Absolute Essentials Of Creative Thinking And Problem Solving

This concise textbook provides a comprehensive and clear overview of the theory and practice of creative problem solving from a management perspective. The book works step by step through the creative thinking process. Beginning with theoretical frameworks, it considers ways of thinking, defining problems and structuring responses to them, techniques for generating ideas, evaluating and defining them, and finally how technology can be used within the creative problem-solving process. Pedagogical features to aid learning include objectives at the start of each chapter, further reading suggestions and practical examples. Divided into ten short chapters to suit content delivery, this textbook is designed as either core or recommended reading for advanced undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA and Executive Education students studying Creativity and Innovation, Management and Leadership and Management Skills.

This updated text provides a lively introduction to the essential skills of creative problem solving. Using extensive case-studies and examples from a wide range of business situations, it explores a wide range of problem-solving theories and techniques, illustrating how these can be used to solve a range of management problems. Thoroughly revised and redesigned, this new edition retains the accessible and imaginative approach to problem solving skills of the first edition. Contents include: blocks to creativity and how to overcome them key techniques including lateral thinking, morphological analysis and synectics computer-assisted problem solving increased coverage of group problem solving techniques and paradigm shift. As creativity is increasingly recognized as a key skill for successful managers, this book will be welcomed as a comprehensive introduction for students and practising managers alike.

The regularity with which the term 'solutions' is used in management speak suggests that management is largely about problem solving. To suggest that thinking creatively is a useful skill in solving a problem may be stating the obvious, but experience tells us that under pressure, managers tend to fall back on the 'tried and tested' rather than the new and creative. This text provides an essential introduction to the ideas and skills of solving problems creatively. It demonstrates: how and why people are blocked in their thinking how this impairs the creative problem solving process how creative problem solving techniques can help overcome these difficulties Theories of creative thinking are critically examined and utilised to explore the variety of techniques that can be employed to discover insights into difficult management problems. Using case studies and case histories together with extensive diagrams, examples and thought-provoking questions, Creative Problem Solving for Managers provides the most up-to-date and extensive approach to this important topic. This refreshing new edition will prove essential reading on the growing number of 'creativity management' classes springing up in business schools and will also be a helpful read on a range of other modules that require a creative mindset.

Absolute Essentials of Ethereum is a concise textbook which guides the reader through the fascinating world of the emerging Ethereum ecosystem, from the basics of how its blockchain works to cutting-edge applications. Written by an experienced educator, each chapter is designed to progress potential students from class to class. Technical concepts are clearly explained for those new to the topic and readers are supported with definitions and summaries in each chapter. Real-life case studies situate the overviews in a contemporary context. Topics covered include the Ethereum Execution and Consensus layers, Ethereum governance and community, Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs), Decentralised Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and Layer 2. This book is the ideal text to support undergraduate and postgraduate courses on blockchain technologies, cryptocurrencies, Web3 and fintech, as well as for those who want to know how Ethereum really works.

This shortform textbook provides a comprehensive overview of international economics and coverage of recent trends in the global economy to supplement students’ knowledge of this fast-moving subject area. Divided into two parts, the book begins by introducing the fundamental aspects of international economics (the international economic system, global networks and flows, the theory of international trade, trade policy, trade agreements, foreign exchange market, international factor movements, and developing countries) before moving on to focus on specialist topics such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the emerging economies of BRICS, and Brexit. Each chapter includes an essential summary, key terms, study questions, and references. The book is accompanied by a suite of digital resources, including a test bank of questions, PowerPoints slides, answers to chapter questions, and an instructor’s manual. As part of the Absolute Essentials of Business and Economics series, the book provides a straightforward way for students to learn about international economics, and will be invaluable reading for any student studying the global economy as part of a business, economics or international studies degree programme.

This shortform textbook provides a concise overview of the fundamentals of environmental economics. It focuses on how economic forces affect the natural environment and how economic policies and behaviors may be altered to improve environmental quality. Spanning ten chapters, the book introduces readers to the key ideas in environmental economics. Topics include environmental externalities, technological change, cost-benefit analysis, pollution charges, emissions and offset trading, climate change, and public policy. Written by an established educator and scholar, Absolute Essentials of Environmental Economics will be valuable reading for students of environmental economics, environmental policy, environmental management and related areas. People affiliated with environmental interest groups, "think tanks," and advocacy groups will also find it beneficial.

A practical new book for scientists, engineers, project leaders, and others working in the technical fields. The book adds depth, "how-to", and success to your creative thinking and problem solving. This book will allow you to sharpen your creative edge, giving you better problem solving skills. Whether you are a scientist working on breakthrough research, an engineer on the forefront of product development, or a project manager forging teams to reach and exceed goals, this new book gives you the fundamentals and advanced techniques of creative thinking to break new ground and reach higher levels of excellence.

A practical new book for scientists, engineers, project leaders, and others working in the technical fields. The book adds depth, "how-to", and success to your creative thinking and problem solving. This book will allow you to sharpen your creative edge, giving you better problem solving skills. Whether you are a scientist working on breakthrough research, an engineer on the forefront of product development, or a project manager forging teams to reach and exceed goals, this new book gives you the fundamentals and advanced techniques of creative thinking to break new ground and reach higher levels of excellence.