Description
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Many people lack the necessary skills to effectively solve problems and make decisions. Having a process in place can help with this.
Introduction
Learning Objectives
– Apply problem-solving steps and tools
– Analyze information to clearly describe problems
– Identify appropriate solutions
– Think creatively and be a contributing member of a problem-solving team
– Select the best approach for making decisions
– Create a plan for implementing, evaluating, and following up on decisions
– Avoid common decision-making mistakes
Outline
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Session One: Course Overview
- Learning Objectives
- Pre-Assignment
- Pre-Course Assessment
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Session Two: Definitions
- Defining Problem-Solving and Decision- Making
- Problem Identification
- Eight Essentials to Defining a Problem
- Problem-Solving in Action
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Session Three: Making Decisions
- Making Winning Decisions
- Three Types of Decisions
- Advice from an Expert
- Facts vs. Information
- Eight Ingredients for Good Decision- Making
- Decision-Making Traps
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Session Four: Getting Real
- Pre-Assignment Review
- Case Study
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Session Five: The Problem-Solving Model
- Model Overview
- The Problem-Solving Model
- Another Perspective
- Keeping an Open Mind
- Solving Problems the “Right” Way
- Real Problems
- Making Connections
- Phase One
- Phase Two
- Phase Three
- Solution Planning Worksheet
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Session Six: Case Study
- The Truck Case Study
- Making Connections
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7. Session Seven: The Problem-Solving Toolkit
- The Basic Tools
- Legitimizing Problems and Positions
- The Fishbone
- Degrees of Support
- Creative Thinking Methods: Brainstorming
- Limitations of Brainstorming
- Brainwriting
- Mind-Mapping
- Brainstorming and Brainwriting
- More Methods
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Session Eight: Aspirinia
- Decision Information
- Individual Action Steps
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Session Nine: Swotting Up
- SWOT Analysis
- SWOT Matrix
- SWOT Checklist
- Individual Analysis
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Session Ten: Making Good Group Decisions
- Working Toward the Decision
- Avoiding Fatal Mistakes
- New, Appeal and Feasibility (NAF)
- Technique
- Visualization
- Benefits Possibilities Concerns (BPC)
- Technique
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Session Eleven: Analyzing and Selecting Solutions
- Selecting Criteria
- Creating a Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Making Connections
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Session Twelve: Planning and Organizing
- Introduction
- Follow-Up Analysis
- Evaluate
- Adapt, Close, and Celebrate
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13. Personal Action Plan
- Starting Point
- Where I Want to Go
- How I Will Get There
