STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Identify several common problem solving methodologies and techniques.

 II.     Describe three basic themes common to effective problem solving methodologies and explain the key elements of each.

 III.    Understand and apply effective brainstorming methodologies and rules in a team setting.

 IV.     Demonstrate the ability to define a business problem and relate the definition to a business goal.

 V.      Demonstrate the ability to effectively map the cause and effect relationships for a defined business problem.

 VI.     Demonstrate the ability to capture evidence to support and understand the identified causes.

 VII.    Demonstrate the ability to develop alternate solutions to address developed causes.

 VIII.   Demonstrate the ability to prioritize solutions and prepare an implementation plan.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Importance of effective problem solving

         A.      Students problem solving experiences

         B.      Murphy`s Law and reality

         C.      Impact on business goals

 II.     Root cause analysis

         A.      Overview of root cause analysis

         B.      General methodology

         C.      Specific methods

         D.      Common errors

 III.    Business goals

         A.      Common industry goals

         B.      Goal setting

 IV.     Process mapping

         A.      Explanation

         B.      Practice

 V.      Problem definition

         A.      Explanation

         B.      Practice

 VI.     Causal factor tree development

         A.      Evidence gathering

         B.      Technique

         C.      Practice

 VII.    Solution development and implementation

         A.      Explanation

         B.      Practice