Course FAQ

 

What about this course?

Decision making and problem solving are continuously a part of our daily lives. But, despite all the natural decision making that goes on, some people are very uncomfortable with having to make decisions. 

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This two-day workshop is all about finding creative solutions for easier problem solving. The key to problem solving rests in our ability to identify options, research them, and then put things together in a way that works. Having a process to work through can take the anxiety out of problem solving and make decisions easier.

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What are the outcomes of this course?

This two-day workshop will teach participants how to:

• 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

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Course overview structure and key elements of the day

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1.  Arrival

You will spend the first part of the day getting to know fellow participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.

 

2. Understanding Decision Making and Problem Solving

To begin, participants will explore what problem solving and decision-making means. They will also learn the eight essentials to defining a problem and apply these concepts to a simple case study.

 

3.  Types of Decisions

Next, participants will learn about different types of decisions, the difference between facts and information, and common decision making traps.

 

4.  Pre-assignment Task

Next, participants will review their pre-assignment. This will help them evaluate how they currently solve problems.

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5.  The Problem Solving Model

During this session, participants will learn about a three-phase model that they can apply to most problems. They will also have an opportunity to apply the model to two case studies.

 

6.  The Problem Solving Toolkit

This session will look at seven basic problem-solving tools and two advanced tools (the degrees of support and fishbone analysis). Creative thinking methods, including brainstorming and brainwriting, will also be discussed.

 

7.  Case Study & Swot Analysis​

Next, participants will work through a case study that will help them internalize and apply the concepts learned so far. This session will also show participants how to use SWOT analysis in their organization.

 

8.  Team Problem Solving​

Next, participants will learn about some things that are essential for team problem solving. Other decision-making tools are also covered in the supplemental information.

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9.  Analyzing and Selecting Solutions​

This session will look at the second phase of the problem-solving model: making a decision.

 

10.  Planning and Organizing​

To wrap the course up, participants will learn how to complete the third phase of the problem-solving model. Topics will include planning and organizing a solution, completing a follow-up analysis, evaluating results, adapting with change, and celebrating success.

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11.  Workshop Wrap-Up​​

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and fill out an action plan.