صفحه 1:
Creative Problem Solving
Buddy D. Ratner
Based, in part, on: Fogler and LeBlanc,
“Strategies for Creative
Problem Solving,” Prentice Hall, 1995
A set of tools for:
صفحه 2:
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
Tt) eile em OO NAM TUM aL ا Looe
1989
bY رک aE} Vd
عاع اللا لاوطا - غ531 عطغ حممء؟ ممع عط عدذأاو يدوألا »
you're going
© List priorities
© Think WIN/WIN
» Understand -- listen, listen, listen / learn, learn,
learn
© Synergize -- make the whole more than the sum of
the parts
CAN Led وروت رد
صفحه 3:
Effective problems solver develop a mind set
of effectiveness
© Physical: exercise, nutrition, stress
management
® Mental: reading. Thinking
© Spiritual: value clarification,
meditation
® Social/Emotional: empathy, self-
esteem
صفحه 4:
A Recommended Approach to Problem
Solving
° Define
© Generate Solutions
©» Decide a course of action
» غ1 غمع جرع اممرا
® Evaluate
صفحه 5:
ا 4 ۱
Two wilderness hikers chanced upon a fierce grizzly
bear.
One of them pulled his running shoes from his pack
and
rapidly laced them up. His companion yelled in
astonishment,
“Are you crazy? You can’t outrun a bear.”
His reply as he took off down the trail,
“| don’t have to outrun the bear.
All | have to do is outrun you.”
Defining the real problem. A difficult task!
تلرزرتله۱
صفحه 6:
Investigate
A Wea was installed in a chemical plant to deliver a
ighly
corrosive solution. After six months, the solution corroded the
flowmeter and the corrosive liquid leaked on the floor. The
plant
0 رای وت روا یت یا هو ک تلاوت »وا - زیر
كلدت
corrosion. An extensive search was carried out, both time-
consuming
and expensive, with no success in finding the perfect
flowmeter.
The real problem is preventing the flowmeter from leaking,
غموام عط
crew finally decided that the flow meter leaks at six months.
ععقامعه
it every four months.
صفحه 7:
"۱7۳۵
The Problem (a “how to”):
® Know about your subject (read, collect data,
think)
© Talk with others, especially experts
© Expose yourself to the problem -- firsthand
2 aa your ترا -- are you sure you’ve
got the problem?
® Should the problem really be solved?
® Gather more information
© Hypothesize -- test the hypothesis
°® Brainstorm -- come up with solution
alternatives
صفحه 8:
Step 1. Collect and analyze information and
+
® Don't jump to conclusion - Start with a
open mind - Look at the big picture
©» Learn as much as you can Determine
what information is missing and what
information is extraneous The information
should be properly organized, analyzed,
and presented Communicate using
drawings, sketches, and graphs Display
numerical or quantitative data graphically
صفحه 9:
Problem Definition Techniques
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صفحه 10:
Step 2. Talk with people familiar with the
"7۱
۰ جوا وصفاعق ععنصهتو متعقط مطا وصتوجمللمطه عیمقاطه عطا اعهم وصفاهوز
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0
Cetera ent C hates
Here is a problem encountered by a major hotel a number of years
Seen er Mee cena RRO NO
and frequently caused backups in the lobby area.
۱ tic Rawr
of rooms and a significant loss of income.
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وحن انیا
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ل یت
صفحه 11:
Step 3. If at all possible, view the problem
first hand
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product (PVC). The main piece of equipment was a large reactor with a
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When the plant was started up, the plastic was dark, nonuniform, and way
off design specifications.
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صفحه 12:
Step 4. Confirm all findings
©» Cross check and cross reference data, facts, and figures
Challenge assumptions and assertions
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recycling their "cooking" chemicals used in the paper
رورا لباک تیا
After two years, the process had yet to operate correctly.
Courtland Construction was the supplier of the recycling
equipment.
Courtland presented data and information from an article in the
engineering literature that they claimed proved Boxright was not
operating the process correctly.
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industrial-size equipment or processes.
صفحه 13:
Problem Definition Techniques
اعدو بتر
222/772
TECHMAMES.
صفحه 14:
۱2
Find out where the problem statement came
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هر ame M Ure rite Mectarste(ie te مزه مماغقنغعزه ع0
از ACN Nella eae NOR ZOU Se Rr Mac CTA)
اک یر
The Case of the Dead Fish
* The Situation: "Design a new waste treatment plant to reduce the
"وام اقتصعط 876 درم عغدوي عأكامة
© Who Posed the Problem?
(company upper management's)
رت رس Ce net ae eure ee ۱
(ووع6م علالأد وعم ملعل ما عأموبنا لإمهم مرمع)
ks ل
(company has decided to treat the symptoms)
Has sufficient data been collected? _ ©
ونه وا كعنم ! مبياه كأط 165و علطا كعع مومع أناه)
صفحه 15:
Style 2__ Exploring the Problem
Exploring the Problem
Identify All Available Information
Recall or Learn Pertinent Theories and Fundamentals
Collect Missing Information
Solve a Simplified Version of the Problem to Obtain a "Ballpark"
Answer
and Visualize What Could Be Wrong with the Current ی
Situation
Brainstorm to Guess the Answer
Recall Past or Related Problems and Experiences
Describe or Sketch the Solution in a Qualitative Manner or Sketch
Out a Pathway That Will Lead to the Solution
Collect More Data and Information
After Using Some or All of the Activities Above, Write a Concise
Statement Defining the Real Problem
صفحه 16:
The Case of the Dead Fish
طواع مدهط عطع ٠» Otte
© Our engineer initiates his own investigation
» |dentify Available Information - toxic discharge, river level
low, large number of dead fish_Learn Fundamentals - call
biologist about what could kill fish Missing Information - a
fungus in nearby lakes could kill fish, temperature was
ات high, fish dead a and down the river ott -
ish dying because of fungus not discharge More
Information - an examination of the fish concluded that
any did die of a fungus not the discharge Define the
Problem - Identify ways to cure infected fish and prevent
healthy fish from being infected
صفحه 17:
Style 3 Present State/Desired State
"You can't get there from here"
Present State/Desired State - help us verbalize where we are and
where we want to go. Present State statement should match the
ری ی کر تست یت رت رت رات ار یت ات۱9 Ay
solutions to problems that are not in the Present State
The Situation: "During WWI, a number of aircraft were shot
down over Germany. Many of the planes that made it back
safely to base were riddled with bullet and projectile holes.
Present State Desired State -Many bullets penetrating aircraft
Desired state -Fewer planes shot down
Present State- Many bullets penetrating aircraft
Desired State -Fewer bullet holes
صفحه 18:
Style 4 -The Duncker
Diagram
The Duncker Diagram
The Duncker Diagram points out ways to solve the problem
by making it OK not to reach the desired state. There are
two General Solutions:
1. Solutions that move from the present state to the desired
لت
2. Solutions that modify the desired state until it conforms to
the present state
Functions Solutions are possible Ae to the desired state
Specific Solutions implement the functional solutions
9 ره ا Solutions - What to do. Specific Solutions - How
0 00 6:
صفحه 19:
Duncker Diagram
ی إمنسة بصعت ] مين ماقي
State
Possible Paths to the Desired Stato Possible Paths to Make Prasanl Slate OK
ERE ERP
Solutions to Implement Solutions ها implement Paths
السب ما 7 Maka Present State OK
صفحه 20:
Kindergarten Co
Teaching Is becoming increasingly more difficult
Quit Teaching Make it OK NOT to quit
a ۱
Finda Retire More Leisure Lower Stress
New Job Time Level
CSpecific Solutions) 1 | 1 1
۳ ۲" ۳ 1
Office Substitute Teach Teach Teacha Ghango Stronger
manager teach every hall’ different schools sayin
other term days ~ grade choosing
Gob share) teaching
material
© The real problem was how to lower her
stress at her workplace
صفحه 21:
To Market to Market
Cereal not getting to market fast موی
‘enough to maintain freshness ——
CGShSaSolatiom) Getcereat to market Make it OK for cereal NOT
Seat oe faster to get to market faster
سس گس وود مومس
Build Moro improve Stop Make Corsat Comnce
Pinnts Closer Transporation Making Stay Fresher Customers
Te Market System Cereal Longer That Siightty
Stale Cereal ts
1 ‘Good For You
CSpocitic Sontions) کت
Hire faster Donet Ghanerjets توا .موه
tucksand woay to daliver, chemical tghterand
Tormor race About productto foslowdewn more impor.
cardrvers speed ‘locations the spotling meable to
مج ایا ما reaction فد اد
فال امام ام مهو
صفحه 22:
# 4 Statement-Restatement
© “A problem well-stated is a problem half solved"
Similar to Present State/Desired State Restating the problem is
important to inject ideas
Finat Prooiem Statement
صفحه 23:
Problem Statement Triggers
°© Vary the stress pattern-try placing emphasis on different
words and phrases.
Choose a term that has an explicit definition and substitute
the explicit definition in each place that the term appears.
» Make an opposite statement, change positives to negatives,
and vice versa.
° Change "every" to "some," "always" to "sometimes,"
"sometimes" to "never," and vice versa.
© Replace "persuasive words" in the problem statement such
as "obviously," "clearly," and "certainly" with the argument
it is supposed to be replacing.
©» Express words in the form of an equation or picture, and
۷۱6 ۰
صفحه 24:
Style 5 - The Kepner-Tregoe (K.T.) method
The Kepner-Tregoe (K.T.) method
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High (H); Medium (M); Low (L)
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Problem analysis (PA);
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Potential Problem analysis (PPA)
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Why is it unimportant?
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صفحه 25:
Key Tricks in Creative Problem Solving
Key Tricks in Creative Problem Solving
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Explore alternatives
Cary
- matrix
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Use these tools in any order
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Does it solve the problem?
Handling criticism
2121 CN eRe eel)
Creative Problem Solving
Buddy D. Ratner
Based, in part, on: Fogler and LeBlanc,
“Strategies for Creative
Problem Solving,” Prentice Hall, 1995
A set of tools for:
The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People
Stephen R. Covey, Simon & Schuster, Inc.,
1989
Be Proactive - take the initiative
Visualize the end from the start - know where
you’re going
List priorities
Think WIN/WIN
Understand -- listen, listen, listen / learn, learn,
learn
Synergize -- make the whole more than the sum of
the parts
Personal Renewal
Effective problems solver develop a mind set
of effectiveness
Physical:
exercise, nutrition, stress
management
Mental: reading. Thinking
Spiritual: value clarification,
meditation
Social/Emotional: empathy, selfesteem
A Recommended Approach to Problem
Solving
Define
Generate
Solutions
Decide a course of action
Implement it
Evaluate
Problem solving ?
Two wilderness hikers chanced upon a fierce grizzly
bear.
One of them pulled his running shoes from his pack
and
rapidly laced them up. His companion yelled in
astonishment,
“Are you crazy? You can’t outrun a bear.”
His reply as he took off down the trail,
“I don’t have to outrun the bear.
All I have to do is outrun you.”
Defining the real problem. A difficult task!
Define
Investigate !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A flowmeter was installed in a chemical plant to deliver a
highly
corrosive solution. After six months, the solution corroded the
flowmeter and the corrosive liquid leaked on the floor. The
plant
manager instructed his engineers to find a flowmeter that
resists
corrosion. An extensive search was carried out, both timeconsuming
and expensive, with no success in finding the perfect
flowmeter.
The real problem is preventing the flowmeter from leaking,
The plant
crew finally decided that the flow meter leaks at six months.
Replace
it every four months.
Define
The Problem (a “how to”):
Know
about your subject (read, collect data,
think)
Talk with others, especially experts
Expose yourself to the problem -- firsthand
Verify your findings -- are you sure you’ve
got the problem?
Should the problem really be solved?
Gather more information
Hypothesize -- test the hypothesis
Brainstorm -- come up with solution
alternatives
Step 1. Collect and analyze information and
data
Don't jump to conclusion - Start with a
open mind - Look at the big picture
Learn as much as you can Determine
what information is missing and what
information is extraneous The information
should be properly organized, analyzed,
and presented Communicate using
drawings, sketches, and graphs Display
numerical or quantitative data graphically
Problem Definition Techniques
The Case of the Dead Fish - Consider the case of a chemical plant that
discharges waste into a stream that flows into a relatively wide river.
Biologists monitored the river as an ecosystem and reported the
following data of the number of dead fish in the river and the river
level:
Graphs of the type shown above are called time plots and control
charts.
The acceptable level of dead fish was exceeded on August 1 and 15.
We discover that on July 29 there was a large amount of chemical waste
discharged into the river. Discharges of this size had not caused any
problems in the past.
There has been little rain and the water level in the river was low on
August 1
Step 2. Talk with people familiar with the
problem
Looking past the obvious Challenging the basic premise Asking for
clarification when you do not understand something Ask insightful
questions
Seeking Advice
Here is a problem encountered by a major hotel a number of years
ago: this hotel had become very popular, the elevators were very busy,
and frequently caused backups in the lobby area.
Adding additional elevator shafts would require removal of a number
of rooms and a significant loss of income.
The doorman, overhearing their conversation, casually mentioned that
it was too bad they couldn't just add an elevator on the outside of the
building
A great idea!
It occurred to the doorman because he was outside the building much of the
time, and that was his frame of reference.
Step 3. If at all possible, view the problem
first hand
You can see a lot by looking - Yogi Berra
You should not rely on other people's interpretations of the situation or
problem Go inspect the problem yourself
In the mid 1970s a company completed a plant to produce a plastic
product (PVC). The main piece of equipment was a large reactor with a
cooling jacket through which water passed to keep the reactor cool.
When the plant was started up, the plastic was dark, nonuniform, and way
off design specifications.
The engineers in charge reviewed their design and refined their model and
calculations. However, the problem did not change
Finally after many days, one of the engineers decided to look into the
reactor. He found that a valve had been carelessly switched to the wrong
position.
Step 4. Confirm all findings
Cross check and cross reference data, facts, and figures
Challenge assumptions and assertions
Boxright had installed a new process for recovering and
recycling their "cooking" chemicals used in the paper
making process.
After two years, the process had yet to operate correctly.
Courtland Construction was the supplier of the recycling
equipment.
Courtland presented data and information from an article in the
engineering literature that they claimed proved Boxright was not
operating the process correctly.
When Boxright analyzed this information in detail, it was
stated that the data would not be expected to apply to
industrial-size equipment or processes.
Problem Definition Techniques
Style1
Find out where the problem statement came
from
Never assume the problem statement is correct
Where did the problem originate? Who posed the problem statement in
the first place? Can that person explain the reasoning as to how they
arrived at that particular problem statement? Are the reasoning and
assumptions valid? Has that person considered the situation from a
number of different viewpoints? Have you used the first four steps to
gather information about the problem?
The Case of the Dead Fish
The Situation: "Design a new waste treatment plant to reduce the
toxic waste from the chemical plant"
Who Posed the Problem?
(company upper management's)
Can reasons for arriving at the problem statement be explained?
(company wants to deflect negative press)
Are the assumptions valid?
(company has decided to treat the symptoms)
Has sufficient data been collected?
(our engineer initiates his own investigation
Style 2 Exploring the Problem
Exploring the Problem
Identify All Available Information
Recall or Learn Pertinent Theories and Fundamentals
Collect Missing Information
Solve a Simplified Version of the Problem to Obtain a "Ballpark"
Answer
Hypothesize and Visualize What Could Be Wrong with the Current
Situation
Brainstorm to Guess the Answer
Recall Past or Related Problems and Experiences
Describe or Sketch the Solution in a Qualitative Manner or Sketch
Out a Pathway That Will Lead to the Solution
Collect More Data and Information
After Using Some or All of the Activities Above, Write a Concise
Statement Defining the Real Problem
The Case of the Dead Fish
The Case of the Dead Fish
Our engineer initiates his own investigation
Identify Available Information - toxic discharge, river level
low, large number of dead fish Learn Fundamentals - call
biologist about what could kill fish Missing Information - a
fungus in nearby lakes could kill fish, temperature was
quite high, fish dead up and down the river Hypothesis Fish dying because of fungus not discharge More
Information - an examination of the fish concluded that
they did die of a fungus not the discharge Define the
Problem - Identify ways to cure infected fish and prevent
healthy fish from being infected
Style 3 Present State/Desired State
"You can't get there from here"
Present State/Desired State - help us verbalize where we are and
where we want to go. Present State statement should match the
Desired State statement The Desired State should not contain
solutions to problems that are not in the Present State
The Situation: "During WWII, a number of aircraft were shot
down over Germany. Many of the planes that made it back
safely to base were riddled with bullet and projectile holes.
Present State Desired State -Many bullets penetrating aircraft
Desired state -Fewer planes shot down
Present State- Many bullets penetrating aircraft
Desired State -Fewer bullet holes
Style 4 -The Duncker
Diagram
The Duncker Diagram
The Duncker Diagram points out ways to solve the problem
by making it OK not to reach the desired state. There are
two General Solutions:
1.
Solutions that move from the present state to the desired
state
2.
Solutions that modify the desired state until it conforms to
the present state
Functions Solutions are possible paths to the desired state
Specific Solutions implement the functional solutions
Functional Solutions - What to do. Specific Solutions - How
to do it.
The Duncker diagram
Kindergarten Cop
The real problem was how to lower her
stress at her workplace
To Market to Market
# 4 Statement-Restatement
"A problem well-stated is a problem half solved"
Similar to Present State/Desired State Restating the problem is
important to inject ideas
Problem Statement Triggers
Vary the stress pattern-try placing emphasis on different
words and phrases.
Choose a term that has an explicit definition and substitute
the explicit definition in each place that the term appears.
Make an opposite statement, change positives to negatives,
and vice versa.
Change "every" to "some," "always" to "sometimes,"
"sometimes" to "never," and vice versa.
Replace "persuasive words" in the problem statement such
as "obviously," "clearly," and "certainly" with the argument
it is supposed to be replacing.
Express words in the form of an equation or picture, and
vice versa.
Style 5 - The Kepner-Tregoe (K.T.) method
The Kepner-Tregoe (K.T.) method
Problems are rated according to:
• Timing (urgency)
• Trend (potential for growth or disaster)
• Impact (how serious; how will it affect others?)
High (H); Medium (M); Low (L)
Also, what type of K.T. to carry out?
Problem analysis (PA);
Decision analysis (DA);
Potential Problem analysis (PPA)
Core K.T. ideas:
Things were OK; they’re not now. What’s changed?
Something distinguishes
what is a problem and
what is not.
Who was involved?
Who was not?
Why was it important?
Why is it unimportant?
How was the conclusion reached?
Key Tricks in Creative Problem Solving
Key Tricks in Creative Problem Solving
Identify the problem (the real problem)
Welcome new ideas
Explore alternatives
- mind map
- matrix
Think dimensionally - quantify ideas on a line (vector)
Understand clearly -- be knowledgeable; avoid mistaken assumptions
Group brainstorming (creativity is not necessarily a solo act)
Understand people (E.Q.) (so many problems are with people)
Review your goals
Try “blanking” your mind for a few minutes (relax!)
Use these tools in any order
Take action...
Does it solve the problem?
Handling criticism
(mostly from “Creative Problem Solvers Toolbox”)