Summary

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Many people lack the necessary skills to effectively solve problems and make decisions. Having a process in place can help with this.

Introduction

Learning Objectives
– Apply problem-solving steps and tools
– Analyze information to clearly describe problems
– Identify appropriate solutions
– Think creatively and be a contributing member of a problem-solving team
– Select the best approach for making decisions
– Create a plan for implementing, evaluating, and following up on decisions
– Avoid common decision-making mistakes

Outline

  • Session One: Course Overview

    • Learning Objectives
    • Pre-Assignment
    • Pre-Course Assessment
  • Session Two: Definitions

    • Defining Problem-Solving and Decision- Making
    • Problem Identification
    • Eight Essentials to Defining a Problem
    • Problem-Solving in Action
  • Session Three: Making Decisions

    • Making Winning Decisions
    • Three Types of Decisions
    • Advice from an Expert
    • Facts vs. Information
    • Eight Ingredients for Good Decision- Making
    • Decision-Making Traps
  • Session Four: Getting Real

    • Pre-Assignment Review
    • Case Study
  • Session Five: The Problem-Solving Model

    • Model Overview
    • The Problem-Solving Model
    • Another Perspective
    • Keeping an Open Mind
    • Solving Problems the “Right” Way
    • Real Problems
    • Making Connections
    • Phase One
    • Phase Two
    • Phase Three
    • Solution Planning Worksheet
  • Session Six: Case Study

    • The Truck Case Study
    • Making Connections
  • 7. Session Seven: The Problem-Solving Toolkit

    • The Basic Tools
    • Legitimizing Problems and Positions
    • The Fishbone
    • Degrees of Support
    • Creative Thinking Methods: Brainstorming
    • Limitations of Brainstorming
    • Brainwriting
    • Mind-Mapping
    • Brainstorming and Brainwriting
    • More Methods
  • Session Eight: Aspirinia

    • Decision Information
    • Individual Action Steps
  • Session Nine: Swotting Up

    • SWOT Analysis
    • SWOT Matrix
    • SWOT Checklist
    • Individual Analysis
  • Session Ten: Making Good Group Decisions

    • Working Toward the Decision
    • Avoiding Fatal Mistakes
    • New, Appeal and Feasibility (NAF)
    • Technique
    • Visualization
    • Benefits Possibilities Concerns (BPC)
    • Technique
  • Session Eleven: Analyzing and Selecting Solutions

    • Selecting Criteria
    • Creating a Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • Making Connections
  • Session Twelve: Planning and Organizing

    • Introduction
    • Follow-Up Analysis
    • Evaluate
    • Adapt, Close, and Celebrate
  • 13. Personal Action Plan

    • Starting Point
    • Where I Want to Go
    • How I Will Get There

Course Schedule

DATES
LOCATION
START
END
STATUS
04/05/24 April 5, 2024
Virtual
9:00 am
4:30 pm
Register
05/10/24 May 10, 2024
Virtual
9:00 am
4:30 pm
Register
06/13/24 June 13, 2024
Virtual
9:00 am
4:30 pm
Register
*Indicates a course that spans over multiple days.

**Indicates a course that is only a half day.