Creative Thinking & Problem Solving
What is the second step in the problem solving cycle?
Define the Problem
What is a questionnaire?
A research instrument that consists of a set of questions or other types of prompts that aims to collect information from a respondent.
What constitutes a SWOT analysis?
Strengths & Weaknesses (Internal); Opportunities & Threats (External)
What is an audio-visual aid?
Devices that make use of both sound (audio) and sight (visual)
When is equity achieved in the workplace?
When there is no discrimination
What problem solving technique compares the driving and restraining forces of a solution to create an informed decision?
Force Field Analysis
List two elements of ethics in conducting research
Any two of the following
1) Research may not disadvantage anyone
2) Research may not be inhumane
3) Research may not exploit anyone
Give any 2 types of distribution channels a business can use:
Any two of the following:
Direct Selling, Door-to-Door, Mail Order, Telephonic, Online/Internet
List two disadvantages of visual aids?
Any two of the following
1) Too many can lead to confusion2) Information can be manipulated
3) Can be a distraction
4) Time consuming to make
What are the three levels of management?
Top management, middle management, lower/first line management
List any three advantages of creative thinking:
Any three of the following:
•New, innovative, and better ideas and solutions are generated.
•Creativity is key to staying one step ahead of competitors.
•Complex business problems may be solved.
•Increased productivity.
•More positive attitudes (managers and employees feel that they have contributed towards problem-solving)
•Improves motivation amongst staff.
•Creativity may lead to new inventions that will improve the general standard of living.
•Management and employees may keep up with fast-changing technology.
What are the three criteria for a good research instrument?
Valid, Reliable and Avoids Bias
List any three things that should be included on the cover page of a business plan?
Any three of the following
Logo, Business Name, Owner Contact Info, Address, Copyright DisclaimerWhat are the three types of graphs that can be included in a presentation?
Pie chart, line graph and bar graph
What are the three types of business objectives?
1) Profit
2) Productivity
3) Service
(A good objective focuses on all three)
List two differences between decision making and problem solving
Often done by one person or senior management vs Carried out by a group of people
Existing alternatives are considered and choosing a best solution to a problem. vs Encourages creative thinking since it aims at finding a new solution to a problem.
It does not form part of the problem solving since decisions need to be taken for each step of the business process. vs Innovative solutions are generated, implemented, and evaluated.
Decision-making is the process of choosing from several alternatives. vs Problem-solving is the process of finding a solution to a problem.
What are the four advantages of market research?
1) Not influenced by company politics
2) Niche expertise, as market research is conducted by research specialists
3) Zero bias
4) Objective Results
Name the four aspects that need to be included in the executive summary:
What are the four types of visual aids?
Tables, Illustrations, Graphs and Diagrams
What are the four types of working interpersonal relationships?
1) Peer
2) Group
3) Authority
4) External
List four ways in which a business can use creative thinking to solve business problems:
Any four of the following
•Existing products can be adapted creatively to meet changing tastes and demands.
•·Employees can think for themselves and come up with creative solutions to all kinds of business problems.
•·Encourage a spirit of play and experimentation in the workplace.
•·Give feedback on employees’ performance.
•·Provide time/resources/opportunities for creative problem solving.
•·Encourage brainstorming sessions for employees.
•·Train employees on creative thinking and problem-solving techniques.
•·Recognise and reward achievement.
•·Encourage employees to express their ideas and take risks in a safe/non-threatening environment.
Name 5 examples of research instruments
Interviews, Questionnaires, Experiments, Observations and Surveys
Which environments are scanned using the PESTLE analysis tool?
Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental
What are the five factors that can influence team performance?
1)Prejudice
2) Discrimination
3) Diversity
4) Belief
5) Equity