Creative Problem Solving Techniques
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Value Engineering course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
A3 Report #
an A3 report is a structured approach to problem-solving that provides a concise and visual representation of a problem and its solution, it is commonly used in Lean and Toyota production systems to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members. The A3 report is typically presented on a single sheet of paper and includes the problem statement, analysis, and proposed solution. Related terms include Root Cause Analysis and PDCA cycle.
Affinity Diagram #
an Affinity diagram is a tool used to organize and group ideas or concepts into categories, it is commonly used in Creative Problem Solving techniques to identify patterns and relationships between ideas. The affinity diagram is created by writing each idea on a separate card or sticky note and then grouping the cards into categories based on their similarities. Related terms include Mind Mapping and SWOT Analysis.
Analytical Hierarchy Process #
the Analytical Hierarchy Process is a decision-making tool used to evaluate and prioritize options, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to evaluate the value of different design options. The analytical hierarchy process involves breaking down a complex decision into smaller sub-problems and then evaluating each option based on its relative importance. Related terms include Cost-Benefit Analysis and Decision Tree.
Benchmarking #
Benchmarking is the process of comparing an organization's processes or performance to that of another organization, it is commonly used in Continuous Improvement initiatives to identify areas for improvement. Benchmarking involves identifying a benchmark or standard of excellence and then comparing an organization's performance to that standard. Related terms include Best Practices and Gap Analysis.
Brainstorming #
Brainstorming is a Creative Problem Solving technique used to generate a large number of ideas or solutions to a problem, it is commonly used in Team meetings to encourage collaboration and creativity. Brainstorming involves setting a specific goal or problem and then generating as many ideas as possible without evaluating or judging them. Related terms include Mind Mapping and Ideation.
Cause #
and-Effect Diagram: a Cause-and-Effect diagram is a tool used to identify the potential causes of a problem, it is commonly used in Root Cause Analysis to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The cause-and-effect diagram is created by drawing a fishbone-shaped diagram with the problem statement at the head and the potential causes listed on the branches. Related terms include Fishbone Diagram and Ishikawa Diagram.
Cost #
Benefit Analysis: a Cost-Benefit analysis is a decision-making tool used to evaluate the costs and benefits of different options, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to evaluate the value of different design options. The cost-benefit analysis involves identifying the costs and benefits of each option and then comparing them to determine which option provides the best value. Related terms include Return on Investment and Break-Even Analysis.
Creative Problem Solving #
Creative Problem Solving is a structured approach to problem-solving that involves generating and evaluating a wide range of solutions, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to identify innovative solutions to complex problems. Creative problem solving involves using techniques such as Brainstorming and Mind Mapping to generate ideas and then evaluating and refining those ideas. Related terms include Design Thinking and Innovation.
Decision Matrix #
a Decision Matrix is a tool used to evaluate and prioritize options, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to evaluate the value of different design options. The decision matrix involves creating a table with the options listed on one axis and the criteria listed on the other axis, and then evaluating each option based on the criteria. Related terms include Cost-Benefit Analysis and SWOT Analysis.
Decision Tree #
a Decision Tree is a tool used to evaluate and prioritize options, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to evaluate the value of different design options. The decision tree involves creating a diagram with the options listed on the branches and the criteria listed on the trunk, and then evaluating each option based on the criteria. Related terms include Cost-Benefit Analysis and Decision Matrix.
Design for Manufacturability #
Design for Manufacturability is a design approach that involves designing products or systems to be easy to manufacture, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to reduce production costs. Design for manufacturability involves considering the manufacturing process during the design phase and using techniques such as Modular Design and Standardization to simplify the manufacturing process. Related terms include Design for Assembly and Design for Disassembly.
Design Thinking #
Design Thinking is a structured approach to problem-solving that involves using Empathy and Creativity to develop innovative solutions, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to identify innovative solutions to complex problems. Design thinking involves using techniques such as Brainstorming and Mind Mapping to generate ideas and then evaluating and refining those ideas. Related terms include Creative Problem Solving and Innovation.
Fishbone Diagram #
a Fishbone Diagram is a tool used to identify the potential causes of a problem, it is commonly used in Root Cause Analysis to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The fishbone diagram is created by drawing a fishbone-shaped diagram with the problem statement at the head and the potential causes listed on the branches. Related terms include Cause-and-Effect Diagram and Ishikawa Diagram.
Gap Analysis #
a Gap Analysis is a tool used to identify the difference between the current state and the desired state, it is commonly used in Continuous Improvement initiatives to identify areas for improvement. The gap analysis involves identifying the current state and the desired state and then determining the gap between the two. Related terms include Benchmarking and SWOT Analysis.
Idea Generation #
Idea Generation is a Creative Problem Solving technique used to generate a large number of ideas or solutions to a problem, it is commonly used in Team meetings to encourage collaboration and creativity. Idea generation involves setting a specific goal or problem and then generating as many ideas as possible without evaluating or judging them. Related terms include Brainstorming and Mind Mapping.
Ishikawa Diagram #
an Ishikawa Diagram is a tool used to identify the potential causes of a problem, it is commonly used in Root Cause Analysis to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The Ishikawa diagram is created by drawing a fishbone-shaped diagram with the problem statement at the head and the potential causes listed on the branches. Related terms include Cause-and-Effect Diagram and Fishbone Diagram.
Kaizen #
Kaizen is a Continuous Improvement approach that involves making small, incremental changes to processes or systems, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Kaizen involves using techniques such as Brainstorming and Mind Mapping to generate ideas and then evaluating and refining those ideas. Related terms include Lean and Six Sigma.
Lean #
Lean is a production approach that involves minimizing waste and maximizing value, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Lean involves using techniques such as Value Stream Mapping and Root Cause Analysis to identify and eliminate waste. Related terms include Kaizen and Six Sigma.
Mind Mapping #
Mind Mapping is a visual technique used to organize and group ideas or concepts, it is commonly used in Creative Problem Solving techniques to identify patterns and relationships between ideas. Mind mapping involves creating a diagram with the main idea in the center and the related ideas listed on the branches. Related terms include Affinity Diagram and Brainstorming.
Modular Design #
Modular Design is a design approach that involves designing products or systems as a series of modules or components, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce production costs. Modular design involves using techniques such as Standardization and Interchangeability to simplify the design and manufacturing process. Related terms include Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly.
PDCA Cycle #
the PDCA Cycle is a Continuous Improvement approach that involves planning, doing, checking, and acting, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to improve efficiency and reduce waste. The PDCA cycle involves planning a change or improvement, implementing the change, checking the results, and then acting on the results. Related terms include Kaizen and Lean.
Root Cause Analysis #
Root Cause Analysis is a tool used to identify the underlying causes of a problem, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to identify and eliminate the root causes of problems. Root cause analysis involves using techniques such as Cause-and-Effect Diagram and Fishbone Diagram to identify the potential causes of a problem. Related terms include Ishikawa Diagram and Five Whys.
Six Sigma #
Six Sigma is a quality approach that involves using statistical methods to improve the quality of processes or systems, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Six sigma involves using techniques such as Root Cause Analysis and Design of Experiments to identify and eliminate defects. Related terms include Lean and Kaizen.
SWOT Analysis #
a SWOT Analysis is a tool used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of an organization or project, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to evaluate the value of different design options. The SWOT analysis involves identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and then evaluating each option based on the SWOT analysis. Related terms include Decision Matrix and Gap Analysis.
Value Engineering #
Value Engineering is a systematic approach to improving the value of products or systems, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to improve efficiency and reduce waste. Value engineering involves using techniques such as Functional Analysis and Cost-Benefit Analysis to evaluate the value of different design options. Related terms include Design for Manufacturability and Lean.
Value Stream Mapping #
Value Stream Mapping is a tool used to visualize the flow of material and information in a process or system, it is commonly used in Value Engineering to identify and eliminate waste. Value stream mapping involves creating a diagram of the process or system and then identifying the value-added and non-value-added activities. Related terms include Lean and Kaizen.