Problem Solving, Creativity, and Learning - Essay Example

? Creative problem Solving and Learning Creative problem Solving and Learning Introduction One of the myths of Creative problem solving process is that this type of principle is not structured and the process is mystical. This is because people have ended up solving problems by obtaining solutions while they are in their unconscious or subconscious state. Research has proved that that creative problem solving requires higher degree of mental process and discipline (Couger, 1994). Changes in opinion about the technique of creative problem solving have led to thorough research in this field (Plsek, 2012). These researches have developed a systematic way through which the process of creative problem solving takes place. The various models of CPS produced by researchers have been mostly divided into two sages. The models suggest that the procedure of creative problem solving is initiated with the process of thoroughly identifying and defining the problem, ideas regarding the solution of the problem are then generated which follows with thorough evaluation of the generated ideas and one of these ideas is selected an put into action (Plsek, 2012). Almost all the models of CPS produced, promote the importance of mental processes in all the stages of the creative problem solving. Torrance has given great importance to the ability of producing ideas that are very unique and novel in his CPS model (Plsek, 2012). If individual have to produce various solutions to a problem, they need to look at a particular issue through different means. More importance is given to the process of defining the problem and identifying various solutions for the problem than any other steps involved in the process of CPS. Body Creative Problem Solving and its importance in various areas of making an organization successful have been witnessed. CPS has even been associated with the entire process of marketing. The process of creatively solving an issue starts with exploration of a problem, similarly the process of marketing is initiated with the process of problem identification and both the processes continue with generation of solution and both processes come to an end with the process of implementation of best possible solution. Real Life Application In Creative problem solving, the problem solvers have to first identify what is the problem they are going to solve (Goldstein, 2011, p.350). Application of CPS takes place every stage of the process of marketing. First CPS is applied to marketing in the stage of identifying the needs and problems faced by consumers. For example: Coke first realized that individuals involved in sporting activities need a coca cola container that is easy to carry and unbreakable while they are involved in sporting activities. Next the step of defining problem is applied to the process of marketing while marketers are involved in describing the problem. In this step marketers have the task of identifying the degree of the problem experienced by consumers. While identifying the degree of the problem, marketers identify who are the people facing the problem and why are they facing the problem. This step of marketing process aids markers in selecting their target market. Next CPS is applied to the stage of obtaining information of the marketing process. Marketers are continuously involved in the process of obtaining information to keep a track of changing needs and environment. According to Osborn the most critical part of solving a problem is the relationship between the causes of the problem and the effects of the caused problem (Plsek, 2012). In marketing, marketers identify the problems and the degree of the problems experienced by consumers and how these problems are affecting the daily lives of consumers. The stage of idea generation of CPS is applied to marketing while marketers plan for the marketing mix. This means that marketers go through the process of idea generation while deciding about the product or service that will satisfy the need and problems of the consumers. They even generate ideas about the price of the product and how the product will be packages and where it will be sold. Osborn states that the part of the creative problem solving that is most difficult for problem solvers is the process of generating multiple solutions for one particular problem (Plesk, 2012). Once the ideas have been generated, the marketers get involved in the process of assessing ideas. While assessing ideas, marketers analyze the strengths and weaknesses of ideas, ideas are not analyzed with the aim of reducing ideas, ideas are analyzed in a subjective manner and the judges of those ideas are not who have produced those ideas. Once all the ideas are analyzed then the best idea that solves the problems experienced by consumers in the best possible way is selected and implemented in form of product sampling. After the idea or the product has been launched or used, marketers assess how well the implemented solution has solved the problem experienced by consumers. Learning Creative Problem Solving is even associated with learning; organizations that promote the system of CPS are referred to as learning organizations. Learning takes place in each and every step of CPS, whether it is the initial stage of identifying the problem or the last stage of implementing the solution, learning is always taking place. Thorndike stated that individuals are in a continuous process of identifying ways to solve a problem and once they are able to find a solution to a particular problem, they continually apply that solution when ever the problem arises (Weisberg, 2006, p.292). Similarly in case of CPS individuals are involved in the effort of identifying ways to solve a problem and then they analyze the solutions for strengths and weakness and then one of the various solution is implemented successfully, individuals learn a way to solve an issue and when ever the same issue arises they apply the solution to solve the problem. Conclusion Creative Problem Solving technique is used in various instances in various departments of the organization, the entire process of marketing is based upon the process of creative problem solving. Creative problem solving is applied while marketers try identifying the needs of the consumers that are unmet and even while the marketers are in the process of creating a marketing solution and implementation of that solution. References Plsek, Paul E.. "Working Paper: Creativity Models." DirectedCreativity(tm). N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Aug. 2012. . Goldstein, E. B. (2011). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Weisberg, R. W. (2006). Creativity: Understanding innovation in problem solving, science, invention, and the arts. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons. Couger, J. D. (1994). Creative problem solving and opportunity finding. Hinsdale, Ill: Boyd & Fraser Pub. Co. Read More