Business Problem Solving

Problem solving is an essential part of a consultant’s job. It is needed not only to address the subjects of the assignment but also in engaging with individuals, groups and cultures in the client organisation.

This course is invaluable for consultants and others who might have to solve problems in the course of their work. It introduces a problem solving methodology which is applicable in a wide variety of situations, but is particularly useful in the client-facing situations that consultants encounter. The course is therefore useful to those who have to perform projects for colleagues or external customers.

By the end of this course you should:

• know where problem solving fits into your job
• be able to summarise a problem and know how to work out if it is worth spending time addressing it
• be able to define the detailed nature of a problem in such a way as to be in a position to move on to solving it
• be able to work from a problem statement to an effective solution, deploying a variety of techniques suited to the problem and situation that faces you
• know how to present your recommended solution persuasively and be confident that you have taken any practical difficulties into account

• Introduction: to introduce problem solving in general and the problem solving process used on this course
• Situational review: to learn how problems arise, a process of problem recognition, and testing whether a problem is worth attending to
• Problem analysis: to learn specific techniques of problem analysis so as to have a better insight into the problem
• Solution generation: to learn techniques of problem solving that are effective and appropriate, either when working by yourself or with a group
• Plan formulation: to take account of the real world constraints in introducing a solution.
• Course closure: to facilitate the transfer of learning on the course into practice back at work

This course is delivered as an in-house programme. It can be offered to include a web-based course on consulting tools and techniques.