Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface xiii Acknowledgments xix About the Authors xxi Chapter 1: Problem-Solving Strategies: Why Bother? 1 What's the Real Problem? 1 Correct Problem Definition/Wrong Solution 7 A Heuristic for Successful Problem Solving 8 Summary 11 Web-Site Material 11 References 13 Exercises 13 Further Reading 15 Chapter 2: The Characteristics, Attitudes, and Environment Necessary for Effective Problem Solving 17 Getting in the Right Frame of Mind 18 Having a Vision 22 Working Together in Teams 26 Responding to Criticism 30 Conflict Resolution 32 Summary 34 Web-Site Material 35 References 37 Exercises 37 Further Reading 40 Chapter 3: Skills Necessary for Effective Problem Solving 41 Critical Thinking 41 Summary 63 Web-Site Material 64 References 65 Exercises 65 Further Reading 73 Chapter 4: First Steps 75 The First Four Steps 76 Summary 90 Web-Site Material 90 Reference 91 Exercises 91 Chapter 5: Problem Definition 93 Defining the Real Problem: Four Techniques 93 Technique 1: Using the Duncker Diagram to Define the Real Problem 94 Technique 2: Using the Statement-Restatement Technique 98 Technique 3: Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis 103 Which Technique to Choose? 109 Determine Whether the Problem should be Solved 109 Brainstorm Potential Causes and Solution Alternatives 111 Summary 111 Web-Site Material 112 References 113 Exercises 113 Further Reading 125 Chapter 6: Breaking Down the Barriers to Generating Ideas 127 Recognizing Mental Blocks 129 Improving Your Creative Abilities 133 Risk Taking 135 Summary 141 Web-Site Material 142 References 142 Exercises 143 Further Reading 145 Chapter 7: Generating Solutions 147 Brainstorming 147 Free Association 148 Vertical Thinking 149 Lateral Thinking 154 Organizing Brainstorming Ideas: The Fishbone Diagram 157 Cautions 159 Brainwriting 159 Futuring 159 Cross-Fertilization 162 Analogy 165 Incubating Ideas 167 Triz 168 Use The Defect to Solve The Problem 177 Summary 179 Web-Site Material 179 References 180 Exercises 181 Further Reading 185 Chapter 8: Deciding the Course of Action 187 K.T. Situation Appraisal 188 K.T. Problem Analysis 194 K.T. Decision Analysis 194 Adverse Consequences of the Alternative Solutions 198 K.T. Potential Problem Analysis 208 Summary 214 Web-Site Material 215 References 215 Exercises 215 Further Reading 227 Chapter 9: Implementing the Solution 229 Approval 229 Carry Through 241 Follow Up 242 Goal Setting 244 Summary 244 Web-Site Material 245 References 246 Exercises 246 Further Reading 247 Chapter 10: Evaluation 249 General Guidelines 249 Ethical Evaluation 253 Safety Considerations 260 Summary 260 Web-Site Material 261 References 261 Exercises 261 Further Reading 270 Chapter 11: Troubleshooting 271 Some General Guidelines 271 Technical Troubleshooting Exercises 280 Interactive Computing Module on Troubleshooting 292 Troubleshooting Laboratory Equipment 294 Summary 295 Web-Site Material 295 References 295 Exercises 295 Further Reading 304 Chapter 12: Putting It All Together 305 Case Study 1: Generating Sustainable Power for an Agricultural Processing Plant in India 306 Case Study 2: Problems at the Bakery Cafe 316 Summary 329 Web-Site Material 330 Instructor's Solution Manual 330 References 330 Exercises 330 Index 333 Additional Material on the Web Site (www.engin.umich.edu/scps): Power Point Slides of Lectures Summary Notes Interactive Computer Games Material from the Second Edition Not Included in the Third Edition Printed Book Examples and Exercises That Complement the Examples in the Printed Book Appendix 1: McMaster's Five-Point Strategy Appendix 2: Plotting Data.

Strategies for Creative Problem Solving, Third Edition, will help you hone your creative skills and apply those skills to solve nearly any problem. Drawing on National Science Foundation-funded, advanced research that studied problem-solving techniques in all areas of modern industry, this book presents a comprehensive, systematic problem-solving framework. Through hands-on techniques and exercises drawing on realistic examples, you will learn how to approach an ill-defined problem, identify the real problem, generate and implement the best solution, evaluate what you’ve learned, and build on that knowledge.