Think Tank Methods

 

CS875 Unit 2-3

Think Tank Methods

Primarily, the process of innovation includes creating a novel idea, concept, or solution to real-life problems or challenges facing the world or a business. The think tank process is among the relevant approaches that can be used to foster innovation. Typically, a think tank consists of experts from different fields who are incubated to research, debate issues, generate or propose ideas, and develop feasible solutions to a wide range of problems. Some of the problems and challenges addressed by think tanks include topics that are related to technology, politics, economic, social and the cultural aspect of life. While the number of think tank experts can vary, a typical think tank can include 5 to 12 individuals (Monet, 2017). The individuals can be incubated under one roof or with a wall-less roof and connected with a communication network that they can use to collaborate remotely (Aly, 2019).

There exists a number of think tank methods that helps to enhance creativity and foster innovation. Among these methods include rapid prototyping. As the name implies, rapid prototyping creating prototypes from generated ideas. This method is very valuable because the think tank group can be able to realize their efforts within the same day. By creating prototypes, it becomes easy for the team to enhance design features and discover errors before the actual product is put into the production environment. According to (Silentsrtike, 2016), the use of rapid prototyping also motivates the group members as they can use the prototype to assess the effectiveness of their efforts.

The second think tank method for this discussion is thinking backward. Also known as backward planning, thinking backward mainly involves finding a solution to a problem while still considering failure as among the root towards achieving the desired results. According to (Business Daily, 2021), thinking backward can help in making better strategic decisions that can implemented to solve complex problems. Instead of solving a problem using the forward-way approach, backward planning works in the reverse order. This is because finding the right answers to complex and difficult problems requires addressing the problem in the reverse order. The first step in backward planning mainly involves setting a goal or the desired outcome. Once the goal has been clearly defined, the next step is to identify evidence that makes achieving the goal realistic. The third step involves setting key performance indicators and milestones that should be achieved to mark significant progress during the course of pursuing the goal. 

 

Reference List

Aly, O. (2019, July). Think Tank Methods. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://thinkandknowledgetank.home.blog/2019/07/06/think-tank-methods-3/

Business Daily. (2021, March). Think backwards to move forward. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/lifestyle/personal-finance/think-backwards-move-forward--3341052

Monet, M. (2017, September). The Best Think Tank Methods. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://bizfluent.com/info-8618109-five-responsibility-strategic-planning-process.html

Silentstrike. (2016, January). Think Tank Methodologies and Techniques. Retrieved December 15, 2021, from https://strikecyberscoop.wordpress.com/2016/01/27/think-tank-methodologies-and-techniques/