Be able to recognise and define problems, understand problem solving techniques and formulate effective solutions.

Open participant course: £195 per person - maximum 10 people

Closed company course: £1,000 per course - maximum 10 people

Those who need to develop a robust and transparent approach to resolving problems. Students will gain the confidence to deal with problems rather than ignore them or resolve them with ‘quick fixes’. The course focuses on the tools and techniques used to identify priorities to work on, and generate effective solutions that prevent issues recurring.

Students will be able to identify the root cause of problems, source and collate information related to the problem and generate solutions to problems. They will be able to evaluate and implement possible solutions, prioritise issues and utilise proven practical tools to support problem solving in the workplace.  

Module One - Introduction:

• Why people fail to solve problems
• Skills involved in solving problems
• Sources of problems

Module Two - Recognition and Definition:

• How to recognise and define problems
• The importance of a process
• The stages of problem solving and decision making
• Defining causes not symptoms

Module Three - Sourcing and Validating Information:

• Identifying relevant information
• Collecting and recording information
• Validating sources
• Analysing and interpreting information

Module Four - Problem Solving Techniques:

• SWOT analysis
• Using the fishbone model
• Using information to form solutions

Module Five - Developing Solutions:

• Adapting the mind-set – changing gear
• Past solutions
• Applying Napoleon techniques
• Organised random search
• The SCAMPER approach:
  • Substitute
  • Combine
  • Adapt
  • Modify
  • Put to other use
  • Eliminate
  • Rearrange
• Random idea generation

Module Six - Implementation:

• Matrix analysis
• Force field analysis
• Scenario planning
• Applying the right approach to each situation
• Implementing solutions

This course can be delivered remotely or in a classroom environment, to suit your requirements.

Delegates must have the following equipment to attend this training remotely:

• PC or laptop with a microphone and speakers (webcam is preferred but not essential)
• Access to the internet and web browser application (e.g. Google Chrome)
• An email account for file sharing