Applied Problem Solving and Decision Making Techniques: From Theory to Practical Use (SSK926)

DESCRIPTION

Decision-making is how we cope with our environment and the complexities that we face on an increasingly frequent basis. Having a process to work with can take the anxiety out of problem-solving and make decision-making easier and far more effective.
This interactive course will provide insights and techniques for making that process a far easier, far more positive experience. You will be introduced to world class academic models and learn how these can be used in everyday life to help you to become an inventive yet logical and decisive problem solver and decision maker. By the end of the course you will not only have a new-found confidence in your abilities, but also in being able to assist others avoid the all too familiar challenge of poor problem solving and decision making.

COURSE STRUCTURE:

4 modules of 4 hours each, delivered over 4 days

Course Level: Skill
Instructor: Tony Copeman

DESIGNED FOR YOU, IF YOU ARE...

• Someone who has to solve problems and make decisions with increasing regularity, complexity and consequences
• Feeling that if only you had a framework within to operate and a better range of tools available you would make better, more effective, more cost-effective decisions

Previous attendees have been department managers, directors, supervisors, project managers, engineers, team leaders, stakeholders and team members.

HOW WE BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE

The instructor is renowned for his style of blending theory with practice and ensuring that everyone takes a personal experience from the training. His ability to provide an engaging mixture of subject matter delivery, trainer and group led discussion, work groups and practical examples throughout the course ensures that every delegate has the chance to not only develop a thorough understanding of the topics but also to build their personal style within a structured framework. By the end of the course delegates often comment how the experience has left them feeling confident in their abilities and eager to bring about a change when they return to the work place.

THE BENEFITS FROM ATTENDING

By the end of the course, you will:

• Gain personal confidence and self-belief in your abilities to take on problems and decisions
• Become a better, more effective decision-maker
• Have a series of proven models as a framework for developing your own style as a high quality problem solver and decision maker
• Be able to rationalise thinking and decision making of others
• Avoid common decision-making traps
• Identify the right solution for the right problem

TOPICS

• A sink or swim dilemma
• Problem solving vs decision making
• What's the problem here?
  - Different types of decisions
  - Fact and information
  - Symptoms and causes etc.
• The theory of Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM)
• Individual vs group decision making
• Traps and options
• Selecting the right problem
• Problem solving process and where decision making fits
• Reason, ethics and emotion
• Styles
• Active listening
• Generating alternatives
• Assessing the alternatives
• Implementing and following up

Throughout the course, case studies and practical exercises are consistently used to demonstrate theories and models introduced. Tools (such as those below) are then used to develop delegate understanding and provide a wide range of frameworks to develop confidence and competence.

• SCAMPER
• Six Hats
• Brainstorming and brainwriting
• Ishikawa (Fishbone)
• Right brain, left brain
• Whole brain
• 5 why's