Introduction
We are continuously confronted with problems that require us to make decisions. Most decisions are reached without requiring any complex decision-making process: We’re hungry? We decide to eat. Some problems are more complex, like deciding how to prioritize our work, or understanding why a process failed and deciding what to do about it; these require a rational approach to problem-solving. Often, things get even more complicated, or our decisions could have an important impact on our lives, careers or the lives of those around us; that is where we must have the ability to think critically and make sure there is no flaw in our logic. At other times the problem is so unusual that it defies rational and critical thinking; these are the times where creative problem solving becomes an invaluable tool.
In this course, we will cover all these important thinking approaches. After understanding the thinking mechanisms, we will provide you with methods and tools that you will practice during the sessions and that can help you at work or in life, and from the most mundane situations to the most difficult or unusual ones.
Course Objectives:
- Build and expand decision making, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills
- Apply logical and creative approaches to solving problems and making decisions
- Use traditional and creative tools for identifying causes and generating solutions
- Employ creativity and lateral thinking as business tools
- Analyze and solve actual problems facing them at work
- Demonstrate and build credibility with upper management
- Develop strategic approaches to problem-solving and decision making
Target Audience
Business professionals who want to take their critical thinking to the next level by using both their experience and intuition to make the right moves and decisions, and Managers, supervisors, and administrators who will benefit from better problem solving and decision-making skills.
Target Competencies:
- Evaluating options
- Problem-solving ability and anticipating potential problems
- Attention to details
- Situation analysis
- Balanced decision making
- Practical and proactive thinking
- Creativity
- Intuitive decision making
Course Outlines
Day (1) Problem-solving and decision making
- Definition of ‘problem’
- Definition of ‘problem-solving’
- Definition of ‘decision making’
- Creative problem solving and decision making
- The helicopter view
- Problem diagnosis
- Defining the opportunity or problem
- The link between causes and symptoms
- Problem deviation
- The right decisions at the right time
Day (2) The rational approach to problem-solving (Kepner & Tregoe)
- Defining the problem
- Writing a problem statement
- Techniques for recognizing problems
- Six important questions to clear out
- The rational approach
- Kepner & Tregoe
Day (3) Problem analysis supplementary tools
- Root cause analysis
- Creative problem solving and decision making
- The five-why process
- The cause and effect diagram
- The fishbone diagram
- Pareto analysis
Day (4) Decision making supplementary tools
- Effective decision making
- Why-Why and how-how analysis
- The how-how method
- Choice making
- The decision analysis worksheet
- The Kepner & Tregoe method for analyzing alternatives
- Use of the matrix
- Effective decision making
- The decision-making matrix
- Definition of ‘consensus’
Day (5) Creativity and problem-solving
- The need for thinking skills
- Mental structures of college students
- Stages in problem-solving and decision making
- The human brain
- Understanding the two hemispheres of the brain
- Critical thinking
- Lateral thinking
- Mental blocks to creative thinking
- Brainstorming
- The six thinking hats
About Rome
As cosmopolitan and diverse as it is rooted in its own history, Rome is one of the premier tourist destinations in the world. Featuring some of the best restaurants on the continent, some of the most iconic historic sites in Europe, the city is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and dynamic places to visit anywhere. The center of the Renaissance, the city houses some of the most famous works of art in the world and remains an important cultural hub to this day. Famous for art, fashion, it's delicious local cuisine, and superbly preserved monuments, Rome truly offers something for everyone.
Things to do and places to visit in Rome
When disembarking, the first thing that can prove pleasantly challenging is deciding on what to do first! An exceptional array of hotels and inns are available to any weary traveler, as are a superb range of restaurants for those wanting to relax surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Rome in the evening. You can spend the day walking streets steeped in history, visiting galleries that contain works by Caravaggio and Michelangelo or exploring the awe-inspiring Colosseum. The city contains many beautifully maintained parks and gardens, as well as a vast collection of beautiful churches and cathedrals, ensuring that a trip to Rome will be a memorable experience for anyone.
Things to do when taking flights to Rome include:
- Standing inside the magnificent Colosseum.
- Gazing in awe at the stunning Castel Sant'Angelo.
- Visiting the incredible Pantheon, one of the best-maintained buildings from the Roman era.
- Stopping at the center of the Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
- Walking the beautiful gardens of Villa Borghese.
- Admiring the vast, intricately carved Column of Marcus Aurelius.
- Wandering the Forum Romanum, ruins from the Ancient Roman period.
- Exploring some of the greatest art collections in Europe.
- Crossing the river on the remarkably-constructed Bridge of Angels.
- Sampling the world famous local cuisine.