Creative Thinking & Problem Solving - Business Studies Grade 12 (Week 5)

A set of practice questions (Question and Answer flashcards) covering Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, and the main problem-solving techniques (Delphi Technique, Force Field Analysis, Brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique) as outlined in the notes.

What is creative thinking in a business context?

A way of looking at challenges from an open, fresh mind that leads to unusual solutions; also known as lateral thinking; helps a business grow, improve its products/services, and maintain a competitive edge; used in problem solving and decision making.

Why is continual search for new ideas important for a business owner?

To improve competitiveness and growth by introducing new ideas and improvements to products or services.

What is lateral thinking?

A process of thinking creatively to generate new ideas and improvements, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking.

What is Decision Making?

Deciding or making a choice, often by one person (manager or owner); requires considering different alternatives before choosing; part of problem solving.

What is Problem Solving?

A process to overcome a challenge; can be done by a group, team, or individual; involves generating, identifying, and evaluating alternative solutions and developing strategies; an ongoing process through consultation and discussion.

List the eight steps of the problem solving process in correct order.

1) Identify the problem; 2) Define the problem; 3) Identify possible solutions; 4) Evaluate strategies; 5) Choose the best solution; 6) Develop action plan; 7) Implement action plan; 8) Evaluate the implementation.

What are the advantages/benefits of creative thinking in the workplace?

Better/improved/different ideas and solutions; provides a competitive edge; helps solve difficult problems; productivity/time utilization; turnover rises; employees are more motivated and productive.

What is the Delphi Technique?

A technique where ideas and opinions are provided by a selected panel of experts by answering a questionnaire; experts answer anonymously and independently; the answers guide problem solving.

What are the applications of the Delphi Technique?

Panel of experts is invited to research; a questionnaire is designed; experts complete it anonymously; responses are summarized; if not satisfied, a new questionnaire is drawn up until the team is satisfied.

What are the advantages of the Delphi Technique?

Use of experts; experts provide ideas/solutions; helps solve complex problems; anonymous responses encourage honesty.

What are the disadvantages of the Delphi Technique?

Expensive with high admin costs; time consuming; not all experts are willing to participate; experts might not have in-depth knowledge.

What is Force Field Analysis?

A technique where the advantages and disadvantages of each solution are considered, weighing pros and cons, to select the best option.

What is the application process of Force Field Analysis?

Identify the current problem; list pros and cons for proposed ideas; allocate a numeric score to each force; weigh pros and cons; choose the force/solution with the highest score.

What are the advantages of Force Field Analysis?

Provides factors supporting and opposing ideas; involves employees and motivates them; informed decisions can be made by considering pros and cons.

What are the disadvantages of Force Field Analysis?

Time consuming; requires participation from different business departments; analysis must be done by knowledgeable, skilled team members.

What is Brainstorming?

A group or team tries to generate a large number of creative ideas to solve problems.

What is the Brainstorming application process?

Identify the problem; team states reasons/causes; set time limits for discussion; record the ideas; don’t judge and encourage all contributions.

What are the advantages of Brainstorming?

Better decisions based on collective input; a large number of ideas to choose from; employees feel involved and motivated; stimulates creative thinking.

What are the disadvantages of Brainstorming?

Time consuming due to many ideas; some members may dominate discussions; some may fear criticism and not contribute.

What is Nominal Group Technique?

A brainstorming process where participants suggest solutions and then vote on them; ensures structured participation.

What are the Nominal Group Technique applications?

Group identifies the problem; members give possible reasons; employees are divided into smaller groups; smaller groups increase participation; one member writes down ideas; members can give more than one idea.

What are the advantages/impacts of Nominal Group Technique?

Allows thinking in silence before responding; each member contributes in a smaller group; voting on ideas is anonymous; every member has an opportunity to contribute.

What are the disadvantages of Nominal Group Technique?

Minimizes lengthy discussions; opinions may differ; time consuming to present ideas; small groups can limit participation.

What are some ways to stimulate creative thinking in the business environment?

Emphasise the importance of creativity to employees; encourage participation and new ideas; encourage alternate ways of doing things; respond enthusiastically to ideas.

What is the difference between problem solving and decision making?

Decision making is choosing among alternatives; problem solving is the process of overcoming a challenge; both are related, but problem solving encompasses the broader process that includes decision making.