Business Studies Grade 12 Term 1 Week 5 2021 1

Directorate: Curriculum FET SUBJECT and GRADE Business Studies Grade 12 TERM 1 Week 5 TOPIC Creative Thinking & Problem Solving AIMS OF LESSON To find solutions to challenges experienced with the business. RESOURCES Paper based resources • WCED Grade 12: Business Studies: Core Notes (2020): Business Roles • The Answer Series Business Studies Grade 12 CAPS • BSTD Revision for the Final Exam Workbook (2020): Business Roles • Via Afrika Business Studies Grade 12 Learner's Book • Platinum Business Studies Grade 12 Learner's Book • Focus Business Studies Grade 12 Learner's Book • Past NSC November Question Papers INTRODUCTION Creative Thinking - Is a way of looking at challenges (problems) from an open, fresh mind or perspective that leads to unusual solutions? - In order for any business to be successful the owner needs to seek solutions to their challenges, as problems can’t be ignored but must be solved. - For a business to grow and develop it is important for the business owner to think “out of the box” in order to come up new ideas and improvements to their current products. - It is important for the business to continually search for new and different ideas and ways in order to improve its competitive edge. This process is also known as creative thinking or lateral thinking. - Thus, the business owner is constantly required to use creative thinking in problem solving and decision making.

https://ultradeep.co.za 2 CONCEPTS AND SKILLS 1. Decision Making (to decide or make a choice) - Often made by one person – manager or owner - Consider different alternatives before choosing the best one - Part of problem solving 2. Problem Solving (process to overcome a challenge) - Done by a group /team / individual team member - Alternative solutions are generated/identified /evaluated (analysed) - Identify strategies (solutions) to overcome challenges. - An on-going process through consultation and discussion. 2.1 Problem solving steps NB steps Must be given in correct order a) Identify the problem (what is wrong) b) Define the problem (why – reasons) c) Identify the possible solutions (alternate strategies) d) Evaluate strategies (analyse/evaluate/investigate) e) Choose the best solution (making a choice) f) Develop action plan (determine process) g) Implement action plan (carry out decision) h) Evaluate the implementation (check /assess/monitor result of decision) 3. Advantages / Benefits of creative thinking in the workplace - Better/improved /different ideas solutions are gained - Give business competitive edge - Difficult problems are solved - Productivity increase, time utilized, more effective methods and turnover increases - Employees more motivated and productive. 4. Problem Solving Techniques 4.1 Delphi Technique a) Definition - Ideas and opinion are given by a selected panel of experts by answering a questionnaire. - Experts answer the questionnaire anonymously and independently. - The answers of the experts will give direction to solve the problem. https://tvetpapers.co.za

https://ultradeep.co.za 3 b) Application - Panel of experts are invited to do research - A questionnaire is designed consisting of questions to improve quality of product or service - Experts complete a questionnaire individually and anonymously - Reponses are summarised - If team is not satisfied a new questionnaire is draw up until team is satisfied with responses. c) Impact Advantages - use of experts - experts give ideas/solutions - experts used to solve complex problems - anonymous experts give honest opinions Disadvantages - expensive – high admin cost - time consuming - not all experts willing to complete questionnaires - experts might not have in-depth knowledge 4.2 Force Field Analysis a) Definition - A technique where the advantages and disadvantages of each solution to the problem are considered - Thus, by looking at the pros for and cons against each new idea/solution b) Application - Identify the current problem / challenge - List all the pros for and cons against the proposed ideas and solutions - Allocate a score to each force by using a numerical scale - Weigh the pros and cons - Choose the force with the highest score. https://tvetpapers.co.za

https://ultradeep.co.za 4 c) Impact Advantages - Provides factors supporting and opposing the ideas /solution - Employees are included and motivated - Employees part of growth of business - Informed decisions can be made by looking at cons and pros. Disadvantages - Time consuming - Require participation of different business departments - Analysis must be made by knowledgeable and skilled team members 4.3 Brainstorming a) Definition - where a group/ team try to generate a large number of creative ideas to solve problems b) Application - Identify the problem - team member state reasons/ causes for the problem - set time limits for discussion - record the new ideas / solutions - don’t judge /criticise and encourage members to contribute ideas d) Impact Advantages - Better decision based on collective contributions of members - A number of ideas to choose from - Employees motivated because they are involved - Stimulates creative thinking among employees Disadvantages - Time consuming with too many ideas to choose from - Some members can dominate discussions - Some member may fear criticism and may not want to contribute ideas. https://tvetpapers.co.za

https://ultradeep.co.za 5 4.4 Nominal Group Technique a) Definition - Is a brainstorming process where participates suggest solutions and vote thereafter. b) Applications - Group identify the problem - Members give possible reasons for problem - Employees are divided into smaller groups - Because of smaller the group employees participate more freely - Appoint one employee to write down ideas within the smaller group - Employees are able to give more than one idea c) Impact Advantages - Provide employees to think in silence before just responding - Each member encourages to contribute in smaller group - Voting on ideas done anonymously. - Every member given opportunity to contribute ideas Disadvantages - Minimises long discussions - Member may have different opinions - Time consuming as members need to make a presentation - Small groups can limit participation 5. Ways to stimulate creative thinking in the business environment - Emphasise importance to employees - Encourage members to participate and offer new ideas - Encourage alternate ways of doing things - Respond enthusiastically to employees’ contributions of ideas https://tvetpapers.co.za

https://ultradeep.co.za 6 ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENT NB Self Testing 1.1. State the FOUR steps in problem solving (4) 1.2. Explain how the business could apply the Delphi technique to solve business problems. (8) 1.3. Discuss the advantages of creative thinking in the workplace. (6) 1.4. Recommend ways in which businesses could create an environment that stimulates creative thinking in the workplace. (8) 1.5. Discuss the advantages of the Delphi technique in solving complex business problems. (4) Question 2 Case Study Jacob Construction (JC) The management of Jacob Construction wants to change the structure of their business. They ask employees to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed change. Employees were encouraged to apply creative thinking skills when discussing the change. 2.1. Identify the problem-solving technique applied by JC. Motivate your answer by quoting from the scenario above. (3) 2.2. Explain the advantages of the creative thinking in the workplace. (4) CONSOLIDATION • Learners you must make sure you know the following: - Distinguish between problem solving and decision making - Know the steps involved in problem solving (NB!!! It MUST be given in the correct order.) - Be able to explain advantages of creative thinking within the business undertaking. - Be able to know the difference, apply and give the impact of the different problem-solving techniques a) Delphi Technique b) Force Field analysis c) Brainstorming d) Nominal Group Technique - Ways to create an environment to encourage creative thinking in the workplace. VALUES For any business to be successful the owner needs to encourage creative thinking: 1. To solve problems / challenges within the business. 2. To bring about change and improvements to current products or services. 3. To encourage employees to participate and become motivated by contributing and adding values to existing products and service. 4. It allows management to make informed decisions. https://tvetpapers.co.za