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101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques: The Handbook of New Ideas for Business
Very helpful book and I give it 5 stars for easily fulfilling its purpose, i.e. an introduction to many of the problem solving techniques, and I highly recommend it for that purpose. This book does not go into a comprehensive discussion of the various techniques, nor was it intended to, but it does give a very good introduction to each and you can research further those techniques you would like to use. I have researched some of them on the internet (free of charge).
He categorizes the techniques by function (in other words, he presents the various techniques in the particular stage of the problem solving process in which they are most effective) and gives you an excellent summary in the Appendix.
I have read quite a few books on Problem Solving / Decision Making and they all come down to Divergence and Convergence, or Creative and Critical thinking. One book I read (Psychology of Intelligence Analysis) made the very good point that creative and critical thinking are both absolutely necessary in the problem solving process, however, in his words, they do not mix well. You must consciously and diligently halt all criticism and judgment, no matter how small, during the divergent phase of the problem solving process - "deferred judgment". This is the foundation for any productive brainstorming session, or even any individual analysis of a problem. There will be plenty of time to evaluate later on.
This book functions as a brainstorming session...it presents many ideas and approaches, and allows you to review each one and determine which is best for your situation. Many of the techniques in this book, and any other problem solving book, are really just different variations of brainstorming sessions (larger or smaller groups, an extra step or two, limitations on one thing or another, a change in procedure, etc..) which is OK too. Most problem solving techniques are either brainstorming sessions of some sort, or techniques designed to force you to lay aside your preconceived opinions and study a problem from different angles (yes that is a major simplification).
The book is organized and formatted very well. The information is presented in an interesting manner and never gets boring. Most of the sections are short and sweet, and what few times he goes beyond a couple pages is by necessity. I really liked the "Summary of Steps" that are throughout the book and the mini case studies were nice as well. Personally, I would like to have seen at least a couple extended case studies, but that was not the purpose of this book.
One of my favorites is the Delphi technique. I have actually used a form of it several times in my work before I even knew it was a technique, and I suspect many of you have used it too in an informal way. I have had some good success with it and believe it to be an excellent technique in any stage of the problem solving process, whether I am dealing with professionals, layman, mechanics, or bozos.
Very helpful, well written and well-organized book. The $15 or so for the book is a great investment for your career or business. I am sure there are more comprehensive books that cost alot more, but this one fulfills it purpose nicely.
He categorizes the techniques by function (in other words, he presents the various techniques in the particular stage of the problem solving process in which they are most effective) and gives you an excellent summary in the Appendix.
I have read quite a few books on Problem Solving / Decision Making and they all come down to Divergence and Convergence, or Creative and Critical thinking. One book I read (Psychology of Intelligence Analysis) made the very good point that creative and critical thinking are both absolutely necessary in the problem solving process, however, in his words, they do not mix well. You must consciously and diligently halt all criticism and judgment, no matter how small, during the divergent phase of the problem solving process - "deferred judgment". This is the foundation for any productive brainstorming session, or even any individual analysis of a problem. There will be plenty of time to evaluate later on.
This book functions as a brainstorming session...it presents many ideas and approaches, and allows you to review each one and determine which is best for your situation. Many of the techniques in this book, and any other problem solving book, are really just different variations of brainstorming sessions (larger or smaller groups, an extra step or two, limitations on one thing or another, a change in procedure, etc..) which is OK too. Most problem solving techniques are either brainstorming sessions of some sort, or techniques designed to force you to lay aside your preconceived opinions and study a problem from different angles (yes that is a major simplification).
The book is organized and formatted very well. The information is presented in an interesting manner and never gets boring. Most of the sections are short and sweet, and what few times he goes beyond a couple pages is by necessity. I really liked the "Summary of Steps" that are throughout the book and the mini case studies were nice as well. Personally, I would like to have seen at least a couple extended case studies, but that was not the purpose of this book.
One of my favorites is the Delphi technique. I have actually used a form of it several times in my work before I even knew it was a technique, and I suspect many of you have used it too in an informal way. I have had some good success with it and believe it to be an excellent technique in any stage of the problem solving process, whether I am dealing with professionals, layman, mechanics, or bozos.
Very helpful, well written and well-organized book. The $15 or so for the book is a great investment for your career or business. I am sure there are more comprehensive books that cost alot more, but this one fulfills it purpose nicely.
483 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1994
23 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 9, 2020
Lots of creative ideas about creative thinking. Practice makes perfect, so lots of cases are provided to illustrate all the assorted concepts.
The ideas I loved most:
- Camelot,
- Why-why
- Fishbone
- 7x7 tech
- Regular vs free association
The frameworks:
- 4P
- Force field analysis
Lots of these are clearly used elsewhere but considering this is a bit dated a book, it must have been very breakthrough in its day.
Love how things are explained in concise a way and not in storytelling barrages of meaningless tripe (like things are done way too often today, due to storytelling BS).
The ideas I loved most:
- Camelot,
- Why-why
- Fishbone
- 7x7 tech
- Regular vs free association
The frameworks:
- 4P
- Force field analysis
Lots of these are clearly used elsewhere but considering this is a bit dated a book, it must have been very breakthrough in its day.
Love how things are explained in concise a way and not in storytelling barrages of meaningless tripe (like things are done way too often today, due to storytelling BS).
May 24, 2023
Well researched and referenced especially with how niche it is. My highlight of the book is the short section on Politics of Innovation.
The author also summarised the benefit of this book concisely:
"These techniques are extremely helpful, but only if you use them. Read them first, then formulate a plan to use them and integrate them into your problem-solving efforts, those of your work group, and
if possible, those of the rest of your organization. Be committed to using them."
The author also summarised the benefit of this book concisely:
"These techniques are extremely helpful, but only if you use them. Read them first, then formulate a plan to use them and integrate them into your problem-solving efforts, those of your work group, and
if possible, those of the rest of your organization. Be committed to using them."
November 16, 2020
Good business book for those looking to learn creative thinking.
Read
July 19, 2021A very handful book for creative problem solving
July 27, 2021
Excellent.
Read
November 22, 2015Title (APA): America's International Trade a Reference Handbook. (1995). ABC-CLIO.
Citation by: Allie Meador
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 382.0973 MIL
Hardcover: 325 pages
Publisher: ABC-CLIO (July 1, 1995)
Author: E. Willard Miller / Ruby M. Miller
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0874367700
ISBN-13: 978-0874367706
Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 9 inches
Cost: $29.95
Content/Scope:
• International trade of the United States, Chronology, Laws and regulations, Directory of trade organizations, Bibliography, Audio-visual aids.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
• The authors have written several reference handbooks. This book is based upon laws and bias free.
Arrangement/Presentation:
• The book is presented in chapters, as well as a table of contents.
Relation to other Works:
• There are several books written about the same topic and several books have been written by the same authors.
Accessibility/Diversity:
• The language is easy to read and the book is organized into chapters.
Professional Review:
• http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Intern...
From Library Journal
Written by a geography professor and a map librarian, this latest addition to the avalanche of international trade handbooks is a good one but not for those who seek country-by-country protocol. This handbook examines issues of global trade from a U.S. standpoint, covering trade agreements, objectives, growth, balance, laws, and organizations. Short, descriptive entries provide an adequate introduction for neophytes and students, and the lengthy annotated bibliography, while failing to list electronic sources; can be used in collection development. Other helpful works on the subject include The Basics of Foreign Trade and Exchange (Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 1993) and A Basic Guide to Importing (NTC, 1994). The present work is recommended as an inexpensive addition to any global business collection.
Lisa K. Miller, Paradise Valley Community Coll. Lib., Phoenix
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Citation by: Allie Meador
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 382.0973 MIL
Hardcover: 325 pages
Publisher: ABC-CLIO (July 1, 1995)
Author: E. Willard Miller / Ruby M. Miller
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0874367700
ISBN-13: 978-0874367706
Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 6 x 9 inches
Cost: $29.95
Content/Scope:
• International trade of the United States, Chronology, Laws and regulations, Directory of trade organizations, Bibliography, Audio-visual aids.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias:
• The authors have written several reference handbooks. This book is based upon laws and bias free.
Arrangement/Presentation:
• The book is presented in chapters, as well as a table of contents.
Relation to other Works:
• There are several books written about the same topic and several books have been written by the same authors.
Accessibility/Diversity:
• The language is easy to read and the book is organized into chapters.
Professional Review:
• http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Intern...
From Library Journal
Written by a geography professor and a map librarian, this latest addition to the avalanche of international trade handbooks is a good one but not for those who seek country-by-country protocol. This handbook examines issues of global trade from a U.S. standpoint, covering trade agreements, objectives, growth, balance, laws, and organizations. Short, descriptive entries provide an adequate introduction for neophytes and students, and the lengthy annotated bibliography, while failing to list electronic sources; can be used in collection development. Other helpful works on the subject include The Basics of Foreign Trade and Exchange (Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 1993) and A Basic Guide to Importing (NTC, 1994). The present work is recommended as an inexpensive addition to any global business collection.
Lisa K. Miller, Paradise Valley Community Coll. Lib., Phoenix
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
March 2, 2013
Book that covers different and creative techniques about problem solving. Interesting to provide ideas of tools to make better decisions.
Livro que cobre diferentes e criativas técnicas de solução de problemas. Interessante para dar a você ideias de ferramentas para tomar melhores decisões.
Livro que cobre diferentes e criativas técnicas de solução de problemas. Interessante para dar a você ideias de ferramentas para tomar melhores decisões.
June 28, 2015
Good book, very useful! Could have used better editing! Lots of typos.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews