Theory and Notion

Theory and Notion Madelaine Lawrence, PhD, RN, Educational Consultant, RnCeus Interactive. A contribution to the book entitled Non-Educational and Non-Technological Theories and Approaches for the Field of Education and Technology.

Theory: What is the name of the theory? Synectics

List a maximum of five fields/domains that the theory belongs to? management, education, creativity, thought processing, engineering.

List only two names of those who have written most about the theory, and reference only one of their publications?  

Prince, G.M. (2012). The Practice of Creativity: A Manual for Dynamic Group ProblemSolving. Echo Point Books & Media. Gordon, W.J. (1960). SYNECTICS, The Development of Creative Capacity. New York: Harper and Row.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 90 words, define the theory? Synectics, a theory of creative problem solving, provides two main explanations. First, the emotional and irrational components of problem solving produce innovations better than intellectual processes. Second, all things, even though dissimilar, are linked together. Innovations are made discovering the links between analogous situations and education or technical needs. A design group committed to developing a wheelchair that climbed stairs immersed themselves contemplating how goats and snakes climb. A wheelchair that climbs stairs was developed, a forerunner to a Japanese product advertised as a wheelchair that climbs steps like a mountain goat.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 110 words, argue for the value and implications of the theory? Instead of the stepwise development of normal science, individuals and groups can use Synectic processes to shut down in-the-box thinking, opening minds to alternatives, progressing quickly to

groundbreaking results. The Synectics model also fits into a constructivist philosophy of education which promotes student-centered, discovery learning. Synectic thinking is especially valuable in this era of technological innovation. 3-D printing represents just one realm of technology searching for innovative applications. Home use, manufacturing, development of surgical models are some of the current areas of application. The Synectic process could be used for identifying many other areas of use.

In plain and simple language in a maximum of 100 words, argue for the benefit or risk that this theory hold for the field of education and technology? Schools and technological companies are facing rapid changes requiring students and employees to learn about what is new and how to develop advancements. Synectics enables students and technologists to do just that. Online learning is rapidly developing in adult education, even reaching into middle schools requiring creative learning management systems. Synectics World now posts over 100 client companies on their website. Job opportunities for technologists exist in companies from the food industry (Synectics helped develop Pringles), publishing, military service branches, communication companies to name a few. The benefits are endless; the risks of using the theory not reported.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 50 words, argue for the risks or losses of not considering this theory in the field of education and technology. The greatest risk for the fields of education and technology in not using Synectics, or even something similar, is being left behind in the development of innovations. Educational systems, not teaching theories like Synectics, risk having graduates unprepared to work in technological companies with their demands for innovative products.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 50 words, argue for the challenges that might be faced when applying this theory to education and technology? In a highly-structured teaching environment, there may be opposition to instituting a process involving students being self-directed and using a method of thinking that promotes a metaphoric/analogous way of learning. Technologists that have been educated to primarily thinking rationally and linearly may find switching to an alternative thinking method difficult.

Approach/Notion: What is the name of the approach/notion? Front-room/back-room services

List a maximum of five fields/domains that the approach/notion belongs to? Management, education, healthcare, engineering, interior design

List only two names of those who have written most about the approach/notion, and reference only one of their publications? 

Bozarth, C.C. & Handfield, R. B. (2013). Introduction to operations and supply chain management. New Jersey: Pearson Education.

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Edersheim, E. H. (2007). The Definitive Drucker: Challenges for Tomorrow's Executives -- Final Advice from the Father of Modern Management. McGraw-Hill Education.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 90 words, define the approach/notion? The front-room/back-room notion distinguishes between the actual or virtual places where customers or students interact with employees (front-room) as opposed to the back-room where no direct contact occurs. Services have high to low student or customer interfaces. Front-room operations should be convenient, attractive and available at opportune times. Emphasis is on developing the front room employees and processes and outsourcing any possible back-room activities. Technological equipment, especially computers, can be in the front-room, back-room, or both. The degree of customer contact determines the relative importance of front-room and backroom operations.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 110 words, argue for the value and implications of the approach/notion? The energy of students is best spent on learning, not on deciphering front room resources. Registration processes, library access, appointments with faculty when seen as front-room processes turn those areas into opportunities for excellence in student interfaces as opposed to obstacles. Technology is improved when front-room/back-room placement is considered when developing new devices. Online educational systems would have ease of use. Technical items placed in frontrooms would be developed to be customer friendly and easy to use for non-technical individuals. Amazon and Apple are noteworthy for their ease of front-room services. Front-room/back-room thinking would avoid creating complicated technology designed for customer use.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 100 words, argue for the benefit or risk that this approach/notion hold for the field of education and technology? Understanding academic and technological interfaces with students and customers with a frontroom/back-room framework helps technologists and teachers decide where to put emphasis for service. When front-room services are well done, students and customers increase in satisfaction. The notion also helps decide upon services that can be outsourced. Outsourcing back-room processes does not take away from the objectives of a school or business but outsourcing frontroom activities can result in loss of control over quality. A risk using this framework can result in an us versus them division between personnel working in the front-room with those working in the back-room.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 50 words, argue for the risks or losses of not considering this approach/notion in the field of education and technology? Without a front-room/back-room mindset, technological equipment and student interfaces can lack good service requisites. A prime example is entering a post-office or UPS office in the US struggling with an armful of packages, since they do not have automatic doors. That occurs when entrances are not recognized as front-room places.

In plain and simple language and in a maximum of 50 words, argue for the challenges that might be faced when applying this approach/notion to education and technology? Challenges might occur when administrators of schools, faculty, and technologists work to determine what services and equipment belong in the front-room or back-room. Particularly difficult are areas with some but limited student or customer services. Computer placements are challenging because of meeting competing needs for efficiency and customer service.