The Project Management Tool Kit, 3rd Edition

TEAMWORK PROCESS

21

Creative Problem-Solving

	What:	Using novel or unconventional approaches to resolve project problems.
	When:	Throughout a project.
	Results:	Solutions to problems and situations that do not yield to “normal” techniques.

Frame the Problem

Novel approaches to problem-solving may be necessary in many project situations, including:

• Decision-making
• Project plan development
• Scope definition
• Issue management
• Performance problem resolution
• Conflict resolution
• Process improvement
• Risk response planning

Clearly describe the problem you face, in writing. Outline conventional approaches that you have applied to the problem and summarize why these methods failed to resolve the problem. Use cause-and-effect analysis to ...