1. Human Relations Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

5. What is a “problem”?  A puzzle looking for an answer.  Problems become evident when expected results are compared to actual results – the gap is the problem that needs solving.  A puzzle looking for an answer.  Problems become evident when expected results are compared to actual results – the gap is the problem that needs solving. Human Relations

6. Three types of problems.  Occurring now & must be addressed now.  Expected in the future & must be planned for.  Expected in the future, but whose consequences are so serious that immediate action must be taken.  Occurring now & must be addressed now.  Expected in the future & must be planned for.  Expected in the future, but whose consequences are so serious that immediate action must be taken. Human Relations

7. Steps in problem solving. Human Relations

8. Identify the problem Generate ideas Evaluate alternatives Choose among alternatives Implement chosen alternative Learn from feedback

9. Barriers to effective problem solving.  Over analyzing – can’t make a decision.  Acting too quickly, or too slowly.  Erring in judgment or execution.  Not having a backup plan.  Not involving others in the process.  Identifying the problem incorrectly.  Over analyzing – can’t make a decision.  Acting too quickly, or too slowly.  Erring in judgment or execution.  Not having a backup plan.  Not involving others in the process.  Identifying the problem incorrectly. Human Relations

10. Decision-Making Tools. Decision Tree Human Relations

11. Decision Tree Problem Possible Solutions Potential Consequences Human Relations

12. Decision-Making Tools. Cost-Benefit Analysis Human Relations

13. Decision-Making Tools. ABC Analysis – Do As not Cs ABC Analysis – Do As not Cs Human Relations

14. Decision-Making Tools. PERT Chart- Program Evaluation and Review Technique Seeking the Critical Path PERT Chart- Program Evaluation and Review Technique Seeking the Critical Path Human Relations

15. Decision-Making Tools. Quality Circle – Participative Management Quality Circle – Participative Management Human Relations

16. Advantages and Disadvantages of Participative Decision Making Advantages: ›Broader perspective for problem definition and analysis. ›More knowledge, facts, and alternatives can be evaluated. ›Discussion clarifies ambiguous problems and reduces uncertainty about alternatives. ›Participation fosters member satisfaction and support for decision. Disadvantages: ›Time-consuming; wasted resources if used for easy decisions. ›Compromise decisions may satisfy no one. ›Group think; group norms may reduce dissent and opinion diversity. ›No clear focus for decision responsibility. Human Relations

17. Creativity How do we encourage creative thinking? Human Relations

18. Creativity Brainstorming – remember that there are no dumb ideas. Human Relations

19. How can I get my head through this piece of paper?