UTK2012 USIM Revision Note

In The Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

UTK2012:
Creative Thinking & Problem Solving
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO THINKING

Tips to an improved brain:

1. New language
2. Plenty of water
3. Avoid focus disruptions
4. Puzzles
5. Yogurt
6. Write
7. Knitting (refine motor skill)
8. Eat turmeric
9. Eat dark choc
10. Eat garlic and fish
11. Be an amateur critic
12. Avoid crowded areas

6 Levels of thinking: RUAAEC

(1-2: Information Gathering, 4-6: Critical Thinking)
1. Remember (recall, repeat)
2. Understand (ideas, sequences, rules, directions)
3. Apply (to new situations)
4. Analyse (understand relationships, how things work)
5. Evaluate (judge, assess values)
6. Create (compile ideas uniquely)

Characteristics of Good Thinkers

1. Produce more & better ideas
2. Look at problems from diff angles
3. Risk takers, experiment with various solutions
4. Have unusual and imaginative ideas
5. Conclusions based on evidences, not feelings

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6. Not afraid (of negative responses)

6 habits that hinder thinking > how to overcome the habits

1. Mine-is-better > do not follow ego
2. Face saving (to shield from blame or shame) > take responsibility
3. Resistance to change > take baby steps
4. Conformity > think whether it’s necessary to conform
5. Stereotyping > judge according to your experience
6. Self-deception (to blame own faults on others) > recognise the truth in every
situation

Synonyms of Tafakkur in Alquran

1. Nazara (consider)
2. Tabassur (insight)
3. Tadabbur (ponder)
4. Tafaqquh (fully comprehend & understand)
5. Tafakkur (bear in mind)
6. I’tibar (learn a lesson)
7. Ta’aqqul (use reason, use mind correctly)
8. Tawassum (contemplate, reflect)

Quranic Verses that Encourage Thinking

In the aspects of:
1. Tauhid
2. Learning lessons

Barriers Hindering Tafakkur

1. Ignorance of the truth
2. Turning away from the truth
3. Bling follow traditions
4. Blind follow lusts and desires
5. Arrogance
6. Hyprocrisy
7. Reliance on conjectures (zann)
8. Conscious denial of the truth
9. Lying about the words of Allah
10. Influence by waswas syaitaan

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Stages of memory: ARR

1. Acquisition (acceptance) > input
2. Retention (storage) > storage
3. Retrieval (recalling) > output

3 types of memory
*memory is affected by the conditions of input, storage, output
1. Immediate (within seconds, minutes)
2. Short-term (within hours, days)
3. Long-term (within weeks, months, years)

Improving memory
1. Break down info
2. Organize stationery
3. Concentrate (during acquisition & retention)
4. Use various sensory modes (as many senses as possible)
5. Associate info with something you can easily remember
6. Use mnemonics (e.g VIBGYOR)
7. Relate present info to past info

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Chapter 2: THINKING STYLES

Selected Thinking styles in alQuran

1. Inquisitive (asking questions, 3 types of qns in alQuran on page 41)
2. Objective (express claims & judgements based on proof)
3. Metaphorical (comparing of things with nothing in common, parallels, paradoxical, 3
categories: on page 50)
4. Hypothetical
5. Analogical (similes, seek similar characteristics)
6. Conceptual (2 categories: expansion & combination)
7. Contemplative
8. Visual
9. Wishful
10. Reflective
11. Positive*
12. Emotional*
13. Perceptual*
14. Intuitive*
15. Scientific*
16. Rational*

*styles that are also used by the Western although some are named differently.
Selected Western thinking styles
1. Lateral (Edward de Bono, changing direction, x linear/vertical, more dynamic, 4
thinking tools: page 54, parallel approach, Six Thinking Hats)
2. Creative (new, different, unique, useful, interesting, generative & divergent, explore
ideas, ways to improve creativity: page 55)
3. Critical (assess worth & validity, focused & convergent, ways to improve critical
thinking: page 57)
4. Analytical (break down problem into smaller parts, for analysis & criticism, ways to
improve analytical thinking: page 58)
5. Constructive (after critical & negative thinking, key to emotional intelligence)
6. Pragmatic (practical aspects, priority to ones that can be implemented)
7. Positive*
8. Emotive*
9. Perceptive*
10. Intuitive*
11. Scientific*
12. Logical*
13. Systematic
14. Negative

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15. Value-based
16. Proactive
17. Projective
18. Objective
19. Reactive
20. Historist
21. Mathematic

*styles that are also used in the alQuran although some are named differently. (Refer below)

Similarities of thinking styles in alQuran and the West thinking styles

1. Intuitive – intuitive (insight, inspiration, intuition + emotions + values + logic)
2. Scientific – scientific (study of universe & nature; 4 components according to the
Western: objective, hypothesis, data collection, verification)
3. Rational – logical (reasoning in proper manner, sound judgement; correct, clear &
obvious facts)
4. Perceptual – perceptive (perception of the world)
5. Emotional – emotive (empathetic thinking, using the right emotions)
6. Positive – positive (optimism, see the good & benefits

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Chapter 3: THINKING TOOLS

Mindmapping
Other names:
1. Concept mapping
2. Flow-charting
3. Visual thinking
4. Spider diagramming
5. Memory mapping
6. Semantic mapping (meaning/study of meaning)
7. Thought webbing

6 thinking hats
1. White – data, info, neutral, objective
2. Red – feelings, intuition, emotion
3. Black – caution, critical judgement, negative aspects
4. Yellow – positive aspects, benefits, values, good points
5. Green - creativity, new ideas, optimism, proposals, suggestions, possibilities
6. Blue – process control, direct thinking process, manage

3 Cognitive Research Trust (CoRT)

“Cortex where all thinking takes place in the brain”
Focus directly on different aspects of thinking & crystallise into definite concepts and tools
1. AGO (Aims, Goal & Objectives)
2. CAF (Consider All Factors)
3. FIP (First Important Priorities)
4. OPV (Other People’s View)
5. PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting)
6. C & S (Consequence & Sequel)
7. APC (Alternatives, Possibilities, Choices)

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Chapter 4: CREATIVITY

4 characteristics of creativity
1. Ability (to imagine & invent something new)
2. Attitude (accept change, flexible, enjoy)
3. Process (work hard, continually, gradually, time, effort, patience)
4. Relates to thinking outside the box (different, unconventional, unusual)

Myths about creativity

1. Requires high IQ
2. Needs talent
3. Drugs & alcohol enhance creativity
4. Creative people = crazy
5. Creative answers are technologically complex
6. Ideas either come or they don’t
7. My idea is not as creative as others’

Characteristics of creative people & how to be creative

1. Curious, inquisitive
2. Enjoy challenges
3. Not afraid of innovations/inventions
4. Seeing problems as opportunities
5. Optimistic
6. Challenge assumptions
7. Not taking things for granted
8. Persevere
9. Courageous, daring
10. Dynamic
11. Resourceful
12. Hardworking
13. Independent

Steps to being creative

1. Curiosity
2. Challenge
3. Optimism, perseverance
4. Suspend judgement & criticism
5. Turn bad into good

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6. Courageous when handling problems

7. Flexible in imagination
8. Find own creative time
9. Read
10. Attend talks
11. Use the internet (for ideas & solutions)
12. Befriend creative people

Stages in creative process

1. Searching for challenges
2. Expressing the problem or issue
3. Investigating the problem or issue
4. Producing ideas

5 classic creative methods

1. EVOLUTION
2. REVOLUTION
3. SYNTHESIS
4. REAPPLICATION
5. CHANGING DIRECTION

Obstacles to creativity
1. Attitudes
2. Education System
3. Rules & Tradition
4. Emotional Block (fear to take risks, not comfortable with ambiguity)
5. I can’t believe what he has achieved!
6. Yuck! How can they do that?
+ other obstacles: page 94 - 96

Unique techniques of creative thinking

1. Reverse Brainstorming Technique
2. Lotus Blossom Technique

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Chapter 5: CRITICAL THINKING

Characteristics of critical thinkers

1. Ask qns
2. Open-minded
3. Recognize, respect, may accept other views
4. Systematic approach to issues

Barriers to critical thinking

1. Bias and prejudice.
2. Superstition.
3. Egocentrism.
4. Sociocentrism.
5. Peer pressure.
6. Conformism.
7. Narrow-mindedness
8. Closedmindedness.
9. Stereotyping.
10. Scape-goating.
11. Fear of change

Critical reading
Making important distinctions when reading
Strategies:
1. SKIM:
2. REFLECT
3. READ
4. EVALUATE
5. EXPRESS YOUR JUDGMENT fully
Critical listening
Think, evaluate & question what we listen to on daily basis
1. Avoid closed mindedness.
2. Avoid selective listening.
3. Avoid judging the speaker instead of the message.
Strategies:
1. Set aside preconceptions

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2. Focus on the message

3. Identify key assertions & supporting information.
4. Evaluate the message
5. Express your judgment

Critical surfing

Critical viewing
Adverts: static/dynamic (still/moving)

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Chapter 6: PROBLEMS AND ISSUES

Identifying problems
1. IDENTIFY THE CHALLENGE
2. EXPRESS THE PROBLEM OR ISSUE
3. REFINE YOUR EXPRESSION

Forms of problems
1. Structured
2. Unstructured

Types of problems
1. Routine (solutions known, just need to carry out)
2. Non-Routine (initially, solution unknown)
3. Wicked (commit to only 1 solution)
4. Vicious (another problem arises after the initial one has been solved)
5. Complex (many variables involved)
6. Moral Dilemma (solution may be unethical)
7. Unfamiliar (outside the norm)
8. Urgent (requires immediate solution)
9. Critical (life/death)
10. Persistent (keeps recurring)
11. Inter personal (2 or more individuals)
12. Management (field of management)
Problem of Solving Problems:
1. Simple
2. Complex (the problem is not agreed on)
*Factors that cause problems include social, economic, international

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Chapter 7: PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION MAKING

Problem-solving
- Larger process
- Identifying problem until evaluation of solution
Decision-making
- Subset of problem-solving
- Identify alternative solutions and choose

Strategies in Problem Solving (Wallas 1926)

1. Preparation (formulate, initial attempts)
2. Incubation (leave)
3. Illumination (insight)
4. Verification (carry out solution)

Problem Solving Tools

1. SWOT analysis
- Strength (internal)
- Weakness (internal)
- Opportunities (external)
- Threats (external)

2. McKInsey 7-S
- Internal elements that influence outcome & success of solution
1. Shared values
2. Systems
3. Staff
4. Structure
5. Style
6. Strategy
7. Skills

PESTEL
- External factors
1. Political (of the firm, national, international)
2. Economic
3. Social
4. Technological
5. Ecological
6. Legal

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Ishikawa/Fishbone/Cause & Effect Diagram

- Identify many possible causes
- Brainstorming
- 7 M’s (industrial)
- 8 P’s (administration, service)
- 4’s (service)

Pareto Analysis
- Separate major causes (vital few) from minor (trivial many)
- 80/20 rule (80% of problems are due to 20% of causes)

Problem solving steps

1. Eureka
a. Preparation (formulate problem, make initial attempts)
b. Incubation (leave)
c. Illumination (insight)
d. Verification (carry out solution)

2. 7 steps
1. Define and Identify the Problem
+ identify current situation & desired situation(outcome aft solved)

2. Analyze the Problem

- 5W 1H
- symptoms
- causes

3. Identifying Possible Solutions

+ discuss, research

4. Evaluating Possible Solutions

- adopt different solutions
- Plan B

5. Selecting the Best Solutions

- select 1 or more to try
- choose among the top rankers

6. Implement the Solution

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Try out the solution(s). The key concept here is action. Get going and begin the
solution. Once you choose a solution path, get working on it.

7. Evaluate the Solution

Rational decision-making model

Decision making structure

Effective Decision Making

Problem solving and decision making in Islam

- In accordance with alQuran and hadith
- Work hard ikhtiar
- Plead Allah for assistance (doa)
- Rely upon Allah (tawakkal)

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Chapter 8: THINKING CULTURE AND INNOVATION

Indicators of a Creative and Innovative Country

*3 main indices, 9 complimentary sub-indices as benchmark

1. Talent Index
*professional fields
- Creative class index
- Index of human capital
- Scientific talents

2. Technologies Index
*science, technology, innovation
- Innovation index
- High-tech index
- Research & development

3. Tolerance Index
*psychological
*freedom to implement creative ideas
- attitude
- values
- self-expression

Culture of Innovation in the West and in Japan

West:
- individual freedom
- analytical logic
- scientific exploration
- like growing wheat
Japan:
- teamwork
- team work policies

Creativity & cultural factors between the West and the East

Innovation In Malaysia
- generally moving forward
- setbacks

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- reformation strategies in education & human resources development

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Chapter 9: INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Invention: original, new, high risk

Innovation: change, improvement, low risk
Creativity: a process of creation, involves concrete & abstract ideas
Design: a science, combines several disciplines

Who are The Inventors?

Invention involves:
1. Individual (the inventor)
2. Genuine product (concrete/abstract)
3. Ideas & creativity (developed through talent)
4. Experiment & product development (through systematic procedures)
5. Patents (monopoly right)

Types of Innovation:
1. Concrete Product Design / Industrial Design
- Commercially produced
2. Abstract Product Design / Social Invention
- Conceptually produced

Factors of Invention and Innovation Development

1. Writing and Science Fiction Films
2. Life changes and current needs
3. Human talents and intelligence
4. Problem solution
5. Natural environment
6. Research & development

From Innovation to Product Development

Method 1: Generating Ideas & Movement & Selection of Ideas
Methods of Generating ideas
1. Escape
▪ From rigidity
▪ To re-engineer system or procedure
▪ Used on products long accepted
▪ List down, escape, create new ideas
2. Stepping Stone
▪ Bold & mechanical
▪ Reversal, exaggeration, wishful thinking (fantasy), distortion,
juxtaposition

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3. Synthetics
Techniques of Movement
1. Extract principle
2. Focus on differences
3. Movement to movement
4. Positive aspect
5. Circumstances
Selection of Ideas
▪ Filter ideas
▪ Assess ideas

END OF NOTE.

Source:

M Taky Eldin Kandil. 2017. Creative Thinking and Problem Solving. USIM PRESS

*Disclaimer: This non-exhaustive revision note is for personal use only. Mistakes may occur due to
human error.

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