Educational research reveals that most people demonstrate a great deal of creativity at age 5. Unfortunately, their creative output diminishes as they mature, due to the factors that stifle creativity in the educational process. All of us, therefore, need assistance in resurfacing our innate creativity. Creative Problem Solving and Opportunity Finding discusses the process necessary for facilitating creativity and explains approaches we can use to resurface our own creativity. The book also contains key principles and concepts of creativity, approaches to removing blocks to creativity, and 22 techniques for generating ideas. It provides the framework of the Creative Problem Solving methodology to organize the creative process. It includes a wide variety of examples and contains a rich blend of theory and practice.

Problem solving consists of using generic or ad hoc methods, in an orderly manner, for finding solutions to problems. Some of the problem-solving techniques developed and used in artificial intelligence, computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, etc. are related to mental problem-solving techniques studied in psychology. The term problem-solving is used in many disciplines, sometimes with different perspectives, and often with different terminologies. For instance, it is a mental process in psychology and a computerized process in computer science. Problems can also be classified into two different types (ill-defined and well-defined) from which appropriate solutions are to be made. Ill-defined problems are those that do not have clear goals, solution paths, or expected solution. Well-defined problems have specific goals, clearly defined solution paths, and clear expected solutions. These problems also allow for more initial planning than ill-defined problems. Being able to solve problems sometimes involves dealing with pragmatics (logic) and semantics (interpretation of the problem). The ability to understand what the goal of the problem is and what rules could be applied represent the key to solving the problem. Sometimes the problem requires some abstract thinking and coming up with a creative solution.

Creative Approaches to Problem Solving (CAPS) is a comprehensive text covering the well-known, cited, and used system for problem solving and creativity known as Creative Problem Solving (CPS). CPS is a flexible system used to help individuals and groups solve problems, manage change, and deliver innovation. It provides a framework, language, guidelines, and set of easy-to-use tools for understanding challenges, generating ideas and transforming promising ideas into action. Features and Benefits: - Specific objectives in each chapter for the reader - This provides a clear focus for instruction or independent learning - Practical case study introduced in the beginning of each chapter and then completed as a "rest of the story" toward the end of the chapter - This feature provides an application anchor for the reader - Upgraded mix of graphics - These updated and refreshed graphics include tables, figures, and illustrative images that are designed to provide "pictures" to go along with the word. The aim has been to aid attention, retention, and practical application - Enhanced emphasis on flexible, dynamic process-- Enables users to select and apply CPS tools, components, and stages in a meaningful way that meets their actual needs - A framework for problem solving that has been tested and applied across ages, settings, and cultures-- Readers can apply a common approach to process across many traditional "boundaries" that have limited effectives. Creative Approaches to Problem Solving has been (and continues to be) used as a core text for faculty who are teaching courses in Creative Problem Solving or Creativity and Innovation as part of an MBA program, or in Education, a course on Creativity (often as a component of certification or endorsement requirements in gifted education). It is also used as a core text for those enrolled in professional development, continuing education, or executive education programmes.

For Parents and Teachers! The parent and teacher section defines who capable kids are, the problems and needs they face, and the many ways parents and teachers can help them develop coping strategies. Topics include the definition of giftedness, emotional development, social development, moral development, perfectionism, boredom, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, family functioning, and much more. Extensive and current reference and resource listings are included.

This accessible text provides a lively introduction to the essential skills of creative problem solving. Using extensive case-studies and examples from a range of business situations, it explores various problem-solving theories and techniques, illustrating how these can be used to solve a range of management problems. Thoroughly revised and redesigned, this new edition retains the accessible and imaginative approach to problem-solving skills of the first edition. Contents include: * blocks to creativity and how to overcome them * key techniques including lateral thinking, morphological analysis and synectics * computer-assisted problem solving * increased coverage of group problem-solving techniques and paradigm shift. As creativity is increasingly recognized as a key skill for successful managers, this book will be welcomed as a comprehensive introduction for students and practising managers alike.

Problem solving tools to solve any business challenge. Using proven, innovative techniques from some major players in the business world, this is the go-to book for every professional who wants to find better answers to their business challenges. The full text downloaded to your computer With eBooks you can: search for key concepts, words and phrases make highlights and notes as you study share your notes with friends eBooks are downloaded to your computer and accessible either offline through the Bookshelf (available as a free download), available online and also via the iPad and Android apps. Upon purchase, you'll gain instant access to this eBook. Time limit The eBooks products do not have an expiry date. You will continue to access your digital ebook products whilst you have your Bookshelf installed.

The regularity with which the term 'solutions' is used in management speak suggests that management is largely about problem solving. To suggest that thinking creatively is a useful skill in solving a problem may be stating the obvious, but experience tells us that under pressure, managers tend to fall back on the 'tried and tested' rather than the new and creative. This text provides an essential introduction to the ideas and skills of solving problems creatively. It demonstrates: how and why people are blocked in their thinking how this impairs the creative problem solving process how creative problem solving techniques can help overcome these difficulties Theories of creative thinking are critically examined and utilised to explore the variety of techniques that can be employed to discover insights into difficult management problems. Using case studies and case histories together with extensive diagrams, examples and thought-provoking questions, Creative Problem Solving for Managers provides the most up-to-date and extensive approach to this important topic. This refreshing new edition will prove essential reading on the growing number of 'creativity management' classes springing up in business schools and will also be a helpful read on a range of other modules that require a creative mindset.