Professional Assignment 1 –

Chapter 4 of your textbook illustrates the utilization of the Nine-Stage process for creative problem solving by providing an example. Nike has plans to develop and manufacture a new cross-training sneaker. It has been in the works for some time now and as such, is almost ready for the production phase. An unexpected problem has prevented Nike from beginning its production phase. It seems that   the material to be used for the sneaker-sole has gone up in price. The supplier is unique in the sense that they have exclusive access to chemicals, rubber, and other materials such that they can only produce the sneaker-sole specified in the Nike design. The supplier claims that the materials they use have gone up in price, hence the increase in cost to Nike. Use your previous readings and the Nine-Stage process to find a solution.