Self-paced elearning
Quiz
2 hours. Learning times vary dependent on the learner’s preferred pace.
Closed Captions
Beginner (no knowledge at all of the topic)
6 months, 24/7 access
A certificate of completion will be issued on successful course completion.
This online training course will introduce you to brainstorming techniques.
Brainstorming is a popular method for generating ideas in a variety of situations. These include generating ideas for:
The word brainstorming was originally introduced by Alex F. Osborn in 1953 in his book Applied Imagination: Principles and Procedures of Creative Thinking. Since 1953, brainstorming as a word has spread around the globe with definitions that vary in the minds of many. The Meriam Webster’s dictionary defines brainstorming as “a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group; the mulling over of ideas by one or more individuals in an attempt to devise or find a solution to a problem”. In the broader culture, brainstorming basically has come to be synonymous with the creative idea generating process.
This course will also teach participants how to use the Affinity Analysis tool. This simple but effective tool to organise a large volume of ideas. The affinity diagram works by helping the team organize large numbers of ideas, usually as the result of a brainstorming session. The process allows team members to organize the ideas by category and look at the problem or issues from a new perspective of relationships and patterns.
Who should take this course?
1. Learn what the origins of brainstorming.
2. Learn about brainstorming rules.
3. Understand how to use icebreakers in an in-person.
4. Understand how to use icebreakers in a virtual brainstorming session.
5. Understand how to conduct a brainstorming session in-person.
6. Understand how to conduct a brainstorming session virtually.
7. Explain the origin of Affinity Analysis.
8. Understand when to use the Affinity Analysis tool.
9. Understand how to use Affinity Analysis tool.
10. Learn how to create an Affinity Diagram.
The following topics will be covered in this course:
Supplemental Material:
You will get access to a downloadable infographic that will highlight the points to remember when doing an Affinity Analysis activity.
Assessment:
There will be a quiz (consisting of multiple choice questions) at the end of the course. To pass the quiz you must obtain 80% or higher.
Upon completing the course and when you obtain a passing grade on your final quiz (80% or over), you will receive a PDF certificate to show that you have completed all the course content.
Dr. Fiona Masterson.
Fiona is the founder of The Learning Reservoir. She has 25+ years of parallel paths in quality management, operations management and education. She has broad technical expertise encompassing quality systems compliance, quality standards implementation, regulatory affairs and operations management. She has worked in start-ups and high‐tech, fast paced manufacturing environments. She lectures part-time in technical universities on subjects related to her industrial expertise.
Fiona has Bachelor and Masters of Science degrees, and a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering. Her Doctorate focused on innovative drug/device combinations products. Fiona is a certified lead auditor. Fiona has published in peer reviewed journals on topics such as medical device and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, on-the job training and innovative training technologies and strategies.
She writes many of The Learning Reservoir’s blog posts and invites you to connect with her on LinkedIn.