in 1985 station wagons were a significant part of its sales. In the 1990s, both GM and Ford developed front-wheel drive minivans and neither were housed in the truck division. Learning from their mistakes, both GM and Ford devised a new-product development process. -If you were Admiral Kimmel's advisor,knowing what you know about problem solving,what would you have suggested to help his problem-solving processes? What kinds of conceptual blockbusters could have been useful to Kimmel?

Which type of creativity focuses on new,revolutionary solutions to problems?

In evaluating alternatives,individuals should make sure that alternatives are judged in terms of (1)their probable effects,(2)whether individuals involved will accept the alternative,and (3)the consistency with policies of the organization.Which points are correct?

Mr.McArdle encourages his elementary school students to experiment and to try new things to see what will happen.He encourages them to be reasonable risk takers.He is trying to help them overcome which conceptual block?

If you are replacing the copier in the office,which problem-solving style would be most appropriate?

If someone believes that the possible alternatives to a problem must conform with her perception of the boss's expectations,which conceptual block is she a victim of?

One way for a manager to foster creativity would be to pull an individual apart from others and give him space to work alone on a problem or idea.

Which attributes should be included in effective implementation of a solution and follow up on the implementation?

One of the most common blocks to creativity involves a person becoming so committed to a particular point of view that they fail to identify themes that link the problem to other related areas of knowledge.Which of the following describes this phenomenon?

In trying to eliminate the long lines in student registration,Susan diagrammed a student's action indicating who she talked to,when,and how long.What would this be an example of?

Which is true about creative problem solving?

A common problem in managerial decision making is that alternative solutions to problems are evaluated as they are proposed.

Which is the most appropriate approach to creativity when collective effort and involvement of others is important?

What does creativity in Eastern cultures focus on?

Mini-Case: The Minivan Story. In the May 30, 1994, edition of Fortune magazine, the story of the minivan was told. In the earlier years of the passenger vans, only hippies seemed to appreciate the attributes of the van. However, in the 1970s, all three U.S. automakers began to study ways to modernize and broaden the appeal of their vans. Listening to customers helped Chrysler avoid two crucial design errors: (1) it rejected the long, wedge-shaped nose design and (2) it rejected the design that placed the engine under a hump in the floor (blocking passage from front to back seats). Also, while Chrysler continued to push for front-wheel drive, both Ford and GM handed responsibility of the minivan to the truck divisions, which continued to focus on rear-wheel drive. GM's problems were compounded by the fact that in 1985 station wagons were a significant part of its sales. In the 1990s, both GM and Ford developed front-wheel drive minivans and neither were housed in the truck division. Learning from their mistakes, both GM and Ford devised a new-product development process. -Identify the conceptual blocks that are illustrated in this case.

The outcome is predictable,you have sufficient information,and the means-ends connections are clear.You should utilize a creative problem-solving approach.

Mini-Case: The Minivan Story. In the May 30, 1994, edition of Fortune magazine, the story of the minivan was told. In the earlier years of the passenger vans, only hippies seemed to appreciate the attributes of the van. However, in the 1970s, all three U.S. automakers began to study ways to modernize and broaden the appeal of their vans. Listening to customers helped Chrysler avoid two crucial design errors: (1) it rejected the long, wedge-shaped nose design and (2) it rejected the design that placed the engine under a hump in the floor (blocking passage from front to back seats). Also, while Chrysler continued to push for front-wheel drive, both Ford and GM handed responsibility of the minivan to the truck divisions, which continued to focus on rear-wheel drive. GM's problems were compounded by the fact that in 1985 station wagons were a significant part of its sales. In the 1990s, both GM and Ford developed front-wheel drive minivans and neither were housed in the truck division. Learning from their mistakes, both GM and Ford devised a new-product development process. -Several conceptual blocks are evident in this story of the minivan.For each of the following situations,indicate the conceptual block that most likely occurred.Provide support for your response. Situation #1: GM's and Ford's decisions to place development of the minivan in the truck division because the minivan and the truck were similarly designed and creating a new division for an unproven product seemed unwise is an example of which type of conceptual block? Situation #2: What type of conceptual block would be illustrated if GM and Ford had decided to place the minivan development in the truck division because the smaller vehicle would help their truck divisions meet federal fuel-economy regulations? Situation #3: Because station wagons were a significant part of sales,assume GM's failure to see the benefit of the minivan was due to its unwillingness to ask questions or obtain more data.This would be closely linked with which type of conceptual block? Situation #4: In 1989,GM produced a front-drive minivan,the plastic-bodied APV,one of the great product fiascoes of the past 10 years,according to Fortune.Its wedge-shaped nose and expansive windshield made the driver feel uncomfortable.What type of conceptual block(s)did GM experience in this situation? Situation #5: If GM or Ford had decided that designs of their vans should go to the truck divisions because the truck division had designed their vans in the past and there was no reason to deviate from prior procedure,which conceptual block would GM or Ford be practicing?

What is your boss trying to do in terms of creative problem solving if he asks the following questions: Is there anything else we aren't considering as we conceptualize this problem? Is the reverse true? and What past experience is this like?