INNO1004 Creative Thinking & Problem Solving: Finding & Framing Problems Worth Solving

2019

4.5

1 x 9-hour independent study weekly
1 x 1-hour on-line exercises weekly
1 x 1-hour on-line tutorial weekly

1 Admission into BBUSOL-Bachelor of Business
1a Admission into BBUSIBOL-Bachelor of Business (International Business)
1b Admission into BBUSMGOL-Bachelor of Business (Management)
1c Admission into BBUSMKOL-Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
1d Admission into BIBWST-Bachelor of International Business (Wine, Spirits and Tourism)
1e Admission into BDDE-Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education
1f Admission into BDCI-Bachelor of Disability and Community Inclusion
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b or 1c or 1d or 1e or 1f))

Assignment(s)

Creative Thinking and Problem Solving is about finding, framing and solving complex and wicked problems, both social and economic, in novel and valuable ways. It is designed to help all students develop and apply their creative and innovative potential to make an impact. This topic focuses on creative thinking and problem solving as as drivers of individual and organisational innovation. Throughout this topic students will develop important 21st century skills while learning to creatively solve problems through a number of innovation challenges. No matter what career or profession you are going into, being more creative and understanding how to apply creativity to generate opportunities, value and impact will help you to be more valuable, more employable, more innovative, and more entrepreneurial.

This topic aims to build on theory and practice that suggests people are intrinsically creative and curious but also acknowledges that society, organisations, educational systems and many other factors frequently stifle our tendency to be different, to think outside the box, break the rules and challenge the status quo. The topic introduces creative thinking and problem solving techniques to identify and interrogate complex problems, generate, evaluate and evolve original and valuable ideas, in both individual and group settings and consider how to select and implement solutions. Students will shift both their perspectives and their behaviours as they learn about the psychological and sociological underpinnings of creative thinking and problem solving whilst applying practical creativity techniques to solve real world challenges. The topic balances theoretical and practice perspectives to highlight a holistic approach and embed an understanding of both knowing and doing.

On completion of this topic, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Understand the concepts of creative thinking and problem solving, how these apply to innovation and theimpact innovation can have on organisations and society
2. Understand the factors which can affect an individual’s and an organisation’s ability to be creative and innovative
3. Identify personal drivers for creativity and develop a deeper understanding of personal creative thinking skills and mindsets
4. Embrace design thinking as an approach to creative problem solving and apply design thinking approaches to generate, evaluate and improve innovative ideas
5. Understand and explain the concept of creating value and be able to recognise and assess opportunities that are desirable and feasible
6. Apply relevant tools and techniques to enhance collaboration and team work, build and contribute to more effective teams and generate more creative and innovative outcomes.