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Professional Skills: Problem-Solving

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Professional Skills: Problem-Solving

This course is part of Professional Skills: Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Specialization

Instructor: Tyler Galarneau

Included with

Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify the root causes of problems using various analytical techniques.
Collect relevant data effectively to inform new solutions.
Apply structured approaches to problem-solving in real-world scenarios.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Professional Skills: Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

Sharpen your ability to tackle challenges with clarity and confidence. Gain real-world strategies for identifying root causes and generating effective solutions.

Every challenge, big or small, starts with a problem. This self-paced course, developed by Dr. Brent Scholar of ASU’s College of Integrative Arts and Sciences, gives you a practical framework to identify, analyze, and solve problems across professional settings. Learn step-by-step processes like root cause analysis, data collection methods, and solution validation. Through interactive exercises and visual tools, you’ll develop a repeatable approach to problem-solving you can use anywhere.

Module details

This module delves into the crucial first step of effective problem-solving: identifying the true root causes of issues. You will explore various analytical techniques and tools designed to uncover the underlying factors contributing to a problem, rather than just addressing its symptoms. By understanding how to systematically dissect a problem, you will be better equipped to develop lasting and impactful solutions.

What's included

1 assignment8 plugins

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Quiz: Identifying root causes10 minutes

8 pluginsTotal 60 minutes

Identifying root causes: Causes and resources7 minutes
Identifying root causes: Performing a root cause analysis14 minutes
Practice the solution: Identifying root causes10 minutes
Job aid: Events and causal factors analysis3 minutes
Job aid: Ishikawa diagram3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Identifying root causes10 minutes
Getting to the root of the problem: Key takeaways3 minutes
Apply the solution: Finding the root cause10 minutes

Once root causes are identified, the next critical step is gathering relevant data to inform potential solutions. This module focuses on various data collection methods and strategies, enabling you to acquire the necessary information to develop viable alternatives. You will learn how to effectively gather and analyze data, transforming raw information into actionable insights that drive informed decision-making.

What's included

1 assignment7 plugins

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Quiz: Collecting data for new solutions10 minutes

7 pluginsTotal 64 minutes

Collecting data for new solutions: Causes and resources10 minutes
Collecting data for new solutions: Gathering data to form alternatives18 minutes
Practice the solution: Gathering data for possible solutions10 minutes
Job aid: Data collection methods3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Collecting data for new solutions10 minutes
Turning information into options: Key takeaways3 minutes
Apply the solution: Gathering data through interviews10 minutes

This concluding module provides an opportunity to reflect on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course. It serves as a final wrap-up, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of problem-solving methodologies, from identifying root causes to collecting data for effective solutions. You will also have the chance to provide feedback on your learning experience.