Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructor: Diane Spiegel

What you'll learn

Explain both the affordances and limitations associated with problem-solving and decision-making
Reflect on how mindset and personal bias influence your ability to solve problems and make decisions
Explain and discuss how organizational decisions or non-decisions impact personal development, team dynamics, and company-wide performance
Articulate how both good and bad team decisions can benefit your professional growth

Skills you'll gain

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

Problem-solving and effective decision-making are essential skills in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. Both require a systematic yet creative approach to address today’s business concerns. This course will teach an overarching process of how to identify problems to generate potential solutions and how to apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. Through this process, you will gain confidence in assessing problems accurately, selecting the appropriate decision-making approaches for the situation at hand, making team decisions, and measuring the success of the solution’s implementation. Using case studies and situations encountered by class members, you will explore proven, successful problem-solving and decision-making models and methods that can be readily transferred to workplace projects.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Identify key terms, styles, and approaches to effective problem-solving and decision-making 2. Explain both the affordances and limitations associated with problem-solving and decision-making 3. Reflect on how mindset and personal bias influence your ability to solve problems and make decisions 4. Explain and discuss how organizational decisions or non-decisions impact personal development, team dynamics, and company-wide performance 5. Articulate how both good and bad team decisions can benefit your professional growth

Problem-solving is an essential skill in today's fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. It requires a systematic approach that incorporates effective decision-making. Throughout this course, we will learn an overarching process of identifying problems to generate potential solutions, then apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. In this module, we will learn to identify problems by using a root cause approach as a foundational tool. Additionally, we will address problem parameters that often occur in business situations. Throughout this course, we will utilize a case scenario that will provide specific examples to illustrate the steps in the problem-solving and decision-making process.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

1 videoTotal 5 minutes

Accurately Identify the Problem5 minutesPreview module

7 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Problem Solving in Today’s Workplace5 minutes
Introduction: Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Process10 minutes
The Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Process5 minutes
Course Example: Hybrid Work Environment5 minutes
Parameters10 minutes
Identify the Problem15 minutes
Review: Identify the Problem5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 30 minutes

Benefits and Drawbacks of Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Process30 minutes

In the previous module, we learned how to identify the root cause of a problem. Now we will discuss how mindset and personal bias can potentially limit creativity in solving workplace challenges. We’ll review problem-solving styles and creativity enhancement approaches to generate a variety of unique solutions while addressing constraints and limited resources.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

1 videoTotal 4 minutes

Generate Multiple Solutions with Various Team Perspectives4 minutesPreview module

6 readingsTotal 80 minutes

Introduction5 minutes
Mindset & Personal Bias10 minutes
Problem Solving Styles20 minutes
Generate Solutions30 minutes
Generate Solutions: Hybrid Work Environment Example10 minutes
Review: Generate Solutions5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 30 minutes

Mindset & Personal Bias30 minutes

In the previous module, we learned how to generate a variety of creative solutions. Now we need to decide which solution is the best option. We will explore which decision-making styles lend themselves to best solve the problem given its affordances and limitations. Tips for making better decisions are outlined as well as hazards to avoid.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

1 videoTotal 3 minutes

Make the Decision3 minutesPreview module

5 readingsTotal 55 minutes

Introduction5 minutes
Decisions Making Styles10 minutes
Choose a Solution20 minutes
Make the Decision: Hybrid Work Environment Example10 minutes
Review: Make the Decision10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 Quiz30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 30 minutes

The Impact of Decisions30 minutes

In the previous module, we learned how to make the decision given the best information at hand. Once the decision is made, it’s time to implement and assess the chosen solution. As we get ready to implement, we are well-served to review situational variables as elements in the environment may have shifted during the decision-making process. We will also need to define the solution’s performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in order to later measure or assess the solution’s impact on the organization. Anecdotal data is equally valuable as it can share the emotional impact on employees.