Online Class: Problem Solving Strategies

This online course will provide you the tools you need for effective and meaningful problem solving.
Self-Paced, Online Class
Library Subscription
 
  • 8
    Lessons
  • 9
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.3
    CEUs
  •  
    Video Audit
    Available
 
 

Course Description

Mastering the Art of Problem Solving: Strategies for Life and Business

Picture this: You're faced with an intricate web of challenges. Some are as towering as mountains, while others seem as trivial as pebbles. Yet, every problem, big or small, demands a solution. Each one begs the question: How can I navigate through this? What if there was a structured, streamlined approach to demystify every challenge, turning seeming obstacles into opportunities?

Enter our meticulously designed course on "Problem Solving Strategies." Recognizing that problems are inherent to the human experience, this course is your beacon, shedding light on the path from perplexity to clarity.

Throughout history, humans have grappled with the same sentiment: I want this problem resolved, and I want it done efficiently. Whether constrained by resources, hampered by external forces, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the issue at hand, we've all felt, at moments, that the weight of the world rests on our shoulders.

Yet, what if we told you that the world's greatest thinkers, influential business magnates, and pioneering leaders have all faced these very dilemmas? And not only have they encountered such problems, but they've also developed, honed, and shared methodologies that can turn the tide in your favor.

Course Breakdown:

  1. Sections I-VII: Dive deep into the realm of problem-solving. Here, we unearth a treasure trove of tools, techniques, and tactics that have been crafted by experts from diverse fields. From academic stalwarts to savvy business consultants, their collective wisdom converges in these sections, offering you a comprehensive toolkit to tackle any challenge head-on.

  2. Sections VIII & IX: Transition from identifying problems to making informed decisions. Delve into the nuances of decision-making processes that not only seek solutions but ensure they're sustainable, effective, and in line with your goals.

By the end of this transformative journey, you'll be equipped with:

  • A structured approach to dissect even the most intricate problems.
  • Techniques to harness your innate creativity and innovation.
  • The ability to distinguish between short-term fixes and long-term solutions.
  • Decision-making strategies that prioritize efficiency and effectiveness.
  • An empowered mindset that sees problems as puzzles waiting to be solved.

Problems are not roadblocks; they're merely detours on the path of life. With the right strategies, these detours can lead to destinations even more wondrous than we initially envisioned. So, whether you're seeking to overcome personal hurdles or navigate business challenges, this course is your compass, guiding you towards solutions and success.

Join us, and redefine your relationship with problems, transforming them from adversaries to allies on your journey of growth and achievement!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Course Motivation

Defining the Problem

It is essential to thoroughly define a problem before trying to solve it. Because it is such an important topic, this course presents three proven approaches to problem definition.

Putting the Problem into Its Context

After defining the problem, it is necessary to place the problem in context.What is the locus of the problem? Is it fundamentally a personal, group, or organizational (including business, corporate, educational, government, religious, and non-profit) problem? 

Along with placing the problem in a structural context is the issue of the essential nature of the problem. Is it best viewed as personal, social, economic, political, environmental, spiritual, or some other kind of problem?  

The recent mortgage foreclosure crisis is a good example of where these two notions of context interacted. For a couple about to lose their home, their problem was clearly a complex of personal, business, corporate, and governmental factors combined with personal, social, economic, and political implications. Such a complicated problem is challenging to solve, which is one reason that the problems of the mortgage crisis are still ongoing, years after the crisis began. 

Developing a solution to such a complex problem would require considering the problem as multiple kinds of problems, each with a different context. At the personal level, the owners would need to consider their jobs, savings, assets, credit rating, and so on. According to one of our models, what is the borrowers' current reality, versus the ideal?  

The homeowners would also need to consider the situation with regard to their lender. Was their lender, for example, involved in a merger or acquisition and how did that affect the lender's policies and willingness to extend credit? What is the lender's current reality, versus the ideal?

Who Is Involved in the Problem: Stakeholders

Finally, in defining the problem, there is the issue of stakeholders. Who is involved? Who is affected by the problem? Who may be blocking a solution? Who controls the resources necessary for solving the problem? Identifying the stakeholders is essential to defining any problem before trying to solve it. Among those connected to the problem, whose input is useful and/or important? Who will be involved in the problem-solving process? Who will be making the decisions necessary to solving the problem? Who may be blocking a solution and what is their motivation for doing so?

This is, obviously, where the problem-solving process morphs from individual analysis and ideas to group dynamics, corporate culture, political alliances, etc. This leads to more complications, but also to more opportunities for changes that need to happen.

Areas of Study
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.2 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,348 votes)

  • Lesson 1: Problem Solving: The Fundamentals

    It is essential to thoroughly define a problem before trying to solve it. Because it is such an important topic, this course presents three proven approaches to problem definition.

  • Lesson 2: Research/Gathering Data

    Every model of problem solving emphasizes the importance of information.

  • Lesson 3: Problem Solving: Determining and Building Your Strengths

    Very often, problem solving works best when it is a team effort, where different individuals are stronger in one kind of intelligence and can, therefore, contribute different perspectives when defining and solving the problem at hand.

  • Lesson 4: Problem Solving: Determining and Building Resources

    An experienced consultant obviously adds value to a problem-solving effort in a new or start-up enterprise.

  • Lesson 5: Problem Solving: Digging Deeper

    New data, or more comprehensive data, that has not been considered before -- that makes it worth revisiting that part of the process.

  • Lesson 6: Solving Problems: Process, Tools, and Techniques

    Tools and techniques for problem solving include brainstorming, mindstorming using automatic writing, and reverse brainstorming using intelligent memory strategy.

  • Lesson 7: Decision Making: The Fundamentals

    What the decision-maker needs to be aware of is that even apparently rational thinking is highly influenced by the emotions (and intuition/instinct) attached to it.

  • Lesson 8: Decision Making: Making Tough Decisions

    Common sense suggests that some system of comparing pluses and minuses is what is required to make any decision, especially, the tough ones.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Recognize what problem solving actually is and why it's important to be good at it.
  • Describe methods for researching and gathering data needed for problem solving.
  • Identify your strengths and available resources for determining the most appropriate problem solving process.
  • Utilize the process, tools and techniques you have available to determine the best solution to a problem.
  • Summarize methodologies you may use when making tough decisions in the problem solving process.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Problem Solving Strategies
Course Number: 8900261
Lessons Rating: 4.2 / 5 Stars (1,348 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, and Washington.
Last Updated: September 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.3 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus

Student Testimonials

  • "This course was very helpful to me." -- Waisea T.

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