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Problem-solving is a universal skill. Its applications aren’t limited to your job or what you’re working on in class. Maybe you need the best arrangement to hang up some pictures, are setting up a new TV or just want to find somewhere for your team to go for lunch. These are all examples of problems: situations that can be addressed. The question you then ask is: “How can I go about solving these problems?”

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Problem-solving is a universal skill. Its applications aren’t limited to your job or what you’re working on in class. Maybe you need the best arrangement to hang up some pictures, are setting up a new TV or just want to find somewhere for your team to go for lunch. These are all examples of problems: situations that can be addressed. The question you then ask is: “How can I go about solving these problems?”

With the expertise of Dr. Brent Scholar from the ASU College of Integrative Arts and Sciences, the Problem-solving course will put the tools, knowledge and strategies of problem-solving directly into your hands. You’ll learn the fundamentals and get acquainted with your problem-solving toolkit. Then, you’ll directly apply them in hands-on scenarios.

Problem-solving is all about generating solutions. Problem-solving is a skill that anyone can learn and can be applied anywhere. Jump-start your problem-solving journey today!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Problem-solving!
Identifying root causes
Collecting data for new solutions
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Course Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces a wide range of problem-solving tools and strategies
Applies problem-solving skills to practical scenarios
Taught by Dr. Brent Scholar from the ASU College of Integrative Arts and Sciences
Suitable for learners with no prior knowledge of problem-solving
Covers the fundamentals of problem-solving
Provides hands-on practice in applying problem-solving techniques

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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 with these activities:
Problem-Solving Resources Collection
Gather and organize valuable resources on problem-solving to facilitate future learning and reference.
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  • Search for articles, books, videos, and other resources on problem-solving.
  • Create a digital or physical collection of the resources.
  • Categorize and annotate the resources for easy access and reference.
Review Problem-Solving Fundamentals
Review the foundational principles of problem-solving, ensuring a strong base for the course.
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  • Read articles or books on problem-solving basics.
  • Identify different types of problems and their characteristics.
  • Practice solving simple problems using a structured approach.
Read 'Make It Happen' by Dan Heath and Chip Heath
Gain insights from a comprehensive guide to turning ideas into reality, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving.
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  • Read and reflect on the principles and strategies presented in the book.
  • Identify ways to apply the lessons to your problem-solving efforts.
  • Share key takeaways and lessons learned with peers or colleagues.
Five other activities
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Explore Problem-Solving Frameworks
Engage with guided tutorials to explore different problem-solving frameworks, broadening the learner's toolkit.
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  • Learn about various problem-solving frameworks, such as Design Thinking or Lean.
  • Apply the frameworks to real-world problems to gain practical experience.
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different frameworks.
Identify Problem Root Causes
Engage in exercises that focus on identifying the root causes of problems, strengthening analytical skills.
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  • Analyze real-world problems and identify their underlying causes.
  • Use problem-solving tools and techniques, such as the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram.
  • Develop a better understanding of how to prevent problems from recurring.
Data Collection Plan
Create a comprehensive plan for collecting data to inform problem-solving efforts, ensuring data-driven solutions.
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  • Determine the types of data needed to solve the problem.
  • Identify potential sources of data.
  • Develop a data collection strategy.
  • Collect the data using appropriate methods.
Problem-Solving Project
Apply problem-solving skills to address a real-world problem, fostering practical application and deep learning.
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  • Identify a real-world problem that interests you.
  • Develop a plan to solve the problem, using the skills and knowledge gained in the course.
  • Implement your solution and evaluate its effectiveness.
Attend Problem-Solving Workshops
Attend expert-led workshops to refine problem-solving skills and gain insights from experienced practitioners.
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  • Identify and register for workshops offered by industry professionals or academic institutions.
  • Actively participate in the workshops, ask questions, and network with others.
  • Apply the techniques learned in workshops to solve real-world problems.

Career center

Learners who complete Problem-Solving will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Management Analyst
Management analysts identify root causes of problems. This is a key part of their work, helping businesses improve their operations. The problem-solving course covers this, helping future management analysts develop the skills needed to identify root causes of problems.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to solve business problems. The problem-solving course covers this, helping future data scientists develop the skills needed to use data to solve business problems.
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify and solve business problems. The problem-solving course covers this, helping future business analysts develop the skills needed to identify and solve business problems.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts design and implement computer systems to solve problems. The problem-solving course covers this, helping future systems analysts develop the skills needed to design and implement effective computer systems.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect data for new solutions. The data analysis course covers this, helping future data analysts stay abreast of new techniques in data collection and analysis. This course may be useful for data analysts looking to optimize their data collection strategies.
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. The problem-solving course may be useful for software engineers, helping them develop the skills needed to design and develop effective software systems.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts apply their knowledge of mathematics and science to solve problems and improve operations. The problem-solving course may be useful for operations research analysts, helping them develop the skills needed to solve complex problems.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers design and implement machine learning models to solve problems. The problem-solving course may be useful for machine learning engineers, helping them develop the skills needed to design and implement effective machine learning models.
Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects design and implement computer networks. The problem-solving course may be useful for computer network architects, helping them develop the skills needed to design and implement effective computer networks.
Database Administrator
Database administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. The problem-solving course may be useful for database administrators, helping them develop the skills needed to design and maintain effective databases.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect computer systems and networks from security threats. The problem-solving course may be useful for information security analysts, helping them develop the skills needed to protect computer systems and networks from security threats.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create and maintain technical documentation. The problem-solving course may be useful for technical writers, helping them develop the skills needed to create and maintain effective technical documentation.
User Experience Designer
User experience designers design and evaluate user interfaces to ensure they are user-friendly. The problem-solving course may be useful for user experience designers, helping them develop the skills needed to design and evaluate effective user interfaces.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality assurance analysts test and evaluate software systems to ensure they meet quality standards. The problem-solving course may be useful for quality assurance analysts, helping them develop the skills needed to test and evaluate software systems effectively.
Project Manager
Project managers plan, execute, and close projects. The problem-solving course may be useful for project managers, helping them develop the skills needed to plan, execute, and close projects successfully.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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.
Practical guide to problem solving and provides a variety of tools and techniques for solving problems.
Practical guide to problem solving and provides a step-by-step process for solving problems.
Classic in the field of problem solving and provides a psychological perspective on problem solving.

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