Running Head: BUSINESS 1

Business

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Date
BUSINESS 2

Nine-Stage process for creative problem solving

Every day, we are faced by, and the difficulties we face may be large or small. The

significant challenges are always intimidating while the minor problems are always mind-

numbing. We cannot avoid them because they are also part of our everyday success. Leaders

are in their positions because they are good at providing solutions to problems (Goodnough &

Hung, 2008). However, some of the troubles always sneak past the leaders and causes a stir.

A nine-stage process is a tool that we can utilize to solve all the difficulties we face. For

example, in the case of Nike, the firm can use the nine-stage process to find a solution to the

challenge it is facing in the following way.

Step One: Define the problem

Nike plans to create and produce a brand-new cross-training sneaker. The firm has made all

the necessary preparation, and it is ready for the production of the sneaker (Stark, 2012).

However, the price of the material that should be used in the output of the sneaker-sole has

increased in price. The supplier of the material is unique, and this has increased the cost of

production to Nike.

Step Two: Gather facts, feelings, and opinions

The problem affects Nike because it has increased the cost of production of the new sneaker

(Zwilling, 2011). The main cause of the process is the increase of the material used in the

production of the sneaker-sole, and there is only one unique supplier.

Step three: Identify the real problem

The real problem affecting the company is the increase in the price of the material used in the

production of the sneaker-sole.

Step four: Generate possible solutions

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The possible solution to this challenge is, Nike should consider using a different but unique

material in the production of the sneaker sole. The material should be affordable and readily

available (Proctor, 2010).

Step five: Evaluate alternatives

The firm can also decide to develop a new brand of sneaker that uses a different material to

produce (Harbers, 2018). The materials required to produce the new sneaker should be

available, and Nike can get many suppliers of the material.

Step six: select the best alternative

From these two alternatives, the best option is the development and the production of a new

brand of sneaker which the company can quickly get the material to use in the creation of the

new sneaker (Snyder & Snyder, 2008). The new brand of sneaker may be designed as the

original brand, but the material used in the production should be affordable and readily

available.

Step Seven: Gain approval

The team should seek approval from all the management and even the employees. Seeking

approval will help the team to get more ideas from other people that may help develop the

new brand (Treffinger, Selby & Isaksen, 2008). People who may oppose the solution will

also be included in the problem-solving process, and they will not cause more problems to the

firm or its decisions.

Step eight: Impalement the decision

After developing support for the decision, Nike should be ready for the production of the new

brand of sneakers. The firm may purchase new material and bring together the required

resources that would be used in the production of the new brand of sneakers.

Step nine: Evaluate results

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Nike should monitor the results of the new decision by determining the cost production of the

new sneaker and cross-checking it with the cost of production of the original sneaker. The

firm should also monitor the sales of the new brand of sneakers.

We cannot avoid all the problems we face in our daily lives, but we can minimize the effects

of the problem.
BUSINESS 5

References

Goodnough, K. C., & Hung, W. (2008). Engaging teachers' pedagogical content knowledge:

Adopting a nine-step problem-based learning model. Interdisciplinary Journal of

Problem-based Learning, 2(2), 6.

Harbers, M. (2018). The nine stages of Socratic Design. Retrieved from

https://www.learningtribe.nl/2018/05/27/the-nine-stages-of-socratic-design/

Proctor, T. (2010). Creative problem solving for managers: developing skills for decision

making and innovation. Routledge.

Snyder, L. G., & Snyder, M. J. (2008). Teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Journal of Research in Business Education, 50(2), 90.

Stark, P. (2012). 9 Steps to Effective Problem Solving. Retrieved from

https://peterstark.com/problem-solving/#

Treffinger, D. J., Selby, E. C., & Isaksen, S. G. (2008). Understanding individual problem-

solving style: A key to learning and applying a creative challenge to solve. Learning

and individual Differences, 18(4), 390-401.

Zwilling, M. (2011). Nine Steps to Effective Business Problem Solving. Retrieved from

https://www.businessinsider.com/nine-steps-to-effective-business-problem-solving-

2011-7?IR=T