From July 1, an online course “Creative Thinking in Business” is being offered by GSOM SPbU. Prior to that, only students of the Executive MBA-program were able to take this course. The program was developed by Doctor of Psychology Oksana Pikuleva, who is a lecturer for the GSOM MBA and Executive MBA programs.

 

 

Oksana Pikuleva studyied creativity programs for two years before she was able to identify the tools which are most effective for managers who do not consider themselves to be creative individuals in order  design this course.

“The course teaches us to change the way we look at familiar things: to find something unusual in the ordinary and something simple in complexity. It does not just talk about how to be creative, but scientifically proves that you are able to develop your brain and creative thinking at any age,” explained the professor.

The course consists of two blocks: Management of Personal Creativity and Management of Team Creativity. The first block examines neuroscientific approaches to creativity, mental patterns and ways of thinking, models of non-standard thinking, techniques for the development of personal creativity and other topics. The second part deals with innovation in business, creation of a stimulating environment in teams, as well as the creative process in groups. It also covers four creative methodologies: TRIZ, Lateral thinking, Design thinking and CRAFT.

“We will look at creative thinking as a managed mental activity in order to develop non-standard solutions to complex business problems and get acquainted with a large number of algorithms for specialized thinking and creative techniques.” GSOM SPbU has been involved in the development of online education for a long time. Among other courses developed by the School are: the “Tools of Positive Psychology in Management Course for Managers” and the “Management of People and eams”. All courses are held in Russian.