Oftentimes, we equate ‘problem solving’ with ‘critical thinking.’ However, in this case we’re referring to ‘problem solving’ as a method for finding solutions to short-term complications or setbacks. Although strong intuition is important for problem solving, you must also rely on the research and data that you encounter. What is most important is what you do with that combination of intuition and research. Here are the five steps to becoming a better problem solver:
- Ask a lot of questions to identify the underlying problem. Don’t jump to conclusions.
- Brainstorm all of the possible solutions to the problem that you identified.
- Evaluate the solutions that you came up with. Determine the feasibility of those ideas.
- Execute the most feasible idea. Good problem solvers are responsible for implementing a solution.
- Re-evaluate the project throughout its execution. Sometimes you will find out that you are either not solving the underlying problem or there are more problems that need to be solved.
For more information on the myths and facts of problem solving, feel free to visit the link below. This process can be applied in any business setting. By practicing these skills over-and-over, you can become a better problem solver.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217516
As part of my MP project this semester, I am focused on learning how to conduct competitive intelligence market research and tips and tricks on how my work team and I can to do this more effectively and efficiently. On About.com, I came across a 7-step, detailed breakdown of how to conduct Market Intelligence Research. See below.
- Determine Your Research Objectives
- First you must determine your primary and end goal based on audiences who will be utilizing the information
- Evaluate Existing CI Data Collection Strategies
- Determine CI Data Collection Strategies
- Set Up Access and Integration Systems
- Establish Analysis and Reporting Processes
- Plan Dissemination
Planning
- Planning for getting your information to the correct audiences – for example, how often will you report?
- Write the Story
- Most market research is best presented to audiences in the form of a story and to do so, your CI audiences should understand how the data was collected and be made confident of that data through corroboration processes.
These were some good tips that I have already started and will continue implementing with my team at work as we continue conducting market research.
http://marketresearch.about.com/od/market.research.techniques/ht/How-To-Conduct-Competitive-Intelligence.htm
MEMBA learning community, Fall 2016- Spring 2017
