COURSE OVERVIEW:

Problem solving is all about using logic, as well as imagination, to make sense of a situation and come up with an intelligent solution. In fact, the best problem solvers actively anticipate potential future problems and act to prevent them or to mitigate their effects.

Having good, strong problem solving skills can make a huge difference to your career.

Problems are at the centre of what many people do at work every day. Whether you're solving a problem for a client (internal or external), supporting those who are solving problems, or discovering new problems to solve, the problems you face can be large or small, simple or complex, and easy or difficult.

So, being a confident problem solver is really important to your success. Much of that confidence comes from having a good process to use when approaching a problem. With one, you can solve problems quickly and effectively. Without one, your solutions may be ineffective, or you'll get stuck and do nothing, with sometimes painful consequences.

Furthermore, everybody can benefit from having good problem solving skills as we all encounter problems on a daily basis. Some of these problems are obviously more severe or complex than others.

It would be wonderful to have the ability to solve all problems efficiently and in a timely fashion without difficulty, unfortunately though there is no one way in which all problems can be solved.

However well prepared we are for problem solving, there is always an element of the unknown. Although planning and structuring will help make the problem solving process more likely to be successful, good judgement and an element of good luck will ultimately determine whether problem solving was a success.

If you understand how your mind is working when you solve problems, you will be able to improve the way you do it. This course will help you to do that. It provides practical advice on how to: recognise and overcome some common hindrances to problem solving; use specific techniques to help with different types of problem; generate a wider range of possible solutions; evaluate different solutions to identify the best solution; ensure that solutions are implemented properly.

The first part of this course discusses how to see problems clearly. Then explains how to define problems. Also, examines how to understand a problem. Then explains how to devise solutions. The second part shows how to work together with your team to find solutions. Then discusses how to choose the best solution. Also, explains how to get a solution accepted. Finally, explores the ways to implement a solution.

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.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

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”.