We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Diane Spiegel
Problem-solving and effective decision-making are essential skills in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. Both require a systematic yet creative approach to address today’s business concerns. This course will teach an overarching process of how to identify problems to generate potential solutions and how to apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. Through this process, you will gain confidence in assessing problems accurately, selecting the appropriate decision-making approaches for the situation at hand, making team decisions, and measuring the success of the solution’s implementation. Using case studies and situations encountered by class members, you will explore proven, successful problem-solving and decision-making models and methods that can be readily transferred to workplace projects.
Read more
Problem-solving and effective decision-making are essential skills in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. Both require a systematic yet creative approach to address today’s business concerns. This course will teach an overarching process of how to identify problems to generate potential solutions and how to apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. Through this process, you will gain confidence in assessing problems accurately, selecting the appropriate decision-making approaches for the situation at hand, making team decisions, and measuring the success of the solution’s implementation. Using case studies and situations encountered by class members, you will explore proven, successful problem-solving and decision-making models and methods that can be readily transferred to workplace projects.
Read more
Problem-solving and effective decision-making are essential skills in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. Both require a systematic yet creative approach to address today’s business concerns. This course will teach an overarching process of how to identify problems to generate potential solutions and how to apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. Through this process, you will gain confidence in assessing problems accurately, selecting the appropriate decision-making approaches for the situation at hand, making team decisions, and measuring the success of the solution’s implementation. Using case studies and situations encountered by class members, you will explore proven, successful problem-solving and decision-making models and methods that can be readily transferred to workplace projects.
Upon completing this course, you will be able to:
1. Identify key terms, styles, and approaches to effective problem-solving and decision-making
2. Explain both the affordances and limitations associated with problem-solving and decision-making
3. Reflect on how mindset and personal bias influence your ability to solve problems and make decisions
4. Explain and discuss how organizational decisions or non-decisions impact personal development, team dynamics, and company-wide performance
5. Articulate how both good and bad team decisions can benefit your professional growth
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/jgpjij/effective
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Identify the Problem
Problem-solving is an essential skill in today's fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. It requires a systematic approach that incorporates effective decision-making. Throughout this course, we will learn an overarching process of identifying problems to generate potential solutions, then apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. In this module, we will learn to identify problems by using a root cause approach as a foundational tool. Additionally, we will address problem parameters that often occur in business situations. Throughout this course, we will utilize a case scenario that will provide specific examples to illustrate the steps in the problem-solving and decision-making process.
Read more
Syllabus
Identify the Problem
Problem-solving is an essential skill in today's fast-paced and ever-changing workplace. It requires a systematic approach that incorporates effective decision-making. Throughout this course, we will learn an overarching process of identifying problems to generate potential solutions, then apply decision-making styles in order to implement and assess those solutions. In this module, we will learn to identify problems by using a root cause approach as a foundational tool. Additionally, we will address problem parameters that often occur in business situations. Throughout this course, we will utilize a case scenario that will provide specific examples to illustrate the steps in the problem-solving and decision-making process.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores problem-solving and effective decision-making, which are core skills for business professionals
Taught by Diane Spiegel, who is a recognized instructor in problem-solving and decision-making
Examines decision styles and models, which are highly relevant to managing workplace concerns
Uses case studies to illustrate the steps in the problem-solving and decision-making process, which is helpful for practical application
Covers a variety of topics related to problem-solving and decision-making, which provides a comprehensive understanding
May provide valuable insights for students interested in developing problem-solving and decision-making abilities, which can be beneficial for career growth
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Practical structured approach to problem-solving
According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in structured problem-solving and decision-making. Many appreciate the practical tools and strategies they can immediately apply in their work. The focus on mindset and personal bias is noted as particularly insightful. While the case studies are generally found helpful, some more experienced students feel the material can be introductory, suggesting it's best suited for those new to these formal processes. Overall, students find it a valuable course for developing essential workplace skills.
Case examples aid understanding and application.
"The case studies used throughout the modules illustrate concepts well."
"Enjoyed working through the continuous case scenario provided."
"Wish there were more varied or complex examples provided."
Valuable insights into personal influence on decisions.
"The insights on personal bias and mindset were particularly eye-opening."
"Liked the focus on understanding my own decision-making traps."
"Helped me reflect on how my perspective influences my choices."
Provides a clear, step-by-step process.
"The step-by-step process outlined is clear and easy to follow."
"Provides a helpful framework for approaching complex issues."
"Makes problem-solving feel less overwhelming with its structure."
Directly applicable tools and strategies for work.
"I can use these tools immediately at work and see a difference."
"The strategies taught are very practical and easy to implement."
"Helped me frame problems more effectively in my daily tasks."
May be basic for those with experience.
"This course is good for beginners, but too basic for my level of experience."
"If you already have some background, it might feel slow or repetitive."
"Could have benefited from more advanced techniques or complex scenarios."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making with these
activities:
Seek guidance from experienced professionals
Show steps
Connect with experienced professionals in the field to gain valuable insights, mentorship, and career advice, accelerating your professional development.
Show steps
-
Identify and reach out to potential mentors
-
Set up regular meetings to discuss problem-solving and decision-making
-
Seek feedback and guidance on your career path
Engage in peer review and discussion
Show steps
Enhance your problem-solving and decision-making abilities through peer discussions and feedback, broadening your perspectives and improving your critical thinking.
Show steps
-
Join peer review or discussion groups
-
Present your problem-solving approaches
-
Receive feedback and engage in constructive discussions
Review business case studies
Show steps
Develop your understanding of real-world business situations and decision-making processes by reviewing case studies.
Show steps
-
Identify key business concepts and theories
-
Summarize the case study and extract key information
-
Analyze the decision-making process
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore decision-making frameworks
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of decision-making frameworks by exploring online tutorials, enhancing your ability to make informed choices.
Show steps
-
Research different decision-making models
-
Follow tutorials on applying these frameworks
-
Practice using these frameworks in mock scenarios
Solve problem-solving exercises
Show steps
Enhance your problem-solving skills through repetitive exercises, improving your analytical thinking and ability to identify patterns.
Show steps
-
Review problem-solving techniques
-
Practice mock case studies
-
Seek feedback on your solutions
Contribute to open-source projects related to problem-solving and decision-making
Show steps
Contribute to real-world problem-solving and decision-making projects by collaborating on open-source platforms, enhancing your skills and making a meaningful impact.
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects related to problem-solving and decision-making
-
Review codebase and identify areas for contribution
-
Make code contributions and submit pull requests
Develop a problem-solving and decision-making plan
Show steps
Create a personalized action plan outlining your approach to problem-solving and decision-making, improving your confidence and strategic thinking.
Show steps
-
Identify your strengths and weaknesses in problem-solving
-
Research and learn about effective decision-making strategies
-
Outline a step-by-step plan for addressing problems and making decisions
-
Seek feedback on your plan and incorporate improvements
Create a presentation on a business decision
Show steps
Showcase your understanding of decision-making by presenting a detailed analysis of a business decision, strengthening your communication and analytical skills.
Show steps
-
Identify an impactful business decision
-
Analyze the problem and decision-making process
-
Design visually engaging presentation slides
-
Practice and deliver your presentation
Seek guidance from experienced professionals
Show steps
Connect with experienced professionals in the field to gain valuable insights, mentorship, and career advice, accelerating your professional development.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and reach out to potential mentors
- Set up regular meetings to discuss problem-solving and decision-making
- Seek feedback and guidance on your career path
Engage in peer review and discussion
Show steps
Enhance your problem-solving and decision-making abilities through peer discussions and feedback, broadening your perspectives and improving your critical thinking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join peer review or discussion groups
- Present your problem-solving approaches
- Receive feedback and engage in constructive discussions
Review business case studies
Show steps
Develop your understanding of real-world business situations and decision-making processes by reviewing case studies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key business concepts and theories
- Summarize the case study and extract key information
- Analyze the decision-making process
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore decision-making frameworks
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of decision-making frameworks by exploring online tutorials, enhancing your ability to make informed choices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different decision-making models
- Follow tutorials on applying these frameworks
- Practice using these frameworks in mock scenarios
Solve problem-solving exercises
Show steps
Enhance your problem-solving skills through repetitive exercises, improving your analytical thinking and ability to identify patterns.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review problem-solving techniques
- Practice mock case studies
- Seek feedback on your solutions
Contribute to open-source projects related to problem-solving and decision-making
Show steps
Contribute to real-world problem-solving and decision-making projects by collaborating on open-source platforms, enhancing your skills and making a meaningful impact.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects related to problem-solving and decision-making
- Review codebase and identify areas for contribution
- Make code contributions and submit pull requests
Develop a problem-solving and decision-making plan
Show steps
Create a personalized action plan outlining your approach to problem-solving and decision-making, improving your confidence and strategic thinking.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses in problem-solving
- Research and learn about effective decision-making strategies
- Outline a step-by-step plan for addressing problems and making decisions
- Seek feedback on your plan and incorporate improvements
Create a presentation on a business decision
Show steps
Showcase your understanding of decision-making by presenting a detailed analysis of a business decision, strengthening your communication and analytical skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an impactful business decision
- Analyze the problem and decision-making process
- Design visually engaging presentation slides
- Practice and deliver your presentation
Career center
Learners who complete Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Management Analyst
Management Analyst
As Management Analysts use their knowledge and skills to solve workplace problems, improve efficiency, and boost productivity, taking this course can helpbuild a stronger foundation for this role. Learning how to appropriately identify problems, then find and implement solutions is vital to this career path.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers frequently use decision-making and problem-solving skills to improve workplace functions and processes. This course would provide a thorough look at these essential skills, including identifying problems, creating and evaluating solutions, as well as assessing those solutions once implemented.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager's job can regularly involve getting to the root of problems and making difficult decisions. The problem-solving process taught in this course can be extremely valuable to someone working as a PM.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analyst
Developing effective solutions to workplace problems is a key part of the Systems Analyst role. This course will help teach the steps to problem-solving, solution development, and evaluating a solution once it is implemented.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager may need to apply problem-solving and decision-making skills on a near-daily basis, and taking this course can provide supplemental training and practice for these crucial skills.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts must be able to identify workplace problems and inefficiencies, then make informed decisions on the best way to address said issues. This course can help build a foundation for the kinds of problem-solving and decision-making skills needed.
Logistician
Logistician
Logisticians use problem-solving and decision-making skills on a daily basis. Especially when dealing with complex supply chains that require these skills to stay efficient.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use problem-solving skills to make sound financial decisions. Especially when making decisions with uncertain outcomes.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts can use problem-solving and decision-making to identify and solve business challenges and inform future strategies.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Effective problem-solving skills are crucial for Product Managers, as these professionals must be able to identify and solve problems with products and services.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers can leverage problem-solving skills to make informed decisions about market trends and consumer behavior.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers may find this course useful as it can help them understand how to make informed decisions in a highly regulated environment.
Consultant
Consultant
Many Consultants use problem-solving and decision-making skills to help clients identify and solve problems, develop strategies, and implement changes.
UX Designer
UX Designer
UX Designers may find this course helpful as it can teach them how to identify and solve problems with user experience.
Change Manager
Change Manager
The skills taught in this course may be useful to Change Managers, who can use this knowledge and skillset to better understand both the hows and whys of organizational change.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jgpjij/effective
Reading list
We've selected 41 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Effective Problem-Solving and Decision-Making.
Provides practical advice on how to build and run a successful business. Horowitz covers everything from hiring and firing to dealing with investors to managing growth. This book must-read for anyone who wants to build a successful business.
Provides a step-by-step guide to solving problems. Neil covers everything from identifying the problem to generating solutions to implementing the best solution. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their problem-solving skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive processes involved in problem-solving and decision-making. It covers a wide range of topics, including problem representation, information search, hypothesis generation, and evaluation.
Provides a step-by-step guide to building a successful startup. Ries emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and cheaply, and of iterating on your product based on feedback from customers. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to start a business.
Save
Explores the many ways in which our decisions are irrational. Ariely shows how our emotions, biases, and social norms can lead us to make bad choices. He also provides practical advice on how to make better decisions.
Provides a valuable and practical framework for organizing thoughts into clear and concise presentations and recommendations.
Save
Provides a collection of mental tools that can be used to improve our thinking and decision-making. These tools are based on the latest research in cognitive psychology, and they are explained in a clear and concise way.
Save
Provides a simple framework for evaluating the quality of a strategy. Rumelt argues that a good strategy is clear, focused, and aligned with the company's resources. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop a better strategy for their business.
A classic text with relevance in strategic decision-making, teamwork, and competitive analysis.
A foundational book on decision-making, with applicability both in and out of the workplace.
Save
Provides a framework for understanding what motivates people. This book must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions about employee motivation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of judgment and decision-making. It covers a wide range of topics, including heuristics and biases, risk perception, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Offers a comprehensive exploration of problem-solving techniques, including root cause analysis, brainstorming, and creative thinking, which aligns with the course's focus on problem identification and solution generation.
Provides a framework for aligning your company's strategy with its execution. Kaplan and Norton argue that companies that are able to do this are more likely to achieve their goals. This book valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their company's execution.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides practical tips for changing our habits. This book great read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions and achieve their goals.
Provides a framework for understanding and dealing with uncertainty. This book must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions in a world of uncertainty.
Provides a framework for understanding how ideas and behaviors spread. This book must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions about marketing and communications.
Provides a framework for understanding the power of introverts. This book must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions about teamwork and collaboration.
Provides a framework for understanding what makes people happy. This book must-read for anyone who wants to understand how to make better decisions about life and work.
Save
Offers accessible and practical advice on making better decisions in both professional and non-professional settings.
Save
Adds significant depth and specific techniques for both day-to-day decision-making and for larger scale projects, offering valuable insight to the nuance of decision-making.
Classic guide to building wealth. While this book is not specifically about problem-solving or decision-making, it does provide some valuable insights into how to make better financial decisions.
Save
Deepens the course's exploration of cognitive biases and their impact on problem-solving and decision-making by providing insights into how our minds process information and make judgments.
Offers a comprehensive and game-theoretic look at decision-making in competitive environments.
Provides a practical guide to problem-solving. It covers a wide range of topics, including creative thinking, brainstorming, and overcoming mental blocks.
Offers interesting and practical methods for unpacking cognitive biases and developing strategies to overcome them.
Provides a broader context for understanding how habits influence decision-making and problem-solving by examining the neurological basis of habit formation and its implications for workplace performance.
Classic guide to positive thinking. While this book is not specifically about problem-solving or decision-making, it does provide some valuable insights into how to overcome negative thoughts and emotions.
Save
Provides a practical guide to creative thinking. It covers a wide range of topics, including brainstorming, lateral thinking, and mind mapping.
Useful as additional reading for how organizational decision-making impacts professional growth and development.
Enhances the course's emphasis on personal development and workplace dynamics by exploring the role of emotional intelligence in effective problem-solving and decision-making.
Provides a valuable reference tool for understanding different decision-making models and frameworks, complementing the course's focus on decision-making styles.
Offers insights into iterative problem-solving and decision-making, which are applicable to various workplace projects and align with the course's focus on solution implementation and assessment.
Save
Enhances the course's focus on solution implementation and assessment by providing strategies for effectively communicating and implementing problem-solving solutions.
Explores the psychological principles of persuasion, providing valuable insights for team decision-making and influencing others in workplace settings.
Offers valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of decision-making in fast-paced and demanding business environments.
Provides a broader perspective on organizational decision-making and innovation, which complements the course's examination of decision-making impacts on company performance.
Save
Aligns with the course's emphasis on problem-solving and decision-making by providing a practical framework for快速 testing and validating solutions.
Save
Complements the course's focus on mindset and personal development by exploring the importance of purpose and motivation in problem-solving and decision-making.
Provides a foundational understanding of problem-solving strategies and techniques, which is valuable background knowledge for the course.
Complements the course's emphasis on critical thinking and decision-making by providing a comprehensive overview of psychological concepts and research methods.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jgpjij/effective
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.6
Effort
Approx. 8 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructor
Diane Spiegel
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser