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Jim Pautz
What do you do when you encounter a problem? This self-paced career development course will help you think critically and creatively to solve problems and design solutions. These skills will set you apart from peers and make you a sought-after leader and teammate.
This is the third course in Fullbridge’s four-part Career Development XSeries, designed to prepare you to succeed in the modern workplace.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/o4l15v/problem
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How to frame problems using a systematic, repeatable process
- How to develop and test solutions using the 80/20 rule
- How to identify user needs and develop solutions to meet them
- How to use design thinking to generate ideas and discover creative solutions
- How to plan and execute primary and secondary research
- How to design and build effective surveys
- How to frame problems using a systematic, repeatable process
- How to develop and test solutions using the 80/20 rule
- How to identify user needs and develop solutions to meet them
- How to use design thinking to generate ideas and discover creative solutions
- How to plan and execute primary and secondary research
- How to design and build effective surveys
Syllabus
This is a self-paced course and can be completed according to your own schedule. Our recommendation is to complete the course over four weeks, with one to two hours of time spent working through the course per week. After the Course Introduction, each section should take approximately one to two hours to complete. Section 0: Course IntroductionReview course logistics, including the course overview, schedule, components, grading, and support.
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Syllabus
This is a self-paced course and can be completed according to your own schedule. Our recommendation is to complete the course over four weeks, with one to two hours of time spent working through the course per week. After the Course Introduction, each section should take approximately one to two hours to complete. Section 0: Course IntroductionReview course logistics, including the course overview, schedule, components, grading, and support.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills, core for most industries
Uses industry-standard design thinking processes
Provides a structured and phased approach to solving problems
Taught by instructors who are experienced in industry
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Reviews summary
Practical problem solving & design thinking
According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in problem solving and critical thinking, focusing on practical, applicable techniques like design thinking and effective research methods. Students appreciated the clear structure and step-by-step approach to framing and solving problems. Many found the content immediately useful for work and highly relevant for career development. While some mentioned needing more hands-on practice or examples, the overall feedback highlights its effectiveness in providing actionable strategies for tackling complex challenges in a professional context.
Teaches practical research techniques.
"The module on research methods, especially designing surveys, was very practical."
"Learned valuable skills in planning and executing effective research for problem solving."
"Mastered how to plan and execute effective research, including how to design effective surveys and user tests."
"Good coverage of both primary and secondary research methods relevant to problem solving."
Content is easy to understand and follow.
"The content was presented very clearly and was easy to follow."
"Lectures were concise and straight to the point, which I appreciated."
"Course materials are well-organized and simple to digest."
"No overly complex jargon, just clear explanations."
Covers design thinking effectively.
"The section on design thinking was particularly insightful and well-explained."
"I gained a solid understanding of the design thinking process and how to apply it."
"Loved learning about using design thinking to generate creative solutions."
"Familiarized myself with design thinking and how to develop innovative ideas."
Provides a clear, structured problem-solving process.
"The systematic approach to problem solving is a game-changer for me."
"I really appreciate the clear, repeatable process for framing and solving problems."
"This course lays out a logical framework that makes tackling complex issues less daunting."
"It breaks down problem-solving into manageable, well-defined steps."
Skills are directly applicable to career growth.
"These skills will set you apart from peers and make you a sought-after leader and teammate."
"This is the third course in Fullbridge’s four-part Career Development XSeries, designed to prepare you to succeed in the modern workplace."
"Highly recommend for anyone looking to boost their professional capabilities."
"A must-take for career-focused students and professionals."
Learn strategies applicable to real-world work.
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"The course provided actionable steps that are directly relevant to my professional challenges."
"Great course for developing skills that are actually useful in business settings."
"I found the concepts taught in this course very helpful for my day-to-day job."
Could benefit from more hands-on exercises.
"While the concepts are clear, I wish there were more exercises or case studies to apply them."
"Could use more in-depth practical examples or scenarios to work through."
"More hands-on activities or projects would solidify the learning."
"The course is good for theory but needs more practice application."
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 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills with these
activities:
Review materials from previous courses
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with key concepts from related courses to establish a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Gather notes, assignments, and materials from previous courses in problem-solving, design thinking, and research methods.
-
Review key concepts such as problem definition, idea generation, user research, and data analysis.
Join a study group or collaborate with peers
Show steps
Engage with fellow students to discuss course concepts, share insights, and learn from diverse perspectives.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
-
Identify or create a study group with other students in the course.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, practice problem-solving, and exchange ideas.
Practice problem-solving exercises
Show steps
Reinforce your problem-solving skills by working through a variety of exercises.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Find online resources or textbooks that provide problem-solving drills.
-
Dedicate regular time to practice solving problems, focusing on applying the systematic process taught in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online tutorials on design thinking
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of design thinking principles and methodologies through interactive tutorials.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms or courses that offer design thinking tutorials.
-
Select tutorials that cover topics such as user research, idea generation, and prototyping.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the techniques.
Write a blog post or article on a problem-solving method you learned
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by teaching others through writing, solidifying your knowledge and developing your communication skills.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Choose a specific problem-solving method covered in the course.
-
Write a blog post or article explaining the method, providing examples, and分享 your insights.
Develop a research plan for a problem you're passionate about
Show steps
Apply the research methods you're learning to a practical project, deepening your understanding and skill.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
-
Identify a real-world problem that you're interested in and that aligns with the course objectives.
-
Develop a research question and hypothesis.
-
Design a research plan outlining your data collection and analysis methods.
Participate in a problem-solving competition
Show steps
Put your skills to the test in a competitive environment, fostering innovation and pushing your limits.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
-
Identify a relevant problem-solving competition that aligns with the course topics.
-
Form a team or participate individually.
-
Prepare for the competition by practicing problem-solving techniques and developing innovative solutions.
Review materials from previous courses
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with key concepts from related courses to establish a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather notes, assignments, and materials from previous courses in problem-solving, design thinking, and research methods.
- Review key concepts such as problem definition, idea generation, user research, and data analysis.
Join a study group or collaborate with peers
Show steps
Engage with fellow students to discuss course concepts, share insights, and learn from diverse perspectives.
Browse courses on
Collaboration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify or create a study group with other students in the course.
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials, practice problem-solving, and exchange ideas.
Practice problem-solving exercises
Show steps
Reinforce your problem-solving skills by working through a variety of exercises.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online resources or textbooks that provide problem-solving drills.
- Dedicate regular time to practice solving problems, focusing on applying the systematic process taught in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore online tutorials on design thinking
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of design thinking principles and methodologies through interactive tutorials.
Browse courses on
Design Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms or courses that offer design thinking tutorials.
- Select tutorials that cover topics such as user research, idea generation, and prototyping.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and practicing the techniques.
Write a blog post or article on a problem-solving method you learned
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by teaching others through writing, solidifying your knowledge and developing your communication skills.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific problem-solving method covered in the course.
- Write a blog post or article explaining the method, providing examples, and分享 your insights.
Develop a research plan for a problem you're passionate about
Show steps
Apply the research methods you're learning to a practical project, deepening your understanding and skill.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a real-world problem that you're interested in and that aligns with the course objectives.
- Develop a research question and hypothesis.
- Design a research plan outlining your data collection and analysis methods.
Participate in a problem-solving competition
Show steps
Put your skills to the test in a competitive environment, fostering innovation and pushing your limits.
Browse courses on
Problem Solving
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a relevant problem-solving competition that aligns with the course topics.
- Form a team or participate individually.
- Prepare for the competition by practicing problem-solving techniques and developing innovative solutions.
Career center
Learners who complete Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Product Manager
Product Manager
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills is an excellent course for aspiring Product Managers. You will learn how to identify user needs, develop product solutions, and test and iterate on your products.
Consultant
Consultant
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a successful Consultant. This course will teach you how to frame problems, develop and test solutions, and communicate your findings to clients.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Management Consultant. This course will teach you how to identify management problems, develop and implement solutions, and improve organizational performance.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Human Resources Manager. This course will teach you how to identify HR problems, develop and implement solutions, and manage employee relations.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you succeed as an Entrepreneur by teaching you how to identify problems, develop creative solutions, and test those solutions using the 80/20 rule. This course also covers design thinking, which is a process for generating innovative ideas and developing creative solutions.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Data Analyst. You will learn how to frame problems, develop and test solutions, and communicate your findings to stakeholders.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts can benefit from taking Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills. This course will teach you how to identify business problems, develop solutions, and communicate your findings to stakeholders.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a successful Project Manager. This course will teach you how to frame problems, develop and test solutions, and manage projects effectively.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a better Software Engineer. This course will teach you how to frame problems, develop and test solutions, and write effective code.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Marketing Manager. This course will teach you how to identify marketing problems, develop creative solutions, and measure the results of your campaigns.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Sales Manager. This course will teach you how to identify sales problems, develop creative solutions, and close deals.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Operations Manager. This course will teach you how to identify operational problems, develop and implement solutions, and improve efficiency.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills can help you become a more effective Financial Analyst. This course will teach you how to identify financial problems, develop and test solutions, and make sound investment decisions.
User Experience (UX) Researcher
User Experience (UX) Researcher
If you are interested in becoming a User Experience (UX) Researcher, taking Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills may be helpful. This course will teach you how to conduct user research, analyze data, and make recommendations for improving the user experience.
Design Researcher
Design Researcher
If you are a Design Researcher, taking Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills may be useful. You will learn how to identify user needs, develop solutions to meet those needs, and conduct research to evaluate your solutions.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o4l15v/problem
Reading list
We've selected 18 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
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design thinking process. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to develop innovative, game-changing ideas.
Textbook that provides a comprehensive treatment of quantitative research methods.
Save
Textbook that includes comprehensive treatment of qualitative research.
Textbook that provides comprehensive coverage of critical thinking.
Save
Provides a good background for a variety of critical thinking skills and techniques.
Save
Introduces the design thinking process and provides practical tools for generating and evaluating innovative ideas.
Textbook that includes case studies and is good as a supplement or additional reading.
Detailed treatment of survey research methods.
Save
Good how-to guide for fostering skills in creative and lateral thinking.
Provides an overview of problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including problem framing, solution generation, and evaluation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods, including planning, execution, and analysis of primary and secondary research.
Classic work on innovation. It provides insights into why successful companies can fail to innovate and how to avoid this fate.
Provides a creative and engaging approach to problem solving.
Save
Provides helpful background for the Design Thinking section of the course.
Provides a framework for developing and testing new ideas quickly and efficiently.
Offers a comprehensive treatment of the topic, but may be more advanced than necessary.
Save
Provides insights into the problem-solving and analytical techniques used by McKinsey & Company.
Relevant for those interested in the intersection of problem-solving and innovation.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/o4l15v/problem
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Rating
4.5
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 3 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Fullbridge
Instructor
Jim Pautz
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Skills for Success. It's comprised of five courses:
- Business and Data Analysis Skills
- Communication Skills and Teamwork
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills (viewing)
- Resume, Networking, and Interview Skills
- Self-Assessment – Developing Your Strengths
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