TMY-SS10: Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills

Module 1: Analytical and Creative Thinking

• Convergence of analytical thinking
• Divergence of creative thinking
• Creative thinking to solve problems

Module 2: To Avoid the 6 Common pitfalls in problem solving

• Define the problem statement first
• Use experience from past efforts
• What is the real question?
• Ask focusing questions
• Understand cause and effect
• Evaluate consequences

Module 3: A 5-Step Methodology To Develop Solutions for Problems

• Identify the root cause of a problem
• Form a hypothesis
• How to gather facts
• Analyse facts to form conclusions
• Develop solutions

Module 4: Identify the Root Cause of the Problem and Develop Solutions
Identify the root cause of the problem

• 5 whys
• Process mapping etc
• How to use WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN,WHY and HOW
• The 7 elements in developing the problem statement

Form a hypothesis

• Form a hypothesis that will be either supported or rejected by facts gathered

How to gather facts

• Identify data needs
• Qualitative and Quantitative Data collection techniques

Analyse facts to form conclusions

• Techniques
• SWOT
• Benchmarks
• Cost benefit etc
• Form conclusions based on facts

Develop solutions

• Use the experience gained from previous efforts to solve this problem
• SCAMPER
• Brainstorm / Crawford Slip for ideas and Affinity Diagram to group ideas generated
• Six Thinking Hats for divergent and convergent thinking
• Be creative (more in Module 5)
• Factors that must be included in solution
• Risks
• Cost / Benefit analysis
• Timeline
• The methodology consultants use to get solutions that are based on facts

Module 5: Creativity re-ignited

• The most important creative skill (Harvard research on 3,000 executives over 6 years)
• Examples of iconic innovative products that took significant market share
• The second most important creative skill
• Examples of 2 products that grabbed significant market share, including a product that sold for 80 million British pounds in a few years
• Creativity stimulation
• Lots of activities for you to practice your creative skills

Module 6: Decision Making

• Consequences
• Will this solution cause problems elsewhere when implemented?
• Decision making models
• Decision matrix
• Pareto analysis
• Decision making strategies
• Maximax
• Minimax
• Maximin
• Group decision making
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Ethics check
• Self-discovery – what is your decision making style?
• How it affects the amount of data collected and
• How it affects others in your decision making team
• The main points of each decision making style
• Decide on the “best” recommendation