Length
1-2 days
Overview
Problem solving and decision making are critical skills to working professionals, yet most people learn these skills through trial and error and receive minimal formal training in these disciplines. Cognitive science has made great strides during the past two decades toward better understanding how humans solve problems and make decisions. Modern tactics and skills can build upon prior experience and improve both individual and team performance.
Problem Solving and Decision Making is a one-day (7 hour) workshop providing participants tools and tactics for working with real world problems in a professional environment. It provides analytical tools for problem identification and definition, evaluation of possible solutions, and solution selection, so that participants can bring better value to their organizations and customers.
The workshop is highly interactive, combining demonstrations and brief discussions of key learning points with individual and group “hands on” problem-solving exercises to reinforce learning and build confidence.
Objectives
The workshop is a mix of individual and group exercises that provide participants with both problem-solving and decision-making experiences. Participants apply the processes and tools presented by working on real-world and case-study problems throughout class. At the conclusion of the workshop participants will be able to:
Course Outline
Summary
Participants will practice the problem-solving process by working on actual problems in the course. The focus in the course is on group problem solving and decision-making, but participants will be able to apply the same processes and tools to individual problems and decisions.
Instructor was excellent. He presented a higher level of problem solving and provided a variety of approaches from which I can choose, depending on my specific need.
– SRI International, Contracts Manager
Instructor was knowledgeable, patient and effective in decribing concepts and ideas.– Qualcomm, Staff Engineer
Key Topics
Introduction: What is problem solving and decision-making
The Five-Step Problem Solving Process
1. Define and Analyze the Problem
2. Determine the Causes of the Problem
3. Generate Alternative Solutions
4. Select the Solution—Make a Decision!
5. Implement the Solution
Summary
Participants will practice the problem-solving process by working on actual problems in the course. The focus in the course is on group problem solving and decision-making, but participants will be able to apply the same processes and tools to individual problems and decisions.
Key Topics
Introduction: What is problem solving and decision-making
The Five-Step Problem Solving Process
1. Define and Analyze the Problem
2. Determine the Causes of the Problem
3. Generate Alternative Solutions
4. Select the Solution—Make a Decision!
5. Implement the Solution
Summary
Participants will practice the problem-solving process by working on actual problems in the course. The focus in the course is on group problem solving and decision-making, but participants will be able to apply the same processes and tools to individual problems and decisions.
Key Topics
Introduction: What is problem solving and decision-making
The Five-Step Problem Solving Process
1. Define and Analyze the Problem
2. Determine the Causes of the Problem
3. Generate Alternative Solutions
4. Select the Solution—Make a Decision!
5. Implement the Solution
Summary
Participants will practice the problem-solving process by working on actual problems in the course. The focus in the course is on group problem solving and decision-making, but participants will be able to apply the same processes and tools to individual problems and decisions.