Introduction

In a rapidly changing business environment, effective problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential for leaders and professionals at all levels. This course is designed to provide participants with a structured approach to identifying problems, analyzing options, and making informed decisions. Participants will explore various problem-solving methodologies, decision-making frameworks, and critical thinking techniques. Through interactive workshops and real-world case studies, this training aims to empower participants to tackle challenges creatively and effectively.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and define problems clearly and accurately.
2. Utilize critical thinking techniques to analyze complex situations.
3. Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., PDCA, 5 Whys, Root Cause Analysis).
4. Evaluate decision-making options using relevant criteria and tools.
5. Implement strategies for making effective decisions under uncertainty.
6. Foster a collaborative environment for problem-solving within teams.
7. Develop action plans to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of decisions.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Managers and team leaders involved in decision-making processes.
• Professionals seeking to enhance their problem-solving skills.
• Employees at all levels looking to improve their analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Anyone interested in developing a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Day 1: Understanding Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

• Topics Covered:
  • The Importance of Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
  • Common Types of Problems in Organizations
  • Overview of the Decision-Making Process
• Activities:
  • Group discussions on personal experiences with problem-solving challenges.
  • Case study analysis of decision-making successes and failures.

Day 2: Identifying and Defining Problems

• Topics Covered:
  • Techniques for Identifying Problems (e.g., SWOT Analysis, Fishbone Diagram)
  • Defining Problems Clearly and Accurately
  • Gathering and Analyzing Relevant Data
• Activities:
  • Workshops on using problem-identification tools.
  • Group activities to practice defining real-world problems.

Day 3: Structured Problem-Solving Methodologies

• Topics Covered:
  • Overview of Problem-Solving Methodologies (e.g., PDCA, 5 Whys, A3 Problem Solving)
  • Root Cause Analysis Techniques
  • Creative Problem-Solving Approaches (e.g., Brainstorming, Mind Mapping)
• Activities:
  • Hands-on exercises applying different problem-solving methodologies.
  • Group brainstorming sessions to generate innovative solutions.

Day 4: Decision-Making Frameworks and Tools

• Topics Covered:
  • Decision-Making Frameworks (e.g., Rational Decision-Making Model, Vroom-Yetton Model)
  • Evaluating Alternatives and Making Trade-offs
  • Techniques for Making Decisions Under Uncertainty
• Activities:
  • Case studies to apply decision-making frameworks.
  • Group discussions on decision-making challenges in real scenarios.

Day 5: Implementing Solutions and Evaluating Outcomes

• Topics Covered:
  • Developing Action Plans for Implementing Solutions
  • Monitoring and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Decisions
  • Fostering a Collaborative Problem-Solving Culture in Teams
• Activities:
  • Development of individual action plans for solving a specific problem.
  • Presentations of group findings and feedback sessions.