Observation is a key component of innovation. By observing how we and other people do things, we will spot opportunities for improvements. The more we observe, the more opportunities we’ll find. And if a problem is spotted, we can work to provide solutions.
In business innovation, becoming a critical observer can help you recognize problems before others do. It allows you to predict obstacles on the horizon. And, by heightening awareness of the unexpected, and plotting and analyzing data, you can provide original solutions to problems that would otherwise be unforeseen.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
• Describe the principle of critical observation
• Identify the need for critical observation in innovation
• Practice critical observation techniques to improve problem-solving
Why take this course?
Whether it’s predicting where supply issues could arise to ensure you’re not caught out, or modeling the ways a global crisis could affect your sales, in business being able to expect the unexpected is a crucial element of progress. Whatever field you work in, the ability to do this can help improve plans and streamline processes. For leaders and managers, this course will explain what critical observation is and why it’s important in innovation. It will also give you advice on improving critical observation skills across your business.
10 mins | SCORM | Takeaway Tasks
Internships offer usually one discipline-specific, supervised, structured paid or unpaid, and for academic credit work experience or practice placement.
Work Experience intersperses one or two work terms (typically full-time) into an academic program, where work terms provide experience in a workplace setting related to the student’s field of study and/or career goals.
Community Service Learning (CSL) integrates meaningful community service with classroom instruction and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. In practice, students work in partnership with a community-based organization to apply their disciplinary knowledge to a challenge identified by the community.
Field Placement provides students with an intensive part-time/short term intensive hands-on practical experience in a setting relevant to their subject of study. Field placements may not require supervision of a registered or licensed professional and the completed work experience hours are not required for professional certification. Field placements account for work-integrated educational experiences not encompassed by other forms, such as co-op, clinic, practicum, and internship.
