Creative approaches to problem solving : a framework for innovation and change / Scott G. Isaksen, K. Brian Dorval, Donald J. Treffinger.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Table Of Contents: Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Creative Approaches to Problem Solving What Is Creativity? Characteristics of Creative People Operations Within the Creative Process Creative Results and Outcomes The Context for Creativity What Is Problem Solving? What Is a Creative Approach? Linking Creativity and Problem Solving A Framework for Change Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Creative Problem Solving What Is Creative Problem Solving? The Origins and History of CPS Personal Process Activity The CPS Framework Understanding the Challenge Generating Ideas Preparing for Action Planning Your Approach The Heartbeat of CPS Guidelines for Generating Brainstorming Guidelines for Focusing ALUo (Advantages, Limitations, Unique Qualities, and Overcoming Limitations) Generating and Focusing Lead to Creativity The Tools of CPS How Do We Know CPS Works? Knowledge From Practical Experiences Knowledge Derived From the Literature Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Understanding the Challenge Understanding the Challenge in a Nutshell Input Processing Output What Is the Constructing Opportunities Stage? Generating When Constructing Opportunities Focusing When Constructing Opportunities Constructing Opportunities: A Sample Application What Is the Exploring Data Stage? Generating When Exploring Data A Tool for Exploring Data: 5WH Focusing When Exploring Data Exploring Data: A Sample Application What Is the Framing Problems Stage? Constructing an Effective Problem Statement Generating in Framing Problems Ladder of Abstraction Focusing When Framing Problems Highlighting The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Generating Ideas Generating Ideas in a Nutshell Input Processing Output What Is the Generating Ideas Component and Stage? Points to Remember About Idea Generation The Generating Phase Qualities to Consider When Generating Options Using Generating Tools Brainstorming With Post-its® Brainwriting Scamper Forced Fitting Visually Identifying Relationships Imagery Trek Attribute Listing Morphological Matrix Choosing Appropriate Tools Focusing in Generating Ideas The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Preparing for Action Preparing for Action in a Nutshell Input Processing Output What Is the Developing Solutions Stage? Generating in Developing Solutions Generating Criteria Focusing in Developing Solutions Choosing Tools for Focusing The Evaluation Matrix Paired Comparison Analysis Summarizing the Developing Solutions Stage What Is the Building Acceptance Stage? Generating in Building Acceptance Generating Sources of Assistance and Resistance Generating Potential Action Steps Identifying and Overcoming Limitations Focusing in Building Acceptance Sequencing Action Steps Planning for Implementation Implementation Checklist Obtaining Feedback on Your Plan The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Planning Your Approach to CPS Planning Your Approach in a Nutshell What Is Appraising Tasks? The People and Context Dimension The Content-Method Dimension What Is Designing Process? Required Results From the Process Needed Elements of the Method Desired Involvement and Interaction Constraints From the Context The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action People as Creative Problem Solvers Ownership Influence Interest Imagination Some Key Questions About Ownership Diversity Problem-Solving Style Orientation to Change Manner of Processing Ways of Deciding Moderate Preferences Working Outside Your Preferences Some Key Questions About Diversity Task Expertise Some Key Questions About Task Expertise Using Information About People When Appraising Tasks Apply CPS Modify the Task Find the Right People Wait or Withdraw The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action The Context for CPS The Environment Conducive to Creativity Are You Ready for Change? Dimensions of the Climate for Creativity Implications of Understanding Climate History Are You Willing to Manage Change? Are You Able to Move Forward? Using Information About Context When Appraising Tasks Apply CPS Modify the Task Modify the Context Wait or Withdraw The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action The Role of Content What Is Content? The Role of Content in the System Novelty: What Kind of Novelty Do You Need? Size: How Great an Impact Do You Want? Breadth of Impact Depth of Impact Leverage: Where Is the Best Place to Focus Your Energy? Identifying Key Leverage Points Using Your Understanding About Content Apply CPS Modify the Task Adjust the Expectations You Hold for CPS Use a Different Method The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action CPS as a Change Method What Is a Change Method? Being Deliberate About Method CPS as a Change Method Do You Need the Purpose and Unique Qualities of CPS? The CPS Framework How Confident Am I in Using CPS? What Are the Benefits and Costs of Using CPS? Your Options From Exploring Method Apply CPS Combine CPS With Other Method(s) Wait or Withdraw The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Designing Your Way Through CPS Linking Needs to Process An Example of Matching Process to Need Returning to Our Example What Is Designing Process? Setting the Scope of CPS Application Designing a Single Session Tips for Designing a Single Session Designing a Project Application Tips for Designing Project Applications Designing an Initiative Tips for Designing an Initiative-Level Application of CPS Designing Ways to Involve People Determine Your Level of Use Clarify People's Roles and Responsibilities Designing for the Impact of Context Designing for Readiness Designing for Willingness Designing for Ability Designing Your Work Space Some Suggestions for Designing Process Design With Purpose in Mind Design a Straightforward Pathway Through CPS Be Ready to Change Your Plans The Rest of the Story Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action Applying CPS Lost Prizes What Did the Participants in the Session Do? What Challenges Did the Participants Face? What Impact Did CPS Have? Creating Computer Software What Did the Project Manager Do? What Challenges Did the Project Manager Face? What Impact Did CPS Have? Developing New Products What Did We Do? What Challenges Did We Face? What Impact Did We Have? Preparing to Apply CPS Prepare the People Prepare the CPS Process Prepare the Topic to Be Addressed Prepare the Working Environment General Suggestions for Getting Started Use CPS Personally to Demonstrate Its Effectiveness Demonstrate the Benefits of CPS Use CPS Soon After Reading This Book Continue Your Learning Debrief Your Use of CPS Use the CPS Framework Flexibly Start by Using CPS on Low-Risk Tasks Integrate CPS Into Your Current Activities Find a Sponsor for Your CPS Application Find a Safe Group With Which to Practice Team Up With Someone Who Knows CPS Use Outside Experts to Get Help Additional Resources About Our Organizations Creative Problem Solving Group, Incorporated Center for Creative Learning, Incorporated An Invitation Visit Our Web Sites Attend a Course Putting This Chapter to Work Activities to Guide Reflection and Action References Index About the Authors