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Chapter 6 • The Nature of Problems

1.        List at least ten problems of any kind that are currently occupying your thinking in one degree or another. Which of these are caused by forces outside your own control (such as the fact that the problem was assigned to you by someone else)? Which are problems that you have made for yourself?

2.        a. Think back over the last month. How many of the "problems" you had to meet passed the "ten-year test" of importance?

b. Think back to ten years ago. What problem solutions did you produce then that are still affecting your life today?

3.   Here are several analytical problem statements. Restate each to open them up to possibilities for more creative solutions:

a.  Design a better automobile.

b.  Reduce company personnel costs 20 per cent.

c.   Design a new box for a tube of toothpaste.

d.  Devise a new way to teach American History.

4.   For each of the following, list at least five experiences you have had that might be of value to you if you were suddenly confronted with the problem (include vicarious experiences such as reading a book about it):

a.  Developing an executive training program for your company

b.  Organizing a bird-watchers club

c.  Planning an annual convention for some industry

d. Designing a new vacuum cleaner

e.  Provisioning a two-man rocket for a sixty-day trip to the moon

5.   a. Every company would like to increase profits by making more money. Suggest at least three direct ways you could uncover opportunities for your company to increase their income.

b. Every company can also increase profits by saving money. Suggest three direct ways your company could begin saving money immediately without harming either product quality or customer serv­ice.

Related terms include managing business and mba business.