Structured Approach to Problem Solving

Structured Approach to Problem Solving

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Fractal Analytics

Sponsored by Louisiana Workforce Commission

7,241 already enrolled

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.7

(88 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

15 hours to complete

3 weeks at 5 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.7

(88 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

15 hours to complete

3 weeks at 5 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the lifecycle of DS project and role of structured thinking in DS project.
Define a problem statement using the SMART framework. Explain the activities, best practices, and pitfalls in the implementation phase.
Construct MECE issue tree to break-down business problems into parts. Create a problem statement worksheet to scope business problems.
Explain the role of human centered design during solutioning of business problems.

Details to know

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Assessments

12 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 3 modules in this course

This course is an introductory course that equips you with the concepts and tools of problem thinking. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the different stages of a data science project 2. Discuss some of the tools and techniques used in data science. 3. Apply structured thinking to solving problems and avoid the common traps while doing so 4. Apply human-centric design in problem-solving. This course also acts as the first stepping-stone for aspiring data scientists. This course is a part of the program titled Fractal Data Science Professional Certificate. This course is tailored for learners seeking to enhance their analytical and critical thinking abilities. Ideal for students, professionals, and anyone intrigued by systematic approaches, this course empowers you with the foundational skills needed to approach problems with clarity and confidence.

This module teaches you how to use structured thinking to solve problems at work and in everyday life. You will also learn about the different stages and roles in data science, as well as the tools used in data science.

What's included

15 videos8 readings5 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts

15 videosTotal 69 minutes

What Is Data Science?3 minutesPreview module
Course Introduction3 minutes
A day in the life of a Data Scientist2 minutes
Stages of a Data Science Project6 minutes
Roles in a Data Science Project5 minutes
Tools of the Trade5 minutes
Applications of Data Science4 minutes
Introduction to Structured Thinking5 minutes
Frameworks of Structured Thinking4 minutes
Structured Thinking and Problem Solving3 minutes
Structured Thinking in Solving Business Problems7 minutes
Framing the Problem Statement4 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Loop Trap3 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Complexity Trap4 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Obvious Trap3 minutes

8 readingsTotal 112 minutes

The Future of Data Science10 minutes
Course Syllabus10 minutes
Skills and Competencies for the Future Workforce30 minutes
The Global Problem Statement30 minutes
Disclaimer2 minutes
Story of a Data Scientist10 minutes
Solving Problems Like a Pro10 minutes
Tell us what you think!10 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 95 minutes

Introduction to Data Science15 minutes
Structured Thinking & Efficient Project Management 30 minutes
Structured Approach - An Introduction10 minutes
Problem Statements10 minutes
End of Module Graded Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Defining a Problem Statement60 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

Meet and Greet10 minutes
Collaboration & problem-solving. 10 minutes

This module teaches structured thinking for solving business problems and covers tools and frameworks used in the process. It also highlights common mistakes to avoid.

What's included

13 videos3 readings6 assignments2 discussion prompts

13 videosTotal 64 minutes

Defining a Problem Statement Worksheet (PSW)7 minutesPreview module
How the PSW Helps in Defining a Problem Statement6 minutes
Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive (MECE)4 minutes
What is an Issue Tree?6 minutes
Creating an Issue Tree4 minutes
Documenting the Implementation Phase7 minutes
The Adoption Plan3 minutes
Metrics for Evaluation-16 minutes
Metrics for Evaluation-21 minute
Creating User Research for Insights4 minutes
Common Design Pitfalls3 minutes
Common Strategic Pitfalls3 minutes
Phases of Testing a DS Project4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 22 minutes

Best Practices and Pitfalls of a PSW8 minutes
What is a Hypothesis Tree?8 minutes
Other Frameworks for Problem-Solving6 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 85 minutes

Solving Problems10 minutes
Frameworks of Problem Solving10 minutes
Finalizing Solutions10 minutes
Implementing a Solution - Getting ready10 minutes
End of Module Graded Quiz30 minutes
Creating a PSW15 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 25 minutes

AI and Automation 10 minutes
User Centricity in Design and Strategy15 minutes

Human-Centered Design is an approach that prioritizes the end-users' needs by understanding them and creating products that cater to their preferences and behaviors. The goal is to design products that are user-friendly, effective, and enjoyable to use. This module would help you understand why and how you should also keep your users/humans at the center of solving your business problems.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 56 minutes

Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Empathy8 minutesPreview module
What is HCD?4 minutes
The Discovery Phase4 minutes
The Solution Phase8 minutes
Fireside Chat with Biju Dominic26 minutes
Empathy in Design — Three Strategies to Build Empathy4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 38 minutes

Optional Reading - User Centered Design in a Product Development Lifecycle Process15 minutes
Empathy Map — Why and How8 minutes
Empathy Map, User Persona, and User Flow15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Keeping User at the Center180 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 90 minutes

Case Study: Traffic Signals — How to Design Better Traffic Signals for Colorblind Individuals (Especially Red and Green Colorblind Individuals)90 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Human-Centric Designs in Daily Life10 minutes

Instructors

Instructor ratings

4.8 (33 ratings)

Fractal Analytics

16 Courses63,068 learners

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Fractal Analytics

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4.7

88 reviews

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Reviewed on May 5, 2024

A decently informative course, though the guest videos were mostly pointless. The pace was good.

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2023

Very nice course, well structured. The concepts were explained in very simple language, such as the concept of Issue tree - breaking down of a complex problem into logical chunks was amazing.

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2024

Every aspiring data analyst should check out this course. Highly recommended. It gave answers to all my queries.

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