Learning Goals –How to make effective arguments –How to solve problems effectively in groups What you should have done for today –Read handout on problem solving (PS) –Prepared for your position for Virtual Team Exercise (a.k.a. Group PS) Argumentation & Problem Solving

Why is argumentation and problem solving important for –Contemporary managers Use in making good decisions –Students Use in writing and learning material How are argumentation and problem solving linked? Argumentation & Problem Solving

1.Clearly articulate your opinion or hypothesis –Importance of defining variables before relating them to each other Sequence of writing assignments in C24 How does this apply to Virtual Team Problem- Solving exercise 2.Provide evidence to support your hypothesis –Importance of quality of evidence in.. Writing assignment (empirical/theoretical) In Virtual Team exercise (what kinds are possible?) Making Effective Arguments

3.Acknowledge and answer arguments counter to your opinion 4.Acknowledge and answer evidence that is counter to evidence supporting your opinion Role of definitional task for this task Making Effective Arguments

1.Articulate position 2.Support it with good empirical evidence 3.Acknowledge & answer counter a.Positions b.Empirical evidence Therefore, to make effective arguments

Learning Goals –How to make effective arguments –How to make solve problems effectively Argumentation & Problem Solving

What is Problem Solving? –Viewing problems as opportunities or challenges –Looking for solutions as opposed to placing blame. –Having a disciplined approach to defining the problem & identifying and implementing appropriate solutions. Source: Carolyn B. Thompson, “Problem Solving Tools to Improve Productivity,” Journal of Property Management, Sept. 1999, v64 i5 p. 14.

PDCA Problem solving is a cyclical process comprised of four steps –Plan –Do –Check –Act Source: Paul Kiesow, “PDCA cycle: An approach to problem solving,” Ceramic Industry, Oct. 1994, v143, n5 p. 20.

Figure 19-1 Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Problem Solving Steps Defining the problem and collecting data Analyzing data Evaluating and selecting potential solutions Developing an action plan for implementation Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 19-2 Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 19-3 Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Figure 19-4 Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Problem Solving Tools and Methods Brainstorming: Round Robin, Nominal Group Technique, Post-it notes Multivoting Affinity diagram Tree diagram Prioritization matrix Payoff tables Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Brainstorming Rules Set a theme Set a time limit Quantity is important Don’t evaluate Actively participate Piggy back - build on ideas of others Record ideas Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Issues in Problem Solving Lack of time Team member resistance Differing work styles Lack of managerial support Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Goals of Problem Solving Chapter Define problems within an organizational context Analyze the problem to determine its cause Work with others to generate potential solutions to organizational problems Evaluate potential solutions Prioritize and select the best solution Create an action plan for implementing the solution Copyright © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

What is Creativity? Bringing into existence an idea that is new to you. Source: Carol Kinsey Goman, Creativity in Business: A practical guide for creative thinking, Menlo Park, CA: Crisp Publications, 2000, p. 46.

4 Stages of Creative Problem Solving Preparation Incubation Illumination Verification Source: Haefele, J.W., Creativity and Innovation, New York: Reinhold, 1962; Max H. Bazerman, Judgment in Managerial Decision Making, New York: Wiley, 1986, pp