A one-day programme designed to provide Managers and Supervisors with the knowledge to understand the process and provide a number of ‘models’ for problem solving. 

Objectives of the Course

As a result of attending the course participants will be able to:

• Understand and differentiate between different problem solving techniques
• Apply a number of different problem solving techniques to ‘real life’ situations
• Apply a structured step by step approach to problem solving
• Understand an effective team approach to problem solving
• Plan to use the techniques in different work situations

Course Content

Topics will include:

• The nine stage problem solving process
• Analysing the environment
• Recognising and defining the problem
• Identification techniques include:
• Fishbone diagram
• Why – why diagram
• Pattern definition
• Re-definition
• Making assumptions
• Preparing to problem solve – changing the way we think
• Transforming problems: tools and techniques:
• Past solutions
• Usage box
• Napoleon techniques
• Organised random search
• Personal analogies
• Ransom idea generation
• SCAMPER
• Applying the right approach to each situation
• Individual and syndicate exercises using case studies and current issues, to allow skill practice.

Duration, Material and Training Methods

The one-day programme will be a combination of formal content, workshops activities and exercises. A course with a workbook including helpful aids for future reference is supplied.