Adopting Latest Advances in the Field of Creative Thinking for Effective Project Management

Author: Debabrata Pruseth
Publication Date: 2015/09/10
Publication Type: Conference Paper
Conference: Project Management National Conference
Location: India
Language: English

Abstract

Albert Einstein once correctly said “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”. To drive the “make in India” goal, project managers have to go beyond standard project management practices and unleash creative thinking to spur a culture of innovation in projects.

This article elaborates how latest advances in the field of creative thinking, namely ‘System Thinking’, ‘Lateral Thinking’ and ‘Design Thinking’ can help project managers to create innovative practices. For example, System Thinking provides a reliable methodology for project managers to analyze how people, process and technology in projects influence each other and how to bring the best out of them. Likewise, Lateral Thinking which focuses on finding creative solution through indirect means will enable project managers to find new innovative solutions through unconventional ways. Design Thinking on the other hand offers solutions to move into a solution focused mindset from a problem focused one by leveraging the power of analysis and imagination.

The main discussion point of the article includes
– The various project management life cycle phases and the corresponding challenges where innovation and creativity is required
– New advances in the field of creative thinking and how it can be used to find solution to the above challenges
– Skill development framework for project managers to practice creative thinking

The article takes examples from real life case studies and provides implementable recommendations for today’s project managers.

Keywords
project management, creative thinking, system thinking, lateral thinking, design thinking, innovation, project lifecycle, problem-solving, project leadership, Make in India

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Adopting latest advances in the field of creative thinking for effective project management

Suggested Citation

Pruseth, D. (2015). Adopting latest advances in the field of creative thinking for effective project management. Paper presented at Project Management National Conference, India.