Problem Solving and Decision Making "Think Outside the Box

Course details

In this course, participants will learn skills to define problems, gather information, and think creatively in order to develop alternative ways of solving a particular problem. They will also learn how to make and implement the best decision.

Course Objectives:

• Identify creative problem solving process
• Apply creative problem solving tools and techniques
• Collect and analyze data to understand the problem and generate solutions
• Assess the chosen solutions

Course Outline:

Module 1: Creative Problem Solving

• Definition of creative problem solving
• Different types of thinking
• Six thinking hats
• Barriers that get in our way
• Mental blocks
• The creative problem solving process
• The definition of a solution
• Effective problem solving
• Ten golden rules of creative thinking

Module 2: Creative Problem Solving Tools and Techniques

• Creative problem solving (CPS) techniques
• Brainstorming and lateral thinking
• Multi voting
• Mind mapping
• Fishbone (Ishikawa cause and effect) diagrams
• 5 Whys technique

Module 3: Information Collection, Generating Solutions and Decision Making

• What is a Decision?
• Structured decision-making
• Information collection
• Decision making techniques
• SWOT analysis
• Flowcharts
• Decision making matrix
• Decision making levels
• Why people have difficulty making decisions
• Advice to managers
• Stating the objectives – SMART objectives
• Planning the implementation of the solution
• Implementing the solution
• Gantt charts
• Communicating the decision
• Review and evaluate the solution

Module 4: Implement, Review and Evaluate the Solution

Assessment Strategy:

Participants will be informally assessed on their interaction during sessions and their participation in exercises.