Brainstorming

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Definition

Brainstorming is An unstructured approach towards generating ideas about creative solution of a problem which involves multiple experts in a session

Source: National approaches and strategies for Nuclear Knowledge Management

Summary

One paragaph which summarises the main ideas of the article.

Description 1

• It is an unstructured approach towards generating ideas about creative solution of a problem which involves multiple experts in a session;
• Questions can be raised for clarification, but no evaluations are done at the spot;
• Similarities (that emerge through opinions) are usually grouped together logically and evaluated by asking some questions like:
  • What benefits are to be gained if a particular idea is followed?
  • What specific problems that idea can possibly solve?
  • What new problems can arise through this?
• The general procedure for conducting a brainstorming session:
  • Introducing the session;
  • Presenting the problem to the experts;
  • Prompting the experts to generate ideas;
  • Looking for signs of possible convergence.
• If the experts are unable to agree on a specific solution, the knowledge developer may call for a vote/consensus.

Electronic brainstorming

• It is a computer-aided approach for dealing with multiple experts;
• It usually begins with a pre-session plan which identifies objectives and structures the agenda, which is then presented to the experts for approval;
• During the session, each expert sits on a PC and gets themselves engaged in a predefined approach towards resolving an issue, and then generates ideas;
• This allows experts to present their opinions through their PCs without having to wait for their turn;
• Usually the comments/suggestions are displayed electronically on a large screen without identifying the source;
• This approach protects the introvert experts and prevents tagging comments to individuals;
• The benefit includes improved communication, effective discussion regarding sensitive issues, and closes the meeting with concise recommendations for necessary action (refer to Fig. 5.1 for the sequence of steps);
• This eventually leads to convergence of ideas and helps to set final specifications;
• The result is usually the joint ownership of the solution.

Source: National approaches and strategies for Nuclear Knowledge Management