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

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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.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

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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.

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 assignment Total 10 minutes

Quiz: Identifying root causes 10 minutes

8 plugins Total 60 minutes

Identifying root causes: Causes and resources 7 minutes
Identifying root causes: Performing a root cause analysis 14 minutes
Practice the solution: Identifying root causes 10 minutes
Job aid: Events and causal factors analysis 3 minutes
Job aid: Ishikawa diagram 3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Identifying root causes 10 minutes
Getting to the root of the problem: Key takeaways 3 minutes
Apply the solution: Finding the root cause 10 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 assignment Total 10 minutes

Quiz: Collecting data for new solutions 10 minutes

7 plugins Total 64 minutes

Collecting data for new solutions: Causes and resources 10 minutes
Collecting data for new solutions: Gathering data to form alternatives 18 minutes
Practice the solution: Gathering data for possible solutions 10 minutes
Job aid: Data collection methods 3 minutes
Reflect on the solution: Collecting data for new solutions 10 minutes
Turning information into options: Key takeaways 3 minutes
Apply the solution: Gathering data through interviews 10 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.

What's included

1 reading1 plugin

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Tyler Galarneau

Arizona State University

3 Courses 1,376 learners

Offered by

Arizona State University

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.