Creative Thinking Module - Projects & Assessment

By Adjunct Faculty Staff Richard Mak for AY 2013 2014, Term 1

Overall Assessment Scheme

Weightage
A) Attendance (5%) + participation (10%)

Submission deadlines

15%

B) Individual Project
i) Project 1: Creativity Scrap Book

20%

Week 7

ii) Project 2: The Problem Reversal Technique

20%

Week 12

C) Two Group Projects

15%

(to be done during class time)

i) Group Project 1 (7.5%) : Photo Frame

Week 4

ii) Group Project 2 (7.5%): $5 Challenge

Week 6

D) Final Group Project

30%

Week 13

(Peer Evaluation will be done)

Total

100%

Individual Project (1)

Creativity Scrapbook
Objective
To create a Scrap Book consisting of your weekly self-reflection on each topic
covered during your creativity journey. Scrap book is to be submitted during
week 7 in class.
Things to do
1. Be proactive in seeking knowledge and insights into the weekly topics
covered in class. This should be done through your daily observations,
conversations (brain swiping), internet browsing, etc.
Use the Course Outline on Weekly Topics (refer below) to guide you on what
has been covered. Be original and do not rehash the content that has been
covered in class.
2. Upload your weekly journals into the eLearn Dropbox.

You are required to upload a draft of your journals on the relevant topics
weekly into the SMU Dropbox. The weekly e-submission deadline is one
week after each class. This may not be your final draft and you are
encouraged to continue to add any creative ideas that you may come
across throughout the course.

3. Towards the end of this module, compile your weekly journals into a Scrap
Book.
Assessment Criteria
1. Originality of content (30%) Your reflections should be your own even
though you are encouraged to swipe other peoples brains
Do not include (as no marks will be given) for content which are covered in
class
Include: relevant - examples, images, weblink to articles, Youtube videos.
2. Value to readers (40%) - Your Scrap Book should add significant value to
your readers by helping them to be more creative
3. Timely submission of weekly journal drafts (5%) i.e. one week after each
class
4. Layout and writing style (25%):

The images, photos and diagrams should be relevant and interesting

You must include a cover page. Include also a footer section indicating
your name, student no. & school

Ensure readability of your report do not use pastel coloured fonts on

white paper or dark coloured paper with dark coloured fonts. Adhere to a
minimum font size of 12
Writing style - Casual, conversational style similar to writing a diary

Guidelines on your Report

1. Length of weekly journal entry is 0.5 to 1.5 sides of A4 size paper
2. Scrapbook submission Submit both a softcopy and a hardcopy of your
Scrap book in Week 7 during class.
3. Note: The cover page (appended at the end of this document) must be
included with the report.
Course Outline on Weekly Topics
Wk
No.
1

Topics
Importance of Creativity & Innovation.
Whole Brain Thinking & use of the BrainEEE Cards to guage your Thinking
Styles.

The PCAN Model, a Creative Problem-solving methodology

Creativity Technique (1): SCAMPER

Creativity Technique (2): Idea-Fission Technique

Creativity Technique (3): Concept Possibilities Expansion Technique

(CPET)

Creativity Technique (4): The Problem Reversal Technique

Individual Project (2)

The Problem Reversal Technique

Objective
To learn the finer points of the Problem Reversal Technique and show how much
you have mastered it.
Things to do
1. Choose a school/class project that you have done in the past (from your JC,
polytechnic or other SMU modules).
2. Apply the Problem Reversal Technique to your chosen project to improve and
innovate on it.

Note: This is an application-oriented project, Please do not regurgitate

lecture contents in your report

Guidelines on your Report

1. Submit a report from the chosen past project (streamlined to 3 pages or less)
2. Length of report: 3-5 pages of a A4 size paper (excluding appendices)
3. Report submission deadline: Week 12
4. Note: The cover page (appended at the end of this document) must be
included with the report.
Assessment Criteria
1.
2.
3.
3.

Originality of content rarity of ideas (50%)

Application of the PCAN Model (15%)
Application of the Problem Reversal Technique (15%)
Layout and writing style (20%)
The images, photos and diagrams should be relevant and interesting
You must include a cover page. Include also a footer section indicating
your name, student no. & school
Ensure readability of your report do not use pastel coloured fonts on
white paper or dark coloured paper with dark coloured fonts, adhere to
a minimum font size of 12
Writing style - Casual, conversational style similar to writing a diary

Group Project (1)

Innovative Photo Frame (to be done in week 3)

Objective
Project groups are expected to apply the SCAMPER-Plus Technique to make an
innovative photo frame.
1. Bring ingredients to class to make the most innovative photo frame.
Note
Do not have any PERCEIVED notion of the photo frame you are going to
make.
Bring materials that could be used to make any type of photo frame.
2. Value of materials should not exceed S$10 per project group.
Note
Please ensure that your photo frame making is not a messy affair and bring
trash bags and cloth to clean up.
Assessment Criteria
1.
2.
3.
4.

Originality Originality of photo frame (30%)

Presentation - make a sales pitch for your photo frame (10%).
Application of the SCAMPER Technique (40%).
Layout and writing style (20%)
The images, photos and diagrams should be relevant and interesting
You must include a cover page. Include also a footer section indicating
your name, student no. & school
Ensure readability of your report do not use pastel coloured fonts on
white paper or dark coloured paper with dark coloured fonts. Adhere to
a minimum font size of 12
Writing style - Casual, conversational style similar to writing a diary

Report

Length of report is 2 - 3 sides of A4 size paper (appendices excluded)

Please include photos of your photo frame and explanations on how you have
applied the SCAMPER Technique to make the photo frame

Submission deadline: week 4

Group Project (2)

The $5 Challenge using the Idea-Fission Technique

(to be

done in week 5)
Objective
This project challenges your group to conceptualize creative ideas that have
commercial value and to execute those ideas.
Implementing these creative ideas will boost your confidence in utilizing the
creative power that is within you
Things to do:
1. Given the constraints of $5 and 2 hours, the challenge for your group is to
make as much money as possible.
2. Write a project report on what your group has done & the lessons your
group has learnt
Note:
Do challenge yourself as a group but find a balance between your creativity and
sensibilities. Ensure that your ideas and actions are ethical and that this project
will bring up the good name of SMU.
Assessment Criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.

Originality rarity of ideas (20%)

Process how your group arrived at this idea (20%)
Lessons learnt and areas for improvement (25%)
Amount of S$ raised from project execution (15%)
Layout and writing style (20%)
The images, photos and diagrams should be relevant and interesting
You must include a cover page. Include also a footer section with your
name, student no & school
Ensure readability of your report do not use pastel coloured fonts on
white paper or dark coloured paper with dark coloured fonts, adhere to
a minimum font size of 12
Writing style - Casual, conversational style similar to writing a diary

Guidelines:
Length of report is 5-7 sides of A4 size paper (excluding appendices)
You are encouraged to include mind maps, pictures/photos, diagrams, etc.
Report Submission deadline: Week 4
Note: The cover page (appended at the end of this document) must be
included with the report.

Final Group Project

Objective
To inculcate teamwork and collaboration in students as they develop innovative
solutions in a group
1. How to tap into the diversity of views to boost group creativity
2. How to leverage on technology for enhanced group discussions/performance
3. How to apply the Creativity-on-demand Techniques
o SCAMPER Technique
o Concept Possibilities Expansion Technique
o Idea-Fission Technique
o Problem Reversal Technique
Things to do
Nature of the project is to be decided by the group. The aim of the project is to
showcase your creativity talents and to apply the Creativity-on-demand
Techniques. Do note that whichever topic or whatever you decide to do must add
value.
Examples:
Solving a problem for a business/company (value to stakeholders? Value
to company?)
If your project involves producing a skit, ensure there is not just
entertainment value, but value to some segments of the society.
Coming up with a marketable product (value to consumers?)
The 3 pointers above only serve as examples on what may be chosen by your
group.
The length of the report should be distributed in the following proportion:
Use of the PCAN Model (35%)
Application (65%) of the Problem Reversal Technique AND a combination
of the following:
o SCAMPER Technique
o Concept Possibilities Expansion Technique
o Idea-Fission Technique
What to include in the Final Group Project Report
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Title of project & Scope of Project

Project objectives & what you hope to achieve from your project
Use the PCAN Model to guide your group when writing the report.
Reasons on why your project is innovative.
Challenges faced, and how your group overcame them & the lessons learnt.
Length of report: 6 - 8 sides of A4 size paper.
Submission deadline: week 13
7

Assessment Criteria
1. Originality of content rarity of ideas (20%)
2. Value of your innovative project to others. (10%)
3. Application (40%) of the Problem Reversal Technique AND a combination of
the following:
o SCAMPER Technique
o Concept Possibilities Expansion Technique
o Idea-Fission Technique
4. Layout and writing style (10%)
The images, photos, diagrams, should be relevant and interesting
You must include a cover page (appended at the end of this document)
with the report.. Also Include a footer section indicating your name,
student no. & school
Ensure readability of your report do not use pastel coloured fonts on
white paper or dark coloured paper with dark coloured fonts, adhere to
a minimum font size of 12
Writing style The group can decide on any writing style
5. Presentation (20%) ability to engage audience (presentation style) and
content of presentation

Creative Thinking - MGMT004

For Adjunct Lecturer, Richard Mak

Name of Project ___________

Submitted by:
Class/Section ____
Project Group No. ____
Name(s) ____________________
Date: __________

In ALL your individual reports, include in

footer section: your name, student no. &
school