Creative and Critical Thinking for Problem Solving (11201.2)

This unit covers a wide range of creative and critical thinking for problem solving. Methods including problem definition techniques, idea generation methods, and the evaluation and implementation of ideas. Topics include creativity and its importance in business; blocks to and theories of, creativity; objective finding, fact finding and problem definition; mind mapping; analogies and morphological analysis; brainstorming; lateral thinking; evaluating and implementing new ideas; and dealing with resistance to change.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Recognise the need for critical and creative problem solving techniques in the contemporary business environment;
2. Develop and apply critical thinking skills for problem identification;
3. Demonstrate an application of knowledge of the major creative problem solving methods in practice;
4. Discriminate between the kinds of situations in which different methods of creative problem solving are most appropriate;
5. Identify important issues in overcoming resistance to change and implementing new ideas in organisations; and
6. Apply critical thinking to improve reflective practice.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Skills development

This unit on Creative and Critical Thinking will link with UC's Graduate Attributes. 

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.