MTU Library Catalogue

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Strategies for creative problem solving / H. Scott Fogler and Steven E. LeBlanc.

By: Fogler, H. Scott.
Contributor(s): LeBlanc, Steven E.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Upper Saddle River, N.J. : PTR Prentice Hall, 1995Description: ix, 203 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.ISBN: 0131793187.Subject(s): Problem solving | Creative thinkingDDC classification: 153.43
Contents:
Problem-solving strategies - why bother? -- Getting started -- Problem definition -- Generating solutions -- Deciding the course of action -- Implementing the solution -- Evaluation -- Putting it all together.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Copy number Status Barcode
General lending MTU Bishopstown Library Lending 153.43 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 00151402
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Designed to help problem solvers improve their street smarts, this hands-on guide examines the components of problem solving, and presents a series of graduated exercises -- drawn from a variety of industrial applications -- to familiarize, reinforce, challenge, and stretch readers creatively in the problem solving process. Leads readers step-by-step through a complete problem-solving process -- from encountering an ill-defined problem to identifying the real problem, effectively exploring constraints, planning a robust approach, carrying it through to a viable solution, and then evaluating what has been accomplished. MARKETS: For students, new professionals, and practitioners.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Problem-solving strategies - why bother? -- Getting started -- Problem definition -- Generating solutions -- Deciding the course of action -- Implementing the solution -- Evaluation -- Putting it all together.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Preface xi
  • Chapter 1 Problem-Solving Strategies: Why Bother? (p. 1)
  • What's the Real Problem? (p. 1)
  • Correct Problem Definition/Wrong Solution (p. 6A)
  • Heuristic for Successful Problem Solving (p. 9)
  • Summary (p. 11)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 11)
  • References (p. 13)
  • Exercises (p. 14)
  • Further Reading 14
  • Chapter 2 The Characteristics, Attitudes, and Environment Necessary for Effective Problem Solving (p. 15)
  • Getting in the Right Frame of Mind (p. 15)
  • Having a Vision (p. 23)
  • Working Together in Teams (p. 25)
  • Conflict Resolution (p. 31)
  • Team Decisions (p. 33)
  • Summary (p. 34)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 35)
  • References (p. 35)
  • Exercises (p. 36)
  • Further Reading (p. 39)
  • Chapter 3 Gathering Information on the Problem (p. 41)
  • The First Four Steps (p. 41)
  • Summary (p. 49)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 49)
  • References (p. 49)
  • Exercises (p. 49)
  • Chapter 4 Problem Definition (p. 51)
  • Defining the Real Problem: Four Techniques (p. 51)
  • Technique 1: Finding Out Where the Problem Came From (p. 52)
  • Technique 2: Using the Present State/Desired State and the Duncker Diagram to Define the Real Problem (p. 58)
  • Technique 3: Using the Statement Restatement Technique (p. 63)
  • Technique 4: Kepner Tregoe Problem Analysis (p. 68)
  • Which Technique to Choose? (p. 72)
  • Determine Whether the Problem Should Be Solved (p. 74)
  • Brainstorm Potential Causes and Solution Alternatives (p. 75)
  • Summary (p. 76)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 76)
  • References (p. 78)
  • Exercises (p. 78)
  • Further Reading (p. 88)
  • Appendix: Questions for a Socratic Dialog (p. 89)
  • Chapter 5 Breaking Down the Barriers to Generating Ideas (p. 93)
  • Recognizing Mental Blocks (p. 94)
  • Blockbusting (p. 99)
  • Improving Your Creative Abilities (p. 100)
  • Risk Taking (p. 104)
  • Summary (p. 110)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 110)
  • References (p. 111)
  • Exercises (p. 111)
  • Further Reading (p. 114)
  • Chapter 6 Generating Solutions (p. 115)
  • Brainstorming (p. 115)
  • Free Association (p. 116)
  • Vertical Thinking (p. 118)
  • Lateral Thinking (p. 120)
  • Futuring (p. 122)
  • Organizing Brainstorming Ideas: The Fishbone Diagram (p. 124)
  • Brainwriting (p. 26)
  • Analogy and Cross-Fertilization (p. 127)
  • Incubating Ideas (p. 130)
  • TRIZ (p. 131)
  • Summary (p. 138)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 138)
  • References (p. 140)
  • Exercises (p. 140)
  • Further Reading (p. 143)
  • Chapter 7 Deciding the Course of Action (p. 145)
  • K.T. Situation Appraisal (p. 146)
  • K.T. Problem Analysis (p. 151)
  • K.T. Decision Analysis (p. 151)
  • Adverse Consequences of the Alternative Solutions (p. 155)
  • K.T. Potential Problem Analysis (p. 163)
  • Summary (p. 168)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 169)
  • References (p. 170)
  • Exercises (p. 170)
  • Further Reading (p. 178)
  • Chapter 8 Implementing the Solution (p. 179)
  • Approval (p. 179)
  • Planning (p. 180)
  • Carry Through (p. 185)
  • Follow Up (p. 187)
  • Experimental Projects (p. 187)
  • Summary (p. 194)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 195)
  • References (p. 195)
  • Exercises (p. 196)
  • Further Reading (p. 198)
  • Chapter 9 Evaluation (p. 199)
  • General Guidelines (p. 199)
  • Ethical Considerations (p. 203)
  • Safety Considerations (p. 209)
  • Summary (p. 210)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 210)
  • References (p. 211)
  • Exercises (p. 211)
  • Further Reading (p. 219)
  • Chapter 10 Troubleshooting (p. 221)
  • Some General Guidelines (p. 221)
  • Early Morning Shivers: An Example of Troubleshooting (p. 226)
  • Technical Troubleshooting Exercise (p. 230)
  • Interactive Computing Module on Troubleshooting (p. 237)
  • Troubleshooting Laboratory Equipment (p. 239)
  • Summary (p. 240)
  • CD-ROM Material (p. 240)
  • References (p. 240)
  • Exercises (p. 241)
  • Chapter 11 Putting It All Together (p. 245)
  • Case

Author notes provided by Syndetics

H. Scott Fogler is Vennema Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research interests include flow and reaction in porous media, fused chemical relations, gellation kinetics, colloidal phenomena, and catalyzed dissolution. Fogler has chaired ASEE's Chemical Engineering Division, served as director of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and earned the Chemical Manufacturers Association's National Catalyst Award.

Steven E. LeBlanc is Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemical Engineering at The University of Toledo. He previously served as the chair of the Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department for ten years. LeBlanc has served as the Chairman of the ASEE Chemical Engineering Education Division and currently is serving as a co-Chair of the ASEE Chemical Engineering Summer School for Faculty to be held in Summer 2007. He also serves on the Publication Board for Chemical Engineering Communications.