Essays on Creative Problem Solving

What conceptual blocks were experienced by the smokejunpers?

Vertical thinking: when the fire was catching up with them, most smokejumpers ran up for the ridge. They were not able to think laterally; the only solution seemed the most straightforward. One thinking language: none of them were able to visualize how a burnt surface could save their lives; instead of a solution, they saw it as a worsening of their problem. Stereotyping based on past experience: The crew expected what they called “a 10:00 fire”, that is, they expected the fire to be extinguished by 10:00 next morning. Their mental image of that problem was much smaller than ...

1. Introduction Cross-border trade and travel have been increasing at enhanced rate over the last few decades because business units have identified the necessity of international co-operation in strengthening their financial growth and industry recognition. In this context, multinational companies are striving to improve their competitiveness in the global marketplace by focusing specifically on international expansion. Realising the further growth opportunities in the international market environment, MasterCard went public in May 2008. As a result of this change, the company’s 4,600 employees worldwide became exposed to a new way of doing things. In this circumstance, the firm’s ...

Introduction

Supervision is the act of overseeing, inspection or oversight. It can be defined as management by overseeing the performance or operations of a person or group. It can also be defined as the active administering and overseeing of all functions of a particular group of people. Functions of supervision can be categorized into 3; - Administrative; involves the promotion and development of good standards of work; management of practice with the policies of an organization and assurance of a smooth running and efficient work force. - Educational; involves the development of each individual worker in a manner which will steer them ...

Problem Solving, Creativity and Learning

In general, the elements of creativity are “cognitive, affective, personal and motivational, and social or environmental” (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, 2011). Of these elements, the affective and the cognitive elements are the most important. In particular, the affective elements include risk-taking, independence, humor, and curiosity while the cognitive aspects include open-mindedness, attraction to complexity, originality, perceptiveness, and basic knowledge. On the other hand, the motivational elements are also important as the creative person is intrinsically motivated and is passionate about his or her field. As well, self-confidence, persistence, and energy are keys to accomplishing something creative. ...