Mastering Problem Solving

Written By Michael Parent

The Fundamentals of Problem Solving Course is an industry leading course that takes students through the principals and applications of problem solving - what it is and how to do it. Starting with the basics, students will learn what problem solving is and why it is necessarily a multi-disciplinary endeavor.  Next, students will learn some of the most important and high-impact strategies for becoming effective problem solvers. Students will be able to apply these strategies to their work immediately. This course doesn't just focus on what should be done as part of the problem solving process, but also why these steps are important and how the impact of the solution is affected by each of the problem solving process's steps.

Throughout this course students will be taken through in-depth discussions on the tools and techniques that are most conducive to creating solutions to problems that are impactful and sustainable.   Additionally, this course includes several real-world examples, and videos where students can see for themselves how the problem solving process benefits organizations. And finally, this course goes beyond mere applications in manufacturing and provides specific examples for healthcare applications, admin and office applications, and more. The Fundamentals of Problem Solving Course is all you need to become a problem solving expert today.

Topics Covered In This Course:

  • What is Problem Solving

  • Defining the problem

  • Problem Statements

  • Factors-Based Thinking

  • Process Mapping

  • Pros and Cons of Prevention Strategies

  • Pros and Cons of Reaction Strategies

  • Root Cause Analysis

  • Five Why (5Why) Analysis

  • The Brainstorming Process

  • Affinity Diagrams

  • Fishbone Diagrams

  • Implementation Strategies

  • Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) Framework

  • Standardization Strategies

  • The Role of Technology in Solutions

  • The Goodness of Solutions Framework

  • Error Proofing

This Workshop Will:

  • Provide attendees with tools, techniques, and frameworks to make better decisions and solve-problems with greater speed, effectiveness and confidence.

  • Apply the concepts to various real world problems, contexts and challenges.

  • Discuss the role and use of technology in problem solving.

  • Present mental models and frameworks to make attendees more collaborative and effective teammates, facilitators, managers and leaders.

After This Workshop Attendees Will:

  • Be more effective, efficient and confident in solving problems.

  • Be equipped with several analytical and creative problem solving tools.

  • Understand different problem solving strategies and tools and how to apply them to real world scenarios.

  • Possess tools that allow them to create better solutions to the problems and challenges they face everyday.

  • Have a greater vocabulary to communicate, discuss and explain problem solving concepts and challenges to their collogues.

  • Understand how to use technology to solve problems, drive solutions, and make a bigger impact.

This course is hosted on Udemy.com and is asynchronous (go at your own pace).

Michael Parent

Michael Parent is CEO of the Problem Solving Academy and author of “The Lean Innovation Cycle” a book that explores the intersection of Problem Solving, Lean and Human Centered Design. Throughout his career, Michael has coached executives through strategic problem solving, strategy, and operations management and has led numerous projects in a variety of industries.

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