Exam 3: Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively

The analytical problem-solving model works best when the problem faced is complex and ambiguous.

Explain the conceptual blocks that inhibit creative problem solving.Then provide an example for each type of conceptual block.

The analytical problem-solving model would be the most appropriate approach in determining why employee morale has declined in an organization.

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. -Compare and contrast the key management principles that focus on fostering innovativeness and creative problem solving with the management principles that focus on analytical problem solving.

Your team at work has been specifying solutions that are consistent with the goals of the organization and has been building on each other's ideas.This means your team is effectively generating alternatives.

If you assume that individuals who are experienced in launching a new product know the best marketing approach,which conceptual block are you practicing?

Which type of creativity emphasizes developmental and deliberate responses to problems?

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. -What do you learn from this case that would help you advise Microsoft in its anticompetitive case with the federal government,or advise Barnes & Noble.com to displace Amazon.com,or advise American Greetings to become the dominant player in the greeting card business? What practical hints,in other words,do you derive from this classic case of analytical problem solving gone awry?

If your boss said,"Managing people is like playing a game of chess," he would most likely be exemplifying what?

According to the authors of the text,one reason why most people have difficulty solving problems creatively is because they think of creativity simply as generating new ideas.

A good problem definition includes differentiating factual information from speculative information.

What is an example of a thinking language that is capable of breaking down the constancy block?

If I am the person who generates the innovative solution,which role would I most likely play on a creative problem-solving team?

Implementation of a solution to a problem should include opportunities for feedback.

Your group has agreed to do a skit as part of its presentation to the class.Bob believes a beach skit with everyone wearing swimsuits would liven up the presentation.Someone in the group remarked,"What a stupid idea!" What step in the analytical problem-solving method is violated by this response?

Looking too narrowly at a problem is what type of conceptual block?

Your boss states,"Morale here is like the loser's locker room after a big game." He has used which technique to improve creative problem solving?

Your boss remarks to you that "decision making is concerned with the discovery and selection of satisfactory alternatives." What would be the best response to your boss?

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. -In the information given to Kimmel about possible attack,what themes and commonalities did Kimmel and his advisors miss? What block does ignoring commonalities relate to? How can this block be overcome?

What is the person called who brings together cross-functional groups and necessary political support to implement a creative idea?