Conceptual And Lateral Thinking Skills Development Training

Objectives:
• Define conceptual and lateral thinking and distinguish between them
• Understand the role of thinking in problem-solving and innovation
• Identify personal thinking preferences using a thinking styles assessment
• Recognise barriers to effective thinking
• Establish a growth mindset for thinking development

Topics:
• Introduction to the course and unit standard outcomes
• What is conceptual thinking?
• What is lateral thinking?
• Thinking styles assessment
• Barriers to effective thinking
• The growth mindset and learning agility

Objectives:
• Explain the key principles of lateral thinking as per Edward de Bono
• Apply the four main lateral thinking techniques
• Distinguish between vertical and lateral thinking
• Practice generating alternative solutions
• Evaluate the effectiveness of lateral thinking in different contexts

Topics:
• Edward de Bono's lateral thinking framework
• Vertical vs. lateral thinking
• Technique 1: Alternatives
• Technique 2: Focus
• Technique 3: Challenge
• Technique 4: Random entry
• Group practice exercises

Objectives:
• Use the Six Thinking Hats method effectively
• Apply SCAMPER technique to modify ideas
• Practice provocation and movement techniques
• Generate novel ideas using analogies and metaphors
• Combine multiple lateral thinking tools for enhanced creativity

Topics:
• Six Thinking Hats: roles and application
• SCAMPER technique
• Provocation and movement
• Analogies and metaphors
• Combining tools for creative problem-solving
• Practical exercises and case studies

Objectives:
• Understand the nature and importance of conceptual thinking
• Identify core concepts and abstract ideas
• Use concept mapping to visualise relationships
• Apply conceptual thinking to simplify complex problems
• Develop conceptual frameworks for analysis

Topics:
• What is conceptual thinking?
• Abstract vs. concrete thinking
• Concept mapping techniques
• Identifying core concepts in business scenarios
• Developing conceptual frameworks
• Practical exercises in simplification

Objectives:
• Apply conceptual thinking to strategic planning
• Use analogical reasoning to transfer concepts across domains
• Develop and test conceptual models
• Synthesise multiple concepts into coherent strategies
• Evaluate the impact of conceptual thinking on innovation

Topics:
• Strategic conceptual thinking
• Analogical reasoning
• Conceptual modelling
• Synthesis of concepts
• Case studies: breakthrough innovations
• Group project: conceptual solution design

Objectives:
• Combine lateral and conceptual thinking for comprehensive problem-solving
• Apply both thinking styles in a structured process
• Use lateral thinking to generate concepts and conceptual thinking to refine them
• Evaluate the synergy between the two approaches
• Practice integrated thinking in complex scenarios

Topics:
• The integrated thinking process
• Using lateral thinking to generate concepts
• Using conceptual thinking to structure ideas
• Synergy and balance
• Complex problem-solving workshop
• Reflection and feedback

Objectives:
• Apply the CPS (Creative Problem Solving) model
• Use design thinking principles for human-centered innovation
• Implement the IDEAL problem-solving framework
• Practice divergent and convergent thinking stages
• Evaluate and select the best solutions

Topics:
• Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model
• Design thinking: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, test
• IDEAL framework: Identify, Define, Explore, Act, Look
• Divergent and convergent thinking techniques
• Solution evaluation criteria
• Hands-on problem-solving session

Objectives:
• Apply thinking skills to real workplace challenges
• Develop action plans for implementing creative solutions
• Facilitate thinking sessions with teams
• Overcome organisational barriers to innovation
• Measure the impact of thinking skills on performance

Topics:
• Real workplace challenge analysis
• Action planning and implementation
• Facilitation skills for thinking sessions
• Overcoming organisational barriers
• Measuring outcomes and ROI
• Role-play and simulation exercises

Objectives:
• Demonstrate integrated thinking skills in a final project
• Complete summative assessment tasks
• Reflect on personal thinking development journey
• Create a personal development plan for continued growth
• Share insights and best practices with peers

Topics:
• Final integrated project presentation
• Summative assessment: case study and portfolio
• Peer feedback and reflection
• Personal development planning
• Course evaluation and certification
• Closing remarks and next steps