Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

MB266

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We are continuously confronted with problems that require us to take decisions. Most decisions are reached without requiring any complex decision making process: We’re hungry? We decide to eat. Some problems are more complex, like deciding how to prioritize our work, or understanding why a process failed and deciding what to do about it; these require a rational approach to problem solving. Often, things get even more complicated, or our decisions could have an important impact on our lives, careers or the lives of those around us; that is where we must have the ability to think critically and make sure there is no flaw in our logic. At other times the problem is so unusual that it defies rational and critical thinking; these are the times where creative problem solving becomes an invaluable tool.

In this course we will cover all these important thinking approaches. After understanding the thinking mechanisms, we will provide you with methods and tools that you will practice during the sessions and that can help you at work or in life, and from the most mundane situations to the most diﬃcult or unusual ones.

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

Build and expand decision making, critical thinking and creative problem solving skills
Apply logical and creative approaches to solving problems and making decisions
Use traditional and creative tools for identifying causes and generating solutions
Employ creativity and lateral thinking as business tools
Analyze and solve actual problems facing them at work
Demonstrate and build credibility with upper management
Develop strategic approaches to problem solvingand decision making

Managers, supervisors and administrators who will benefit from better problem solving and decision making skills, and business professionals who want to take their critical thinking to the next level by using both their experience and intuition to make the right moves and decisions

Problem solving and decision making

Definition of ‘problem’
Definition of ‘problem solving’
Definition of ‘decision making’
Creative problem solving and decision making
The helicopter view
Problem diagnosis
Defining the opportunity or problem
The link between causes and symptoms
Problem deviation
The right decisions at the right time

The rational approach to problem solving (Kepner & Tregoe)

Defining the problem
Writing a problem statement
Techniques for recognizing problems
Six important questions to clear out
The rational approach
Kepner & Tregoe

Problem analysis supplementary tools

Root cause analysis
Creative problem solving and decision making
The five-why process
The cause and effect diagram
The fishbone diagram
Pareto analysis

Decision making supplementary tools

Effective decision making
Why-Why and how-how analysis
The how-how method
Choice making
The decision analysis worksheet
The Kepner & Tregoe method for analyzing alternatives
Use of the matrix
Effective decision making
The decision making matrix
Definition of ‘consensus’

Creativity and problem solving

The need for thinking skills
Mental structures of college students
Stages in problem solving and decision making
The human brain
Understanding the two hemispheres of the brain
Critical thinking
Lateral thinking
Mental blocks to creative thinking
Brainstorming
The six thinking hats

Presentation & Slides
Audio Visual Aids
Interactive Discussion
Participatory Exercise
Action Learning
Class Activities
Case Studies
Workshops
Simulation

Terms & Conditions

ACTrain reserves the right to alter the Course Schedule without Prior Notification, Fees Quoted are Subject to Terms & Conditions Outlined in ACTrain's Registration Policy