Introduction

Effective problem solving in management is a critical discipline that blends analytical rigor, structured methodologies, and adaptive leadership behaviours to convert operational challenges into sustainable performance improvements. In today’s complex and high-stakes organizational environments, managers must not only react to issues but also anticipate potential failures, mitigate risks, and cultivate a culture of proactive improvement.

This advanced program equips participants with strategic and technical competencies required for modern managerial problem solving. Using tools from Lean, Six Sigma, systems thinking, and organizational psychology, the course develops a comprehensive approach to diagnosing issues, eliminating root causes, and implementing solutions that endure. Participants will work with data-driven techniques—including Pareto analysis, hypothesis testing, and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)—to validate decisions and support organizational excellence.

By the end of the training, attendees will have mastered the ability to frame problems accurately, develop evidence-based solutions, implement effective controls, and drive continuous improvement aligned with corporate goals and performance indicators.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
• Accurately define and frame complex managerial and operational problems.
• Apply structured methodologies such as PDCA, DMAIC, and A3 thinking.
• Utilize data analytics and root cause analysis tools to identify underlying issues.
• Develop corrective and preventive actions aligned with organizational strategy.
• Strengthen decision-making under uncertainty through evidence-based methods.
• Design sustainable solutions incorporating risk management and change management.
• Enhance leadership capability in facilitating cross-functional problem-solving teams.

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:
• Managers, supervisors, and team leaders responsible for performance improvement.
• Process engineers, quality assurance specialists, and continuous improvement professionals.
• R&D personnel seeking structured analytical and problem-solving methodologies.
• Project managers overseeing cross-functional or complex operational challenges.
• Strategic planners and decision-makers committed to organizational excellence.

Course Delivery Method

• Instructor-led lectures supported by industry case studies.
• Interactive group exercises simulating real-world challenges.
• Workshops applying RCA tools such as Fishbone, 5 Whys, and Fault Tree Analysis.
• Data-driven analysis sessions using practical statistical approaches.
• Facilitated cross-functional discussions and collaborative learning.
• Practical problem-solving assignments and scenario-based activities.

Course Outline

Day 1 – Foundations of Problem Solving and Systems Thinking

Morning Session

• Overview of managerial problem-solving principles.
• Distinguishing problems from symptoms with strategic alignment.
• Classification of problems: strategic, tactical, operational.
• Introduction to systems thinking and interdependency mapping.
• Tools: SIPOC, Process Flowcharts, System Mapping.

Afternoon Session

• Workshop: Scoping and defining organizational problems.
• Stakeholder identification and impact analysis.
• Team roles, communication, and collaboration dynamics.
• Deliverable: Drafted problem statement with defined scope and boundaries.

Day 2 – Analytical Tools and Root Cause Identification

Morning Session

• Data-driven problem solving and data integrity fundamentals.
• Visualization tools: Pareto, Scatter, Histogram.
• Understanding correlation vs. causation in analysis.
• Measurement System Analysis (MSA) and bias reduction techniques.

Afternoon Session

• Root Cause Analysis methods: 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, FTA.
• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Workshop: Applying RCA to operational scenarios.
• Deliverable: Verified root causes and impact assessment.

Day 3 – Solution Development and Decision-Making Models

Morning Session

• Solution ideation: Brainstorming, TRIZ, and creative techniques.
• Evaluating solutions: cost–benefit, feasibility, and risk considerations.
• Decision-making models: SWOT, Pugh Matrix, Decision Trees.

Afternoon Session

• Workshop: Selecting optimal solutions using structured analysis.
• Developing CAPA (Corrective & Preventive Action) plans.
• Understanding change readiness and resistance factors.
• Deliverable: Solution implementation roadmap.

Day 4 – Implementation and Risk Management

Morning Session

• Building implementation plans: timelines, resources, KPIs.
• Risk analysis: qualitative and quantitative techniques (Risk Matrix, FTA).
• Aligning solutions with corporate strategy and compliance frameworks.

Afternoon Session

• Workshop: Designing robust implementation and monitoring frameworks.
• Tracking mechanisms: Gantt charts, dashboards, control charts.
• Deliverable: Risk-informed implementation plan.

Day 5 – Evaluation, Control, Continuous Improvement & Certification

Morning Session

• Sustaining solutions using PDCA and DMAIC Control Phase.
• Auditing, verification, and validation of corrective actions.
• Creating effective dashboards and control plans.

Afternoon Session

• Workshop: Evaluation, reporting, and Lessons Learned documentation.
• Knowledge management and best-practice transfer.
• Deliverable: Comprehensive project report and final presentation.

Certification