Essay Grade

IG004: Innovative Solutions in the Workplace: Use creativity methods and techniques to develop an innovative solution to a workplace
challenge.
Assessment Rubric
0
Not Present
1
Needs Improvement
2
Meets Expectations
3
Exceeds Expectations
Sub-Competency 1: Analyze the impacts of myths, misconceptions, and internal barriers on creativity and the interrelationships among
foresight, creativity, and innovation in the workplace.
Learning Objective 1.1:
Identify myths and
misconceptions on
creativity in the
workplace.
Identification of myths and
misconceptions on
creativity in the workplace
is not present.
Response provides a vague
or unnecessarily lengthy
history and description of
the workplace problem
and/or does not include a
clear statement of how the
problem impacts the
company’s bottom line.
Response identifies fewer
than three myths and
misconceptions in the
workplace concerning
creativity and innovative
thinking and/or they are
not directly related to
sustaining the problem
identified.
The response is not
supported by
academic/professional
references or the
©2015 Walden University
Response provides a short
history and description of
the workplace problem
including a clear statement
of how the problem
impacts the company’s
bottom line.
Response identifies three
myths and misconceptions
in the workplace
concerning creativity and
innovative thinking that
are directly related to
sustaining the problem
identified.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Student identifies a fourth
myth and misconception in
the workplace concerning
creativity and innovative
thinking that is directly
related to sustaining the
problem identified.
The response is supported
by relevant
academic/professional
references.
1
0
Not Present
Learning Objective 1.2:
Analyze the
interrelationships
among the concepts of
foresight, creativity,
and innovation in the
workplace.
Analysis of the
interrelationships among
the concepts of foresight,
creativity, and innovation
in the workplace is not
present.
Learning Objective 1.3:
Identify barriers to
creativity that stymie
productivity in the
organization.
Identification of barriers to
creativity that stymie
productivity in the
organization is not
present.
1
Needs Improvement
references are not
relevant.
Analysis presents fewer
than two examples of how
the lack of foresight
and/or creativity is
interrelated with lack of
innovation in the context
of the workplace problem
identified, or the examples
are unclear.
Response identifies fewer
than three barriers that
stymie creativity and limit
productivity in the
selected organization.
Response is not in the
context of the business
problem identified and/or
does not relate to a team
approach to solving the
problem.
Response is not supported
by academic/professional
resources or the resources
are not relevant.
2
Meets Expectations
3
Exceeds Expectations
Analysis clearly presents
two or more examples of
how the lack of foresight
and/or creativity is
interrelated with lack of
innovation in the context
of the workplace problem
identified.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Response identifies at
least three barriers that
stymie creativity and limit
productivity in the
selected organization.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Response in the context of
the business problem
identified and relates to a
team approach to solving
the problem.
Analysis includes an
estimate of the cost to the
bottom line due to the
problem.
Response identifies
specific skills needed by
team members to remove
the barriers that stymie
creativity and limit
productivity in the
organization.
Response is supported by
relevant
academic/professional
resources.
Sub-Competency 2: Apply strategies for accommodating diverse thinking styles, including the effects of culture on divergent and
convergent thinking.
Learning Objective 2.1:
©2015 Walden University
Identification of strategies
Response describes fewer
Response clearly describes
The response
2
Identify strategies to
promote divergent
thinking.
0
Not Present
to promote divergent
thinking is not present.
1
Needs Improvement
than three strategies to be
used to promote team
divergent thinking, or the
descriptions are unclear.
Strategies are not relevant
to the context of the
workplace problem.
Learning Objective 2.2:
Develop rationales for
the effectiveness of
strategies to ensure
divergent and
convergent thinking
styles can be
accommodated.
Rationales for the
effectiveness of strategies
to ensure divergent and
convergent thinking styles
can be accommodated are
not present.
Response does not provide
clear and logical rationales
for why identified
strategies are expected to
be effective in
accommodating
convergent and divergent
thinking styles, or the
response does not address
all strategies.
2
Meets Expectations
three strategies to be used
to promote team
divergent thinking.
3
Exceeds Expectations
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Strategies are relevant to
context of the workplace
problem.
Response describes a
fourth strategy to be used
to promote team
divergent thinking.
Response provides clear
and logical rationales for
why identified strategies
are expected to be
effective in
accommodating
convergent and divergent
thinking styles.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Response provides clear
and logical rationale for
the fourth identified
strategy being expected to
be effective in
accommodating
convergent and divergent
thinking styles.
Sub-Competency 3: Apply mind mapping tools to a personal or professional problem including identification, organization, and clarification
of factors that need to be addressed to solve the problem.
Learning Objective 3.1:
Use a mind map for
determining the
component parts of a
complex problem that
requires creative
solution.
©2015 Walden University
A mind map for
determining the
component parts of a
complex problem that
requires creative solution
is not present.
A mind map is provided
that captures fewer than
four branches and/or
fewer than four subbranches for each branch.
A mind map is provided
that captures four
branches with at least four
sub-branches for each
branch.
Descriptions of each
branch and sub-branch
A suitable and specific
description of each branch
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Each sub-branch captures
two further sub-branches.
3
0
Not Present
Learning Objective 3.2:
Explain how a mind
map accurately
structures a complex
business problem.
Analysis of how well mind
mapping structures a
complex business problem
is not present.
1
Needs Improvement
lack specificity and/or are
not suitable for each
branch or sub-branch.
Explanation does not
address all component
parts of the mind map or it
does not address how the
component parts network
into a coherent
specification of the
problem.
2
Meets Expectations
and sub-branch is
provided.
Response explains how the
components parts of the
mind map network into a
coherent specification of
the problem.
3
Exceeds Expectations
A suitable and specific
description of each new
sub-branch is provided.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Response includes an
explanation and examples
of how the mind map can
facilitate effective problem
solving.
Sub-Competency 4: Apply the Design Thinking process (analyze problem, generate innovative ideas, evaluate ideas) to address a workspace
challenge.
Learning Objective 4.1:
Use Design Thinking
process to generate
potential solutions for
a business problem.
Learning Objective 4.2:
©2015 Walden University
Use of Design Thinking
process to generate
multiple potential
solutions for a business
problem is not present.
Description of the
Response demonstrates
incomplete, inappropriate,
or unclear use Design
Thinking process to
develop three possible
solutions to the selected
business problem, or
fewer than three possible
solutions are proposed.
Explanations as to why
each solution proposed is
viable and how each
addresses the entire
problem are not provided
or are unclear.
Response vaguely
Response demonstrates
appropriate use of Design
Thinking process to
develop three possible
solutions to the selected
business problem.
Explanations are given as
to why each of the
solutions proposed is
viable and how each
addresses the entire
problem, not just part of it.
Response clearly describes
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Response includes a fourth
possible solution to the
selected business problem
using the Design Thinking
process.
An explanation is given as
to why this fourth solution
is viable and how it
addresses the entire
problem, not just part of it.
The response
4
Describe the
possibilities and
barriers of integrating
Design Thinking into a
business organization’s
management culture.
0
Not Present
possibilities and barriers of
integrating Design Thinking
into a business
organization’s
management culture.
1
Needs Improvement
describes how the Design
Thinking process can be
successfully integrated
into the management
culture of the organization
and/or the description is
not related to the
organization in the context
presented.
2
Meets Expectations
how the Design Thinking
process can be successfully
integrated into the
management culture of
the organization in the
context presented.
3
Exceeds Expectations
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
The response offers ways
to overcome the barriers
described.
Response describes two or
more barriers that may
have to be overcome when
Response describes fewer
integrating Design Thinking
than two barriers that may into the organization’s
have to be overcome when management culture.
integrating Design Thinking
into the organization’s
management culture, or
the response is vague.
Sub-Competency 5: Devise protocols for testing creative solutions to business problems.
Learning Objective 5.1:
Describe testing
protocols for multiple
potential solutions to
business problems.
Description of testing
protocols potential
solutions to business
problems.
Testing protocol, for each
of the proposed solutions,
is not appropriate or
vaguely described.
The measures of the
effectiveness of the
potential solutions are not
specific and/or do not
address the potential
solutions directly and
completely.
Response describes in
detail a testing protocol
for each of the potential
solutions for the business
problem identified.
Response clearly describes
how each testing protocol
will measure the
effectiveness of the
potential solution.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
An additional testing
protocol is described along
with an explanation of
how it will measure
effectiveness of the
potential solution(s).
The measures identified
are specific and address
©2015 Walden University
5
0
Not Present
1
Needs Improvement
2
Meets Expectations
the potential solutions
directly and completely.
3
Exceeds Expectations
Sub-Competency 6: Examine the potential conflict that can occur between creativity and ethics in business.
Learning Objective 6.1:
Identify ethics issues
that can occur in a
particular industry.
Learning Objective 6.2:
Describe safeguards
that can be taken to
ensure ethics will not
become an issue for
creative solutions to
business problems.
Identification of ethics
issues that can occur in
your industry is not
present.
Application of ethics issues
knowledge about industry
to business problem
solutions is not present.
Response defines fewer
than three ethics issues
that have occurred within
organization’s industry.
Response defines three
ethics issues that have
occurred within
organization’s industry.
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Rationales provided as to
why identified issues are
ethical concerns are vague
or illogical.
Clear and logical rationales
are provided as to why
identified issues are ethical
concerns.
Response defines a fourth
ethics issue that has
occurred within
organization’s industry.
Response is not supported
by academic/professional
resources or the resources
are not relevant.
Response vaguely
describes safeguards that
can be taken to ensure
ethics will not become an
issue for potential
solutions identified, or not
all three solutions were
addressed.
The response is supported
by relevant
academic/professional
references.
Response clearly describes
safeguards that can be
taken to ensure ethics will
not become an issue for
the three potential
solutions identified.
Clear and logical rationales
are provided as to why
identified issues are ethical
concerns.
Writing reflects competent
use of standard edited
Grammar, spelling, and
mechanics reflect a high
The response
demonstrates the same
level of achievement as
“2,” plus the following:
Response cites and
describes examples of
where these issues have
occurred in the industry.
PS001: Written Communication: Demonstrate graduate-level writing skills.
Written
Multiple major and minor
Communication PS 1.1: errors in grammar,
©2015 Walden University
Multiple minor errors in
grammar, spelling, and/or
6
Use proper grammar,
spelling, and
mechanics.
Written
Communication PS 1.2:
Organize writing to
enhance clarity.
0
Not Present
spelling, and/or mechanics
are highly distracting and
seriously impact
readability.
1
Needs Improvement
mechanics are distracting
and negatively impact
readability.
Writing is poorly organized
and incoherent.
Introductions, transitions,
and conclusions are
missing or inappropriate.
Writing is loosely
organized. Limited use of
introductions, transitions,
and conclusions provides
partial continuity.
Written
APA conventions are not
Communication PS 1.3: applied.
Apply APA style to
written work.
APA conventions for
attribution of sources,
structure, formatting, etc.,
are applied inconsistently.
2
Meets Expectations
American English.
Errors in grammar,
spelling, and/or mechanics
do not negatively impact
readability.
Writing is generally wellorganized. Introductions,
transitions, and
conclusions provide
continuity and a logical
progression of ideas.
APA conventions for
attribution of sources,
structure, formatting, etc.,
are generally applied
correctly in most
instances. Sources are
generally cited
appropriately and
accurately.
3
Exceeds Expectations
level of accuracy in
standard American English
and enhance readability.
Writing is consistently
well-organized.
Introductions, transitions,
and conclusions are used
effectively to enhance
clarity, cohesion, and flow.
APA conventions for
attribution of sources,
structure, formatting, etc.,
are applied correctly and
consistently throughout
the paper. Sources are
consistently cited
appropriately and
accurately.
PS005: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze professional issues and inform best
practice.
Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving PS
5.1:
Analyze assumptions
and fallacies.
©2015 Walden University
Analysis of assumptions is
missing.
Response is weak in
assessing the
reasonableness of
assumptions in a given
argument.
Response generally
assesses the
reasonableness of
assumptions in a given
argument.
Response clearly and
comprehensively assesses
the reasonableness of
assumptions in a given
argument.
Response does not
adequately identify and
Response identifies and
discusses the implications
Response provides a
detailed and compelling
7
0
Not Present
Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving PS
5.2:
Generate reasonable
and appropriate
assumptions.
Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving PS
5.3:
Assess multiple
perspectives and
alternatives.
Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving PS
5.4:
Use problem-solving
skills.
©2015 Walden University
1
Needs Improvement
discuss the implications of
fallacies or logical
weaknesses in a given
argument.
Response does not
adequately present and
discuss key assumptions in
an original argument.
2
Meets Expectations
of fallacies and/or logical
weaknesses in a given
argument.
Assessment of multiple
perspectives is missing.
Response does not identify
nor adequately consider
multiple perspectives or
alternatives.
Response identifies and
considers multiple
perspectives and
alternatives.
Response justifies
selection of chosen
alternative relative to
others.
Problems and solutions are
not identified.
Response presents
solutions, but they are
ineffective in addressing
the specific problem.
Response presents
solutions that are practical
and work in addressing the
specific problem.
Response presents
compelling supporting
arguments for proposed
solutions.
Assumptions are missing.
Response presents and
discusses key assumptions
in an original argument.
3
Exceeds Expectations
analysis of implications of
fallacies and logical
weaknesses in a given
argument.
Response justifies the
reasonableness and need
for assumptions in an
original argument.
8
Overview
In this Assessment you will assume the role of an internal consultant, in your
organization or an organization of interest to you, to demonstrate your ability
to generate a viable, innovative solution to a workplace problem.
Professional Skills: Written Communication and Critical Thinking and
Problem Solving are assessed in this Competency. You are strongly
encouraged to use the Academic Writing Expectations Checklist when
completing this Assessment.
This Assessment requires submission of one (1) document that includes your
responses to all six parts. Save this file as IG004_firstinitial_lastname (for
example, IG004_J_Smith).
When you are ready to upload your completed Assessment, use
the Assessment tab on the top navigation menu.
Create your Internal Consultant Project by completing the six sections below.
Before you begin, imagine that senior management in the organization where
you work, or in an organization with which you are familiar, has asked you to
take the role of an internal consultant whose job it is to use creative thinking to
determine an innovative solution to a challenge in the workplace. Consider the
problems and challenges that the organization is experiencing, particularly in
an area that is familiar to you. For example, if you are in information
technology (IT) maintenance, the problem might have to do with network
reliability issues. If you are involved with a call center, the problem might
relate to poor performance on an important performance metric, such as,
average call handling time or customer satisfaction. You will identify the
history leading up to the present alarming situation and justify why this
problem is important to the organization’s bottom line.
With this problem in mind, you must devise three possible solutions that are
creative and viable. For example, recommending that a call center should
simply be outsourced is not a viable or innovative solution. The solution
should be based on use of the organization’s internal resources only.
Your response to this Assessment should:
•
•
•
Reflect the criteria provided in the Rubric.
Adhere to the required length.
Conform to APA style guidelines. You may use Walden Writing Center’s
APA Course Paper Template.
This assessment has six-parts. Click each of the items below to complete this
assessment.
Part I: Myths, Misconceptions, and Barriers
Provide a short history and description of the workplace problem, including a
justification of why the problem is important to the company’s bottom line.
With this workplace problem in mind, complete the following:
Identify three myths and misconceptions in the workplace concerning
creativity and innovative thinking that are directly related to sustaining the
problem you identified.
Address how the lack of foresight and/or creativity is interrelated with lack of
innovation in this context.
Identify at least three barriers that stymie creativity and limit productivity in
the organization and make the assumption that you will be using an internal
team to help solve the problem.
•
•
•
Identify three myths and misconceptions in the workplace concerning
creativity and innovative thinking that are directly related to sustaining
the problem you identified.
Address how the lack of foresight and/or creativity is interrelated with
lack of innovation in this context.
Identify at least three barriers that stymie creativity and limit
productivity in the organization and make the assumption that you will
be using an internal team to help solve the problem.
Part II: Divergent and Convergent Thinking
All effective teams will feature varying thinking styles. Some will be “ideators”
or developers. Others will be implementers or clarifiers. You will face the task
of harnessing several different thinking styles which will produce many
divergent ideas on how to solve the workplace problem.
•
•
Devise three strategies you will use to ensure divergent and convergent
thinking styles can be accommodated.
Present rationales for why you think your strategies will be effective.
Part III: Mind Mapping
Use a mind map to create a mind map for your workplace problem. You can
refer to a MindTool mind map resource, for an example.
•
•
•
•
•
Your mind map should be as expansive as you can make it.
Your problem should branch into at least four related components
and/or issues.
Expand on each of these branches using as many sub-branches as
needed (at least four sub-branches for each branch) to explore the
complexity and connective possibilities available to each question.
To create your mind map, you may use Microsoft Word or another
format of your choice. However, if you are planning to use a nonstandard piece of software, be sure you can save the file in a format that
you can insert into a Word document. Insert your mind maps into your
Word document as an appendix.
Explain how you mind map accurately structures the business problem
you identified.
Part IV: Design Thinking
By now, you have identified an issue or problem that can be treated in some
tangible way. You have some ideas that could lead to a creative solution. It is
now time to consider how design thinking can be applied to real-world
business problems at your organization.
•
•
Use Design Thinking principles to reflect on your mind map and narrow
your potential solutions to the three best options for future prototyping
or testing.
Consider the possibility of integrating Design Thinking within the
organization. Identify at least three ways that Design Thinking can be
integrated into your organization. Identify and three barriers for such
integration.
Part V: Testing Potential Solutions
As you think about your three potential solutions, it becomes necessary to
devise a strategy to filter them down to one preferred solution. Design
Thinking requires development of a testing protocol. For example, many
prototypes were developed and tested before Apple released flagship
products like the iPod, iPhone and iPad. In the case of a service, Disney
theme parks provide an excellent model of services that has been very
thoughtfully designed and refined down to the smallest detail to maximize the
customer’s experience. Many companies use Design Thinking to help
redesign cumbersome procedures for streamlining customer service, reducing
and eliminating unnecessary paperwork, etc.
•
Describe a testing protocol for each of your three potential solutions.
You may design a single testing protocol for all three solutions if
appropriate or a different protocol for each of the solutions if needed. Be
sure to list the criteria within your testing protocol descriptions by which
solutions will be measured for effectiveness.
Part VI: Creativity and Ethics
In the world of business, it is important to test all solutions to business
problems for potential ethical issues. For example, a creative solution may be
considered to be costly given a tight budget. An ethical issue could arise from
taking a short-cut on product quality to meet a budget constraint or vital steps
could be removed from a critical inspection process in the name of increasing
productivity through reduction of labor hours.
•
Identify at least three major contemporary ethics issues plaguing your
company’s industry and provide a perspective on how ethical your
suggested problem solutions appear to be. Be sure to provide
safeguards you intend to take to ensure ethics will not become an issue
for any of your suggested solutions.

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