Task: Real-Life Creative Problem Solving
Come up with an original and creative solution for the following real-world problem:
The Upper Management of Acme Company has been holding wage increases to a 6 percent level. The decision to hold wage increases came about from an effort to reduce product twice in the past year due to increased shipping costs of materials, and upper management does not feel that Acme can remain competitive if there are any future increases in the cost of their product. Unfortunately, the engineering job market in the area stands at about 12 jobs for every one trained engineer. Because of this, recruiters are cropping up and are enticing Acme's engineers with better jobs and better benefits. As of late, turnover among Acme's engineers has increased and productivity has decreased. Also, there is a considerable grumbling among current engineers about Acme's policy on wage increases. Mr. Wentworth, an executive vice president, has directed Scott to improve the situation in the engineering department. Mr. Wentworth feels that much of the dissatisfaction is based upon the recruiters' enticements of better opportunities in other places. The concern at Acme is to maintain a quality group of engineers at a high level of productivity. Management at Acme does not know how to solve this problem..

Response: Acme should look at each individuals productivity levels and test them to see how they would react and perform to base on where to place them in the corporation.  They should take the best qualified people and the ones that will make a difference for the company.
Human originality rating (0-100 scale): 39

Response: I would start by sitting down with each engineer individually and explaining to them the goals and future of our program. I would reinforce that the company is doing everything possible to move forward in a positive direction. In order to find out what motivates each engineer to do their job and stay focused on the task at hand, I would talk with them to see what their work and professional interests entail, including any possible work projects they would like to start. After identifying each of the engineers interests, I would report the findings back to senior management and have the management team place each of the engineers in their area of interest.
Human originality rating (0-100 scale): 50

Response: I suggest that we strive for the highest quality of product and the best customer service. These two qualities will be incentive enough for costumers to buy this product rather than the competitor's. This will hopefully increase sales allowing for increase in wage.
Human originality rating (0-100 scale): 22

Response: The problem at hand seems to deal a lot with the issue of costs for the company. It is clear that we need to keep engineers on if we are to remain successful. I recommend a wage freeze for anyone at upper management and above so some money can be allotted to the engineers to entice them to stay. Secondly I propose a green initiative that would reduce waste and consequently costs in all factors of the company so as to free up more money to help keep a quality group of engineers and to bring in more to reduce the work load of the engineers we have.
Human originality rating (0-100 scale): 50

Response: In order to retain and attain quality engineering talent Acme needs to review and formalize the following policies: / First, engineers are highly skilled professionals who deserve dignity in what is expected of them in the workplace. In order to foster this dignified environment Acme should consider flexible hours and the potential for telecommuting. The traditional 40 hour work week is a bit passe and not appropriate in today's technological environment. By allowing engineers the ability to get the job done according to a schedule that best works for them, we foster a greater work life balance and therefore have happier employees. This is not about 'butt in chair time,' it is about getting the job done and getting it done well. / The corporate culture at Acme should also be reviewed. Providing an open and honest environment that allows engineers to voice concerns without fear of repercussions is highly valued amongst employees. Also, management needs to be respectful of engineers as individuals; playing to our strengths and working to deflect potential conflicts so that we may do our jobs in a timely manner without having to deal with outside concerns. / Don't over-think the wage increase. We respect that the wage increase is extremely competitive in today's recessed economy. Instead, providing job stability, first class medical coverage, 401k match, and tuition reimbursement is greatly appreciated. Once we are established in our careers here it is much easier to stay with the management and coworkers we enjoy and understand. If Acme provides a sense of continuity for the engineering staff it will be easier for us to ignore recruiters and keep our focus on our projects at Acme. / Finally, make this a job my spouse loves. Make sure my benefits, my hours, and my stress level are congruent with my pay. Make sure I get the time off to go on my family vacation or enjoy my holidays. Because if my spouse likes Acme that means I don't feel pressure to leave this job when I'm at home. If you can keep my spouse happy, you keep me happy. (Note: telling me to stop bitching about my job when I get home is not an acceptable solution, per my meeting with the VP regarding this concern last year at this time.)
Human originality rating (0-100 scale): 50

Response: Acme can give reward to their engineers. They should hire more qualified engineers and pay. They should give better benefits to their employees
Human originality rating (0-100 scale): 22