Exam 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

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. -There are six things one can do to help create more conceptual flexibility.Briefly explain each one.

If you defer judgment,expand current alternatives,and combine unrelated attributes during creative problem solving,what are you doing?

Explain some difficulties that can occur with each step in the rational problem-solving model.

In studying for a test,Harry always highlights passages in his textbooks and reviews the highlighted sections.Recently,in his Management class,Harry did not receive a good grade on his first exam.Sally suggested that Harry try studying a different way by writing down the highlighted passages on paper.Harry refused,saying,"It has always worked before,why change?" Which conceptual block is Harry experiencing?

When it comes to generating innovative ideas in teams,where have many of the most creative ideas come from?

Identify and explain the key steps of the analytical problem-solving model.Then provide a problem-solving example that follows each key step.

The principle of compression is a key technique to unlocking an individual's creative potential.

When an individual becomes consistent in how he/she approaches problems,he/she is practicing which conceptual block?

What stage of creative problem solving occurs when an insight is recognized and a creative solution is articulated?

How does subdivision improve problem solving?

Which is best when generating alternatives?

Which of the following activities is consistent with the synectics technique?

Your boss states,"Conceptual blocks are easy to overcome.Also,everyone develops some conceptual blocks over time and we need some to cope with everyday life." Should you agree or disagree?

Conceptual blocks are mental obstacles that constrain the way problems are defined and that limit the number of alternative solutions thought to be relevant.

If your boss encourages your team to ask questions and obtain and search for data,she is trying to overcome which conceptual block?

The problem is that sales are low.The sales manager accepted responsibility and said it was his fault that sales were low.Thus,he proposed offering rebates next month to stimulate sales.Rebates have never been offered in the company before,and the impact rebates may have on sales in the future is unknown.Other alternatives have been offered.Should this rebate idea be implemented as-is?

Susan states,"Well,I think this solution will work for now." Susan violated an important guideline for effectively evaluating alternative solutions to problems.

Sometimes people fail to act creatively because they define their current problems simply as variations on their past problems.When people restrict their decision making in this way,they are falling prey to which of the following?

Particularistic cultures have more of a tendency toward creative solution finding.

You are asked to list all the possible uses for a Ping-Pong ball.After making the list,by using the technique of subdivision,you should be able to determine many more alternative uses for the Ping-Pong ball.