COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Effective Workplace Problem-Solving Strategies course. This program will equip you with the essential capabilities required to understand why problem solving is important, how to see problems clearly, and how to recognise issues before they escalate. You will examine the tools, approaches, and mental models that support effective problem solving, the difference between maintenance problems and achievement problems, and the foundational skills needed to handle complex workplace challenges with accuracy and confidence.
This course begins by exploring what you need to help you solve problems and how to recognise them in everyday work situations. You will examine the three groups of achievement problems, how to define problems clearly, and what to do when you encounter an obstacle. This section explains how to explore and analyse the problem, how problem-solving models help you work systematically, and how the force field analysis and its stages support thorough diagnosis. You will also examine the uses of mathematical models of problem solving and the characteristics of an effective solution.
The next area of learning focuses on devising solutions and generating ideas. You will explore the factors that influence the effectiveness of your solution, the sources of ideas for solving a problem, and techniques that support fluency and flexibility. This section explains how to carry out morphological analysis, how to work together in groups to find a solution, the importance of brainstorming, and its four basic rules that guide productive idea generation.
Another area of learning examines choosing the best solution. You will explore the six stages of the evaluation process, how to decide who to involve in the solution process, and how to define the ideal solution. This section explains the constraints involved in solving problems, how to eliminate unworkable solutions, how to evaluate viable options, how to assess risks associated with potential solutions, and how to commit to a solution confidently.
A further area of learning explores how to gain acceptance for your solution. You will examine how to get a solution accepted, the reasons for opposition, and how to prepare a clear and well-structured presentation. This section explains the steps that help you structure your talk, what to do if your solution is rejected, and how to respond constructively while maintaining professionalism and clarity.
The next area of learning focuses on implementing the solution. You will explore how to put your solution into practice, how to plan and prepare for implementation, and how to specify what must be done and the expected outcomes. This section explains how to monitor the plan effectively, how to review the outcome of implementation, and how to embed continuous improvement into future decision-making.
By the end of this course you will be able to recognise and define workplace problems clearly, analyse causes and contributing factors, apply problem-solving models, use force field and mathematical approaches, generate and evaluate ideas, conduct brainstorming effectively, eliminate unworkable options, assess risks, gain acceptance for your recommendations, structure persuasive presentations, implement solutions methodically, monitor progress, and review outcomes to strengthen future problem-solving performance.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand:
- Why is problem solving important?
- How to see problems clearly?
- What you need to help you solve problems?
- How to recognise problems?
- The three groups of achievement problems
- How to define problems?
- The difference between maintenance problems and achievement problems
- What to do when you encounter a problem?
- How to explore and analyse the problem?
- What problem solving models help you do?
- The stages of the force field analysis
- The mathematical models of problem solving
- What is an effective solution?
- How to devise solutions and create ideas?
- The factors that could influence the effectiveness of your solution
- The sources of ideas for solving a problem
- The techniques for fluency and flexibility
- How to carry out the morphological analysis?
- How to work together in groups to find a solution?
- The importance of brainstorming and its four basic rules
- How to choose the best solution?
- The six stages of the evaluation process
- How to decide who to involve in the solution process?
- How to define the ideal solution?
- The constraints involved in solving problems
- How to eliminate unworkable solutions?
- How to evaluate viable options?
- How to assess risks associated with solutions?
- How to commit to a solution?
- How to get a solution accepted?
- The reasons for solution opposition
- How to prepare a presentation for the solution?
- The steps that will help you structure your talk clearly, when presenting
- What to do if your solution is rejected?
- How to implement a solution?
- How to plan and prepare for solution implementation?
- How to specify what must be done and the expected outcome?
- How to monitor the plan?
- How to review the outcome of solution implementation?
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.