SAMPLE APPLICATIONS OF DE BONO THINKING TOOLS WITHIN

mathematics

You are given the simple mathematical problem : On Monday 3 workmen dig a trench in 6 hours. How many hours will it take 6 workmen to dig a trench on Tuesday? The typical answer is 3hrs. Do a CAF and consider all the factors which could make this simple proportion wrong.

 

On Tuesday it rains making working more difficult The size of the trench
The six work men on Tuesday are lazy The terrain where the  trench is to be dug - level ground, on a hill etc
The 3 workmen on Monday have power-tools The type of material in which the trench is dug.
The age of the workmen The state of health of the workmen
The skill of the workmen The experience of the workmen
Whether the workmen are paid by the hour or not The distractions that are present on both days
The relationship between the workmen The team skills of the workmen