Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making

This highly interactive workshop introduces a variety of creative problem solving and decision making tools and techniques. Participants will learn to analyze problems, generate creative solutions, and decide which solution most closely matches their needs. In addition to the numerous activities and exercises throughout the training where participants get to practice the different tools and techniques learned, they will also apply the learning and their problem solving skills on an interesting case study that will take them back to the days of Ancient Egypt and building the great pyramids. 

DURATION: 2 Days, 14 PMI Professional Development Units, 14 IIBA Continuing Education Units 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: 

• Executives, Managers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Business SMEs, Technical Leads, Team Members 

OBJECTIVES: 

• Apply a four step process to systematically solve problems and decide on appropriate solutions. 
• Use methods and tools (systematic process and fishbone diagramming) to discover the underlying cause of a problem. 
• Use brainstorming, and several other creative thinking techniques to generate possible solutions to the problem. 
• Identify the best choice from various options. 
• Use the following decision making techniques: Pro/Con, Force Field Analysis, Decision Matrix, Feasibility/Capability Analysis, and Cost/Benefit Analysis. 
• Create an Action Plan to implement the appropriate solution. 

OUTLINE 

Step 1 : Define the problem 

• Find out your problem solving style (Self-assessment) 
• Systematic Problem Definition (6 Basic Questions) 
• Systematic Problem Definition (Grid) 
• Fish Bone Diagrams / Ishikawa/ Cause and Effect diagrams 

Step 2 : Find Creative Solutions using creativity tools 

• Brainstorming 
• Reverse Brainstorming 
• SCAMMPERR 
• Mind Mapping 
• De Bono’s 6 Thinking Hats 

Step 3 : Evaluate and Select solution 

• Pro’s and Con’s 
• Force field analysis 
• Decision Matrix 
• Cost/Benefit Analysis 
• Feasibility/Capability Analysis 

Step 4 : Implement solution and create an action plan 

• Create an action plan 
• Break solution into action steps 
• Prioritize actions and assign roles 
• Follow-up at milestones 

Competitive review game – An Exciting review challenge (Power Point Game) to end your training on a high note!