Education Analysis for Pmi

Discussing the selection of PMI problem solving tool.

PMI, which stands for plus, minus and interesting has been masterminded by Edward De Bono the creative thinker, whose focus was lateral thinking (Mind Tools, 2005). PMI is a systematic process of finding solutions to a problem. It is about thinking outside the box where problem solvers come up with creative means of trying to solve the problem (De Bono, 1993). It goes beyond the traditional weighing pros and cons technique. The technique therefore, has got the advantage of enabling the problem solver to check if the course of action is worthy for taking or whether taking the action would improve the situation. In this case therefore, one thinks of what is good about an idea, then moves on to think about everything that is bad about an idea and finish by thinking about everything that is interesting about the idea. It is this interesting box which enables the problem solver to collect all the points that are neither positive nor negative and which encourages the exploration of a matter outside the judgement framework that makes PMI to standout from all other techniques. In the end, the problem solver is helped to react to the interest inherent in an idea and not just judgement feelings about an idea (Mind Tools, 2005). Thus through the use of PMI which gives knowledge of thinking patterns and techniques in analysing issues, one achieves broad mindedness in their thinking (De Bono, 1992). PMI gives the framework to develop an argument; it forces a balanced analysis, checking if action is worth taking. Thus from the list of points developed, one can get a message but this is dependent on the quality of decision making and how well the message would have been interpreted since errors of interpretation can also arise.

The problem with PMI however, is that it is qualitative and as such, it may not be used to produce a quantified analysis of a problem. In the end, it can paint an inaccurate picture that is based on subjectivity in responses. With such techniques like PMI, it may be hard to be objective, dealing with own perceptions since one is limited by feelings and beliefs. Marshall (1982) even noted that cultural bias can influence decision making. Different people see things differently too. At times perceptions are limited by the values people hold (Hampden-Turner, 1994). It is therefore always important for the problem solver who uses PMI to try and be as objective as possible as they think outside their ordinary thinking domains. The other disadvantage of PMI is that it does not have the connections and associations which are advantages of other techniques like mind mapping. Such connections are lost in the process of categorising as P, M or I. However, PMI is compatible with my conditioned thinking patterns and I find its use to be quite simple and would therefore use it easily. Thus after weighing the pros and cons of using PMI, I