Course info

Importance of Problem Solving

• Problem-solving: importance, relevance to studies/work

• Identifying and defining problems (intro)

• Problem-solving heuristics

Characteristics, Attitudes and Environment Necessary for Effective Problem Solving

• Problem-solving approaches/attitudes

• Paradigms and pioneers

• Teamwork and individual achievement

• Belbin’s team roles

• Dealing with conflicts

Critical Thinking: Skills Necessary for Effective Problem Solving

• Problem-solving skills: Critical thinking

• Structured critical reasoning

• Questioning assumptions

• Socratic questioning

First Steps

• The problem-solving process: researching problems

• Visualizing information

• Fermi problems

• Fact vs. opinion

• Defining problems

• Problem definition techniques

Problem Definition

• Duncker diagrams

• Statement and restatement

• Kepner-Tregoe analysis

• Brainstorming potential causes

Generating Ideas

• Generating ideas

• Dealing with mental blocks

• Creativity, risk and failure

Generating Solutions

• Generating solutions

• Brainstorming and idea generation strategies

• Vertical and lateral thinking, random stimulation

• Design heuristics

• Analogical thinking

Deciding the Course of Action

• Decision-making: Appraisal and analysis

• Situation appraisal, prioritizing problems

• Decision analysis

• Potential problem analysis

• Discussion of final projects (case studies)

Implementing the Solution

• Making a case for change, pitching solutions and managing implementation processes

• Planning

• Critical path management

Evaluation

• Evaluating decisions, implementation and results

• Assessing solutions

• Ethical considerations