1. THE PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS BDP301

2. Stages and Skills in the Problem Solving Process  The problem solving process has 3 stages: Problem finding, idea finding and solution finding  To be successful, enterprising people need to be creative thinkers and god problem solvers Problem Finding (Fact-Finding) Idea Finding (Generating Alternatives) Solution Finding (Evaluating Options)

3. Problem Finding  In this stage the entrepreneur tries to define the problem by: gathering observations, feelings and impressions about the situation  An inventive person will see a problem as an opportunity that could lead to the creation of a new venture. This connects to attitudes and feelings  Facts also help the entrepreneur define the problem and provide information that can be used in the solution

4. Idea Finding  In this stage the entrepreneur tries to come up with different alternatives or different ways of solving the problem  In this stage it is important to BE CREATIVE! In this stage there is no wrong answer  All ideas should be evaluated at this stage

5. Solution Finding  The final stage is the solution finding stage where the entrepreneur will evaluate each of their ideas created earlier  Criteria needs to be developed that will evaluate the strength/weakness of each idea  The process is not complete until a solution has been tried and evaluated to make sure the problem has been solved  If an idea does not turn out as expected, you must go back and generate more ideas for a different solution

6. 7 Steps to Problem Solving  Generally speaking, problem solving can be thought about in 7 steps: 1. Think about the problem 2. Generate lots of possible solutions 3. Establish criteria for evaluating ideas 4. Use your criteria for evaluating ideas 5. Rank your ideas and select the best one 6. Try out your idea 7. Is the problem solved? If not, choose another idea and try again.

7. Lateral Thinking  Lateral thinking means generating ideas by being flexible and creative  You break away from standard solutions and solve problems in a unique way  Lateral thinking moves sideways rather than forward or up and down  Encourages us to look at things in a new way  Also known as “thinking outside the box”

8. De Bono’s Thinking Hats  De Bono is an expert on creative thinking. According to him there are six modes of thinking  He metaphorically calls them Thinking Hats. These thinking hats can be put on or taken off at will by the problem solver  These hats DO NOT reflect the wearers or their characteristics  The are colour coded to help people remember them

9. Thinking Hats  White: Concerned with gathering facts and figures. Thinks without emotion. Asks: “How many? How often? How much?”  Red: Recognizes that emotion and intuition influence thinking. Says: “I have a hunch about this”  Green: Lateral Thinking that includes creativity and alternatives. Encourages change. “How else can this be done?”  Black: Represents the use of judgment and caution. “This idea won’t work because..”  Yellow: Logical, constructive, looks for positive outcomes. “This idea has value, I want to explore it further”  Blue Hat: Used to lead and pull the other hats together. Makes things happen! “Let’s get started!”