Problem Solving and Decision Making Course

Lesson 1 • Defining Problems and Challenges

Distinguishes problems from symptoms and opportunities. Establishes precise problem framing as the basis for all subsequent analysis in this course.

Lesson 2 • Types and Categories of Problems

Classifies problems by complexity, urgency, and structure. Enables learners to select appropriate tools based on problem type.

Lesson 3 • Core Problem-Solving Mindsets

Introduces growth mindset, curiosity, and intellectual humility as prerequisites for effective problem solving. Connects attitude to analytical performance.

Lesson 1 • Pareto Analysis and Data-Driven Diagnosis

Applies the 80/20 principle to focus effort on high-impact causes. Integrates quantitative data with qualitative findings for balanced diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • The Five Whys Technique

Teaches iterative questioning to trace surface issues to underlying causes. Demonstrates when the technique is sufficient and when deeper tools are needed.

Lesson 3 • Gathering and Validating Information

Covers data collection methods, source evaluation, and gap identification. Accurate information gathering underpins every root cause technique introduced in this chapter.

Lesson 4 • Documenting and Communicating Root Causes

Structures findings into clear problem statements and causal summaries. Ensures stakeholders align on diagnosis before solution generation begins.

Lesson 1 • Principles of Divergent Thinking

Explains the cognitive shift from analytical to generative thinking. Establishes why quantity and variety of ideas improve final solution quality.

Lesson 2 • Organizing and Clustering Ideas

Teaches affinity mapping and idea grouping to transition from divergent to convergent phases. Prepares idea sets for structured evaluation in the next chapter.

Lesson 3 • Lateral Thinking and Reframing

Introduces techniques for approaching problems from unexpected angles. Reframing challenges assumptions that limit conventional solution generation.

Lesson 4 • SCAMPER and Structured Creativity Tools

Applies the SCAMPER checklist to systematically modify existing ideas. Provides a repeatable structure for teams with limited creative confidence.

Lesson 1 • Group Decision-Making Techniques

Introduces consensus building, multi-voting, and nominal group technique. Addresses power dynamics and participation barriers in team decisions.

Lesson 2 • Intuitive and Naturalistic Decision Making

Examines how experienced professionals use pattern recognition under time pressure. Clarifies when intuition is reliable and when it requires analytical checks.

Lesson 3 • Rational and Analytical Decision Models

Covers weighted criteria matrices and cost-benefit analysis for objective comparison. Demonstrates how to quantify qualitative factors for rigorous evaluation.

Lesson 4 • The Decision-Making Process

Maps the full decision cycle from problem recognition to implementation. Establishes a shared vocabulary for all models introduced in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • Biases That Distort Decision Making

Covers sunk cost fallacy, overconfidence, and escalation of commitment. Links each bias to specific decision-making errors from the previous chapter.

Lesson 2 • Group Biases and Social Pressures

Analyzes groupthink, social proof, and authority bias in team settings. Provides facilitation techniques to surface dissenting views safely.

Lesson 3 • Debiasing Strategies and Practices

Introduces pre-mortems, structured dissent, and checklists as practical debiasing tools. Builds habits that reduce bias impact across all problem-solving stages.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Cognitive Bias

Defines cognitive bias and explains its neurological and evolutionary origins. Establishes why awareness alone is insufficient to eliminate bias.

Lesson 1 • Establishing Evaluation Criteria

Defines must-have and nice-to-have criteria before evaluating options. Prevents post-hoc rationalization by anchoring criteria to the original problem statement.

Lesson 2 • Trade-off Analysis and Compromise

Teaches structured trade-off methods when no solution meets all criteria. Develops skill in articulating and defending compromise decisions to stakeholders.

Lesson 3 • Risk Assessment in Solution Selection

Applies risk identification and likelihood-impact scoring to candidate solutions. Integrates risk tolerance into the final selection decision.

Lesson 4 • Finalizing and Documenting the Decision

Structures the decision record including rationale, rejected alternatives, and assumptions. Creates accountability and supports post-implementation review.

Lesson 1 • Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Plans

Introduces leading and lagging indicators for tracking implementation health. Builds adaptive capacity to revise plans without abandoning core objectives.

Lesson 2 • Managing Obstacles and Escalations

Provides frameworks for resolving blockers and deciding when to escalate. Prevents implementation stall caused by unresolved dependencies.

Lesson 3 • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Maps stakeholders by influence and interest, then tailors communication plans. Ensures alignment and reduces resistance during solution rollout.

Lesson 4 • Converting Decisions into Action Plans

Breaks solutions into tasks, owners, timelines, and success metrics. Establishes the link between decision quality and execution discipline.

Lesson 1 • Strategic Framing and SWOT Integration

Connects problem solving to organizational strategy using SWOT and PESTLE analysis. Ensures solutions align with long-term direction and external context.

Lesson 2 • Scenario Planning Under Uncertainty

Builds multiple plausible futures to stress-test decisions before commitment. Develops strategic flexibility and contingency thinking in learners.

Lesson 3 • Characteristics of Complex Problems

Defines complexity, ambiguity, and interdependence in organizational problems. Distinguishes complicated from complex to guide appropriate tool selection.

Lesson 4 • Building Organizational Problem-Solving Capacity

Translates individual skills into team and organizational capability through culture and process. Positions learners as champions of continuous improvement.