United Kingdom
UNIT SPECIFICATION www.iped-uk.com
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Unit Title
Strategic Problem Solving in Business and Management
Credit value
The credit value for this unit is 30
30 credits equivalent to 300 hours of teaching and learning
(10 hours is equivalent to 1 credit)
Guided learning hours (GLH) = 50 hours
GLH includes lectures, tutorials and supervised study. This may vary to suit the needs and requirements of the learner and/or the approved centre of study.
Directed learning = 50 hours: This includes advance reading and preparation, group study, and undertaking research tasks.
Self-managed learning = 200 hours: This includes completing assignments and working through the core and additional reading texts. It also includes personal research reading via other physical and/or electronic resources.
Assessment methods
Written examination under clocked supervised conditions. Maximum 3 hours
Examination questions will be practical, application-based and be focused at an operational level. According to the nature of the subject matter, a variety of question styles and approaches will be included in the examination. Questions might be based on case study materials and require a discursive answer, a report or a series of shorter answers.
Students will typically be required to explore and compare the technical aspects of an issue or topic or to apply their understanding to, for example, solve a problem or provide a recommended solution.
Examination questions will be set, administered, assessed and internally verified by IPED in the United Kingdom by IPED assessors and internal verifiers.
Minimum entry requirement(s)
Please refer to the statement of entry requirements
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Methods for teaching and learning
Centre based study
Lectures: Formal lectures to be provided at and by an approved centre
Class discussions: which should include analysis and review of various case studies
Group discussions: where students are advised to actively engage and contribute
OR
Distance learning:
Learner studies on his/her own, either at home or at a suitable location – reading, watching or listening to material supplied, doing activities and assignments with regular support from an assigned IPED tutor or other appropriate personnel. Guided learning hours to be fulfilled through online communication such as chat forums.
Course monitoring and review
The module will be regularly reviewed by the Academic Advisory Board (AAB) to ensure that it remains fit for purpose. The work of the tutors and examiners will be closely monitored for the purposes of maintaining standards and for improvement . The IPED
Suggestion and Feedback System will be used to collect information from users of the quaification to make informed decision on quality improvement.
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Grade A
Grade B
Grade C
Grade D
Grade F
[All figures are expressed in percentage (%)]
90-100
70-89
60-69
Distinction
Excellent
Merit
50-59
40-49
Pass
Marginal pass
39-0 Fail
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Learning outcome
Learner will:
1.0 Understand the nature of problem identification and classification
2.0 Understand the general problem solving model
3.0 Understand the decision making process in problem solving
Assessment criteria
Learner can:
1.1 Explain what is meant by a problem
1.2 Explain who problem owners are and their role in problem solving
1.3 Differentiate between resolving a problem, solving a problem and dissolving a problem
1.4 Give an account on the classification of problems
1.4.1 Differentiate between complex and simple problems, well defined and ill-defined problems, and tame and wicked problems
1.5 Explain what is meant by restructuring a problem and evaluate its significance
1.6 Explain what is meant by a boundary problem
2.1 Give an account on the general problem solving model with respect to the following stages:
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The mess
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Data gathering
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Problem definition
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Idea generation
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Solution finding
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Gaining acceptance
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Following problem solving model
3.1 Analyse the relationship between problem solving and decision making
3.2 Explain the principle of bounded rationality
3.3 Explain what is meant by satisficing
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4.0 Understand key issues regarding creativity
5.0 Understand the nature of problem solving techniques
3.4 Analyse the types of judgement associated with decision making
3.5 Give an account on the phases of the decision making process
3.6 Give an account on the types of business decision
4.1 Explain what is meant by creativity and examine its relationship with problem solving
4.2 Analyse the conditions for constructive creativity
4.3 Examine the distinctive creative thinking abilities
4.4 Give an account on George Prince’s Mindspring theory and analyse how it can applied to creativity and problem solving
4.5 Explore the conceptual blocks that make it difficult to think creatively (i.e. perceptual, emotional, cultural, environmental and intellectual blocks)
5.1 Evaluate brainstorming as a problem solving technique
5.1.1 Analyse typical applications of brainstorming
5.1.2 Examine key considerations that must be made when conducting a brainstorming session
5.2 Evaluate synectics as a problem solving technique
5.2.1 Analyse typical applications of synectics
5.2.2 Examine key considerations that must be made when using synectics
5.3 Evaluate the use of logical thinking in problem solving
5.3.1 Explore the setbacks of logical thinking
5.4 Examine the rational approach to problem solving
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6.0 Understand the systems thinking approach to problem solving 6.1 Examine the characteristics of a system
6.2 Differentiate between hard systems thinking and soft systems thinking
6.3 Evaluate the nature of hard systems thinking in problem solving
6.4 Evaluate the nature of soft systems thinking in problem solving
6.4.1 Give an account on the Soft Systems Methodology
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Indicative reading
Learning Aid
Michael Hicks 1991. Problem Solving in Business and Management: Hard, Soft and
Creative. Thomson Learning
ISBN: 978-1861523874
Antonio Weiss 2011. Key Business Solutions: Essential problem solving tools and techniques that every manager needs to know. Financial Times
ISBN: 978-0273750291
Further reading
James Higgins 2005. 101 Creative Problem Solving Techniques: The handbook of new ideas for business.
ISBN: 978-1883629052
A learning resource material is provided to guide the learner/tutor and to serve as a quick reference point for contents of the programme. The student is advised not to be over reliant on the study guide but to access the relevant textbooks or other academic materials as much as possible to help him/her with the course.
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