Converting Challenges into Opportunities from Coursera

In a very competitive workplace, demonstrating your ability to turn challenges into opportunities is an important to way stand out to hiring managers and to your existing management/leadership. In this course, you will learn how to utilize the knowledge and skills needed to leverage left- and right-brain thinking, analyze problems, spur creativity, and implement innovative ideas for your workplace. Using the power of design thinking and Creative Problem Solving models you will work toward data-driven solutions to workplace challenges. You will engage in an active process of identifying/defining a specific challenge, generating a plan to address the challenge, collecting and analyzing data/information in order to sell your solution to your leadership, implementing your data-driven solution, and evaluating success of the solution. Course Outcomes: 1. Understand Design, out-of-the box, whole brain thinking, Your workplace strengths 2. Apply Qualitative and scientific research method for workplace problems, Setting priorities and analyzing for outcomes 3. Apply Creative problem solving and creative thinking, using creative techniques to overcome challenges and bring about innovation 4. Create Action plan, Learn to implement innovative ideas and present ideas Please Note: This course is scheduled to close new learner enrollment on November 15th, 2021, and fully close on May 15th, 2022. All graded assignments, including peer reviews, must be completed by May 15th in order to be accepted for Certificate credit.

Good to know

Know what's good

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, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to creative thinking, which is necessary for innovation

Teaches learners how to make a data-driven case for their innovative ideas

Introduces qualitative and scientific research methods that relevant to business and professional settings

Helps learners to prioritize and analyze problems

Encourages learners to take risks and overcome challenges

Reviews summary

Converting challenges to opportunities: practical problem-solving techniques

Learners of this course highly recommend its practical problem-solving techniques, which can be applied to workplace and personal situations. The course emphasizes design thinking, creative problem-solving, and research methods to help individuals identify, analyze, and solve challenges.

Offering a well-structured and organized course format with clear learning objectives and assignments.

"The course is challenging, and it would really push you to the limits and beyond on what your mind is capable of."

"A very complete and interesting course."

"The course was very interesting especially the TED talks videos and the supplemental articles for reading."

"This course is inspirational."

"The course is very challenging, really like the lectures, articles and overall assignments."

Providing ample real-life examples, relevant case studies, and practical exercises to enhance learning.

"Very thought provoking."

"Excellent training Course."

"Very informative and interesting course."

Fostering innovation by blending creativity and delivery to overcome barriers and develop effective solutions.

"great job keep going!"

"helps in critical thinking"

"use the knowledge and skills needed to leverage left- and right-brain thinking"

"implement innovative ideas and present ideas"

Developing critical thinking skills through problem and opportunity analysis, as well as data collection and evaluation.

"Apply Creative problem solving and creative thinking, using creative techniques to overcome challenges and bring about innovation"

"Understanding Design, out-of-the box, whole brain thinking, Your workplace strengths"

"Analyzing for outcomes"

"implementing innovative ideas"

"Set[ting] priorities"

"it was quiet not engaging. and wasn't easy to grasp"

Mastering qualitative and scientific research methods for workplace challenges.

"Apply Qualitative and scientific research method for workplace problems, Setting priorities and analyzing for outcomes"

"Action plan, Learn to implement innovative ideas and present ideas"

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 Converting Challenges into Opportunities with these activities:

Read a book on problem-solving

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Review fundamental concepts and theories in problem-solving to strengthen your foundation.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Identify a book that covers problem-solving techniques and strategies.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Summarize the main ideas and principles of problem-solving.

Review "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella Meadows

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Explore systems thinking principles to enhance your understanding of interconnectedness and complexity in problem-solving.

View Thinking in Systems: International Bestseller on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of "Thinking in Systems: A Primer" by Donella Meadows.
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
Reflect on how systems thinking principles apply to problem-solving in your field.

Solve practice problems on problem-solving techniques

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Apply problem-solving techniques to various scenarios, enhancing your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Find online platforms or textbooks that provide practice problems on problem-solving.
Select problems that align with the concepts covered in the course.
Solve the problems using the techniques learned in the course.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Three other activities

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Create a mind map of problem-solving techniques

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Visualize and organize different problem-solving techniques, improving your understanding and recall.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Brainstorm and list down various problem-solving techniques.
Create a mind map, connecting the techniques and their relationships.
Review and refine the mind map to enhance clarity and organization.

Engage in peer discussions on problem-solving case studies

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Collaborate with peers to analyze and solve problem-solving case studies, fostering shared learning and diverse perspectives.

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Form a study group or connect with peers who are interested in problem-solving.
Select problem-solving case studies that align with the topics covered in the course.
Meet regularly, discuss the case studies, and share insights and solutions.
Provide constructive feedback to peers and learn from their approaches.

Develop a problem-solving framework for a specific workplace challenge

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Apply your problem-solving skills to a real-world workplace challenge, showcasing your ability to analyze, innovate, and implement solutions.

Browse courses on Problem-Solving

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Identify a specific workplace challenge that requires a solution.
Analyze the challenge, gather data, and define the problem statement.
Develop a problem-solving framework outlining the steps and techniques to be used.
Implement the framework to generate and evaluate potential solutions.
Present the findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete Converting Challenges into Opportunities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects to achieve specific goals and objectives. The skills learned in this course in creative problem solving, leveraging both hemispheres of the brain, and implementing innovative ideas are all relevant to success as a Project Manager. This course can be especially helpful in the planning stage of a project, during which thorough and creative problem solving is most needed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Product Manager

Product Managers lead teams in designing, building, and marketing products to meet customer needs. With this course, you can build your foundational knowledge in design thinking, data analysis, and creative problem solving, all of which are essential to the success of a Product Manager. This course can help you move into the role of Product Manager, because much of your job depends on logical, creative, and innovative thinking, particularly when it comes to problem-solving in the area of product development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. Completing this course could help you better understand the process of identifying and solving workplace challenges with data-driven solutions. The skills you'll learn will also help you analyze problems, spur creativity, and implement innovative ideas, all of which are important in the field of Systems Analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems and make recommendations. This course will help you develop the skills needed to be a Data Scientist, such as data analysis, creative problem solving, and innovative thinking. Data Scientists use these skills every day to solve complex business problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Consultant

Business Consultants are business professionals who help companies identify and solve business problems. They do this by conducting in-depth analysis, offering advice and recommendations, and developing implementation plans. Upon completing this course, you'll be better prepared to address business challenges creatively, brainstorm innovative solutions, and influence colleagues and stakeholders alike. Taking this course can help you ascend into the role of Business Consultant by providing you with the very same skillset you'll need to succeed in this role: knowledge of creative problem solving and design thinking, the ability to analyze and interpret data, and know-how in implementing business solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, build, and maintain software systems. Programmers often rely on logical, creative, and innovative thinking to solve through complex programming challenges, so taking this course could help you be a more effective Software Engineer. You'll build foundational knowledge in design thinking and creative problem solving, both of which serve as a strong foundation for a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Marketing Specialist

Marketing Specialists plan and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course can help prepare you for this role by teaching you how to gather data, get creative with ideas, and analyze results, all of which are extremely helpful in marketing and advertising.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. A course in converting challenges into opportunities is helpful to an Operations Manager because it helps build skills in creative problem solving, leveraging both hemispheres of the brain, and implementing innovative ideas. Such skills help you respond effectively to daily challenges and changes within the workplace, especially when quick thinking and action is required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers design and develop products. Courses in converting challenges into opportunities may be useful for Industrial Designers, as it covers topics such as design thinking, creative problem solving, and data analysis. Industrial Designers need to be able to think creatively and solve problems in order to design products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

UX Designer

UX Designers create user interfaces for websites and applications. This course may be useful for UX Designers, as it covers topics such as design thinking, creative problem solving, and data analysis. UX Designers need to be able to think creatively and solve problems in order to create user-friendly interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. This course can be useful for Sustainability Managers as it covers topics such as design thinking, creative problem solving, and data analysis. Sustainability Managers need to be able to think creatively and solve problems in order to develop sustainability strategies that are both effective and feasible.

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Talent Manager

Talent Managers recruit, develop, and manage talent for organizations. This course may be useful for Talent Managers as it covers topics such as creative problem solving, data analysis, and implementing innovative ideas. Talent Managers need to be able to think creatively and solve problems in order to attract and retain top talent for their organizations.

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Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists assess and treat mental health disorders. This course may be useful for Clinical Psychologists as it covers topics such as creative problem solving, data analysis, and implementing innovative ideas. Clinical Psychologists need to be able to think creatively and solve problems in order to develop and implement effective treatment plans for their patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Psychologist

History Teacher

History Teachers teach history to students in secondary schools. This course may be useful for History Teachers as it covers topics such as creative problem solving, data analysis, and implementing innovative ideas. History Teachers need to be able to think creatively and solve problems in order to create engaging and effective lesson plans for their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for History Teacher