Problem Solving & Decision-Making Best Practices

Why Attend

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.

Overview

Course Outline

Schedule & Fees

Course Methodology

Instructor-led training that uses interactive learning methods, including class discussion, small group activities, and role-playing

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. 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

Target Competencies

n/a

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

$4475

Barcelona

Country: Spain

Duration: One week

Date: 03–07 Nov 2025

$3875

Muscat

Problem Solving & Decision-Making Best Practices

Overview

Course Outline

Schedule & Fees

Course Methodology

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Target Competencies

$4475

Country: Spain

Duration: One week

Date: 03–07 Nov 2025

$3875

Country: Oman

Duration: One week

Date: 20–24 Apr 2026