The Whole Thing reserves the right to alter dates, content, venue and the trainer for each course with reasonable notice.

CERTIFICATION

This course is CPD Certified with each day equivalent to 6.5 hours of CPD

Problem Solving Skills through Effective Problem Analysis Practice for Best Decision Making and Great Business Results

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Managers at all levels and top talent in the organization that want to learn (or relearn) and improve their problem solving competency so that they can get the very best results from their leadership, teams and colleagues in pursuit of the organization’s goals.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Problem solving through effective problem analysis practice is an essential management skill, vital in basic planning and required for best decision making and great results. If you problem solve effectively then you can plan effectively which will significantly reduce the time, effort and expense required to achieve your goal. A plan is like a roadmap and so if formulated properly you can always see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far you are from your destination. Knowing where you are is essential for making good decisions on where to go or what to do next. Problem solving through effective situation analysis practice is an ongoing process and the foundation of good personal and business practice at every level. Mastery of the problem solving process is vital for effective leader and leadership and driving personal and business growth.

Problem Solving Skills is a proven approach to problem solving that covers all fundamentals of the diagnostic and formulation stages of planning, determining decision making, goal setting theory and implementation as our experience tells us that this is where most problem solving solutions fail no matter how good your problem solving skills are. The program takes a holistic view of problem solving at the functional level and introduces the delegate to the knowledge; skills and attitude required for creative problem in a broad and general context for wide and varied application to effectively and confidently plan for effective direction, efficiency and great results.

The program is well researched, knowledge-based and designed with the individual learner at the centre of the learning process which means that the course is extremely interactive and practical.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course delegates will be able to:

✓ Determine problem solving, situation analysis and problem analysis

✓ Determine goal setting and decision making theory

✓ Determine the tools and techniques that provide solutions to problems

✓ Practice new knowledge learnt before returning to work

✓ Produce drive to self-develop in problem solving

✓ Produce positive impact on the overall performance of each delegate and the organization

COURSE CONTENT

DAY 1 • PROBLEM SOLVING FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding Problem Solving

• What is Problem Solving?
• The Benefits of Problem Solving
• Problem Solving in Business
  • Strategy Hierarchy
  • Function Level Activity
    • Creating Strategic Value
  • Problem Solving and Planning

Understanding the Problem Solving Process

• Accepting the Problem
• 6- Step Model of Problem Solving
  • Identify and Define the Problem (What is the Problem?)
  • Analyze the Problem (Problem Analysis)
  • Identify Possible Solutions (Idea Generation)
  • Selects and Plan the Solution (Formulation)
  • Implement the Solution (Implementation)
  • Evaluate the Solution (Review)

What is the Problem?

• Understanding Your Situation
• Understanding What You Are Aiming At
  • Linking Strategic Objectives to Key Activities
    • Impact Mapping
  • Defining the Problem

Problem Analysis

• SWOT Analysis
• Six Thinking Hats
• Porter’s 5 Forces Model
• Force Field Analysis
• Wishbone Analysis
• Stakeholder Analysis

Additional Considerations Prior to Idea Generation

• Resource Allocation
• Risk
• Contingency

Idea Generation

• Brainstorming
• Mind Mapping
• Creative Thinking

DAY 2 • PROBLEM SOLVING FORMULATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW

Evaluating Options

• The Uncertainty-Importance Grid
• Strategic Option Grid
• Stakeholder Acceptability

Decision Making

• What is Decision Making?
• Problem Analysis versus Decision Making
• Tools & Techniques That Help Your Decision Making
  • Pros & Cons
  • Prioritization
  • Satisficing
• Common But Invisible Decision Making Traps
• Decision Making Paradox
• Decision Making Performance Review

Goal Setting

• What is a Goal?
• The Effect of Goal Setting on Individual Performance
  • Goal Commitment
  • Goal Feedback
  • Task Complexity
  • Involvement and Accountability
• Setting SMARTER Goals
• Stretched Goals
• Measures For Your Goals

Developing Control

• What is Management Control?
• Overcoming Problems with Control
• Your Evaluation Strategy

Pre-Implementation Planning

• Critical Pre-Implementation Steps for Success
• Key Insights to Assist Your Pre- Implementation Planning
• Managing Change
  • Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model
• Build on Change

Key Learning Review

• Group discussion and professional feedback to consolidate key learning. Delegates will leave the day with a list of development activities to improve their problem solving competency back at work.

IN ADVANCE

Each delegate will be asked to complete a pre-course questionnaire to determine their individual learning objectives. These will be used by the trainer to give on track training that is focused on the individual learner attending.

ON-TRACK FOR GROWTH

The individual leaves this program with a Personal Action Plan to encourage immediate transfer of training to the job.

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE

To register for this course please review the grey box above. If no public course is listed or the location and dates shown don’t suit you then please request a proposal for this course either as a public training course or if you have 6 delegates or more as an in-company training course by clicking on Request a Proposal.