The Role of ‘Adaptive Reasoning and Problem Solving’ in PM

Delivering higher-value projects in increasingly shorter timeframes sustains competitiveness. Challenges exist at every turn; risk must be understood and mitigated, and problems recognized and solved quickly. Adaptive reasoning and problem-solving skills have become increasingly important in project management, where decisions based on sometimes sparse, voluminous, or contradictory data must be dealt with, verified and conveyed to a diversity of team members – often under stressful, time-sensitive circumstances. In such situations, project managers’ ability to update their mental models precisely, draw valid conclusions, and effectively deploy response through team members is critical. This presentation discusses how advancements in adaptive reasoning and problem-solving skills resulting from the development of structured approaches to innovation are changing perceptions of project deliverables (time, quality, cost, risk management, et al). About the presenter: Dana W. Clarke, Sr. is President/CEO of Applied Innovation Alliance LLC, which is focused on the advancement and practical application of Structured Innovation / TRIZ approaches to all areas of business. These approaches provide a means for advancing the innovation capabilities of its clients in areas such as front-end strategic planning, R&D, product and process development, business development and the implementation of innovation as a core competency. Dana’s work in Structured Innovation / TRIZ has led to the development of unique approaches for Structured Innovation, Team Building and the Professional Development of Innovators in all areas of business, science and engineering. His expertise encompasses the practical application, consulting, facilitation and training of such methodologies and business practices as Competitive Opportunity Management, Strategic Planning, Competitive Intelligence, Product Development, Business Process Innovation, Design for Manufacture and Assembly, Quality Function Deployment, TRIZ (The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving),Technology Research and Organizational Engineering. Dana began working with TRIZ in 1991 and in 1995, he became the 1st person in the Western Hemisphere to become certified as a Level 4 TRIZ Specialist by a TRIZ Master. In March 2001, he became the first American to become internationally recognized as a Level 4 TRIZ Specialist by the International Association of TRIZ.