WHY CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING?

What is CPS?

A Six-Step Process

Objective Finding
Fact Finding
Problem Finding
Idea Finding
Solution Finding
Acceptance Finding

With Divergence and Convergence at Each Step

Reasons for Using CPS

Growth needs innovation
Cost reduction and improvement have reached diminishing returns
Decision models focus on convergence too soon
Brain storming diverges without converging on action
Other systems don't work

Is CPS the Latest Fad?

No. It began in the 1940s and is used in companies, governments, and nonprofit groups throughout the world.

Is CPS Practical?

Yes. Alex Osborn (of the Batton, Barton, Durston, and Osborn Advertising Agency) developed it to learn why some people in his agency were more creative than others.

Is CPS Scientific?

Yes. Over 50 years of academic research supports the CPS Process. In the 1950s, Professor Sid Parnes (SUNY College at Buffalo) joined Osborn to research, extend, and keep the Osborn-Parnes CPS model current.

How Does the Osborn-Parnes Model Relate to Other Creative Processes?

Almost all other creative processes have their roots in the Osborn-Parnes model. Parnes has learned new systems and incorporated their contributions in his model.

How Does It Work?

A facilitator directs the process with questions
The "client" must . . .

Have the authority to act
Have an objective
Have a real problem
Provide a reality check

The participants work together to provide creative solutions