Problem Solving Skills

Categories: Online Short Course
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About Course

Welcome to this programme. Qualifying learners completing this programme will be able to identify and analyse problems, identify possible solutions and implement solutions to meet operational requirements.

As you work your way through this learning programme you will gain competence against the following Unit Standard:

SAQA 116284: Solve operational problems in manufacturing/assembly context

What Will You Learn?

  • Define and analyse operational problems
  • Identify possible solutions
  • Implement solutions

Course Content

Solving Problems
After completing this section, you will be able to: - Define and analyse operational problems. - Identify possible solutions. - Implement solutions.

  • Introduction
  • Techniques for promoting creativity, solving problems and making decisions
  • Creative thinking techniques
  • Processes for extracting ideas from a stimulus
  • Edward De Bono’s 6 Thinking Hats

The problem-solving process
To effectively manage and run a successful team, business unit and organisation, leadership must guide their employees and develop-problem solving techniques. Finding a suitable solution for problems can be accomplished by following a basic four-step problem solving process as indicated below.

Techniques for identifying the problem

Look at potential causes for the problem
Learn more about the problem situation. Look for possible causes and solutions. This step may mean checking files, calling suppliers, or brainstorming with fellow workers. - In this phase, it is critical to get input from other people who notice the problem and who are affected by it. - It is often useful to collect input from other individuals one at a time (at least at first). Otherwise, people tend to be inhibited about offering their impressions of the real causes of problems. - Write down what your opinions are and what you have heard from others. If you think there might be performance problems associated with an employee, it is often useful to seek advice from a peer or your supervisor to verify your impression of the problem. - Write down a description of the cause of the problem and in terms of what is happening, where, when, how, with whom and why.

Identify solutions for the problem
At this point, it is useful to keep others involved (unless you're facing a personal and/or employee performance problem). - Brainstorm for solutions to the problem. (We will learn about brainstorming in the next section) - Distinguish between fact and opinion, for example, it is a fact that packages are missing; it is an opinion that they are merely lost and will turn up eventually. - Draw conclusions from the gathered evidence and pose solutions. - Finally, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. What are the costs, benefits, and consequences? What are the obstacles, and how can they be handled? Most important, what solution best serves your goals and those of your organisation? Here's where your creativity is especially important. The following are some decision-making techniques to help identify alternative solutions and select the best options.

Plan the implementation of the best alternative (this is your action plan)

Monitor implementation of the plan

Verify if the problem has been resolved

Course Revision Video

Final Assessment

Certificate of Completion

Gain your KVR Training certificate of completion on successful completion of the course quiz.

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