Offered By

Converting Challenges into Opportunities

University of California San Diego

About this Course

48,779 recent views

In a very competitive workplace, demonstrating your ability to turn challenges into opportunities is an important to way stand out to hiring managers and to your existing management/leadership.    In this course, you will learn how to utilize the knowledge and skills needed to leverage left- and right-brain thinking, analyze problems, spur creativity, and implement innovative ideas for your workplace. Using the power of design thinking and Creative Problem Solving models you will work toward data-driven solutions to workplace challenges.  You will engage in an active process of identifying/defining a specific challenge,  generating  a plan to address the challenge, collecting and analyzing data/information in order to sell your solution to your leadership, implementing your data-driven solution, and evaluating success of the solution.
Course Outcomes: 
1. Understand  Design, out-of-the box, whole brain thinking, Your workplace strengths
2. Apply  Qualitative and scientific research method for workplace problems, Setting priorities and analyzing for outcomes
3. Apply  Creative problem solving and creative thinking, using creative techniques to overcome challenges and bring about innovation
4. Create  Action plan, Learn to implement innovative ideas and present ideas

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.64/5 (148 Ratings)

Drew Dougherty

55,898 Learners

1 Course

Josh Shapiro, PhD

Director of Research

UC San Diego Extension

55,898 Learners

1 Course

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 10 hours to complete

English

Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Chinese (Simplified), Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, German, Russian, Turkish, English, Spanish

Offered by

University of California San Diego

UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom—life is their laboratory.

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating95%(4,088 ratings)

Week

Week 1

3 hours to complete

Design Your Work

3 hours to complete

5 videos (Total 23 min), 13 readings, 2 quizzes

5 videos

Welcome1m

Welcome to the Course and Introduction to Module 14m

Interaction Styles4m

SWOT3m

Importance of “Soft Skills” and Looking at Grid and Managing Weaknesses8m

13 readings

Understanding Your Strengths35m

Exercise: Social Style Self-Assessment Self Reflection10m

Interaction Styles Framework3m

Exercise: Journey Line10m

Exercise: Character Strengths Self Reflection10m

Exercise: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Self Reflection10m

Exercise: Heroes Reflection10m

Using “Whole Brain” Thinking25m

Exercise: Grid Assessment15m

Pushing Yourself to Think and Act Differently15m

Exercise: Stress Signals5m

Pushing Yourself to Think and Act Differently18m

Unlocking Your Professional Potential

2 practice exercises

Understanding and Amplifying Strengths Quiz10m

Amplifying Your Strengths And Getting Out Of Your Own Way Quiz10m

Week

Week 2

3 hours to complete

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

3 hours to complete

1 video (Total 6 min), 5 readings, 1 quiz

1 video

Introduction to Module 26m

5 readings

Exercise: Identify two problems5m

Problem Solving Using Scientific and Other Research Methods1h 9m

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Creative Thinking

2 hours to complete

2 videos (Total 10 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

2 videos

Introduction to Module 34m

Innovative Mindsets6m

4 readings

Approaches to problem solving25m

Innovative Thinking32m

Overcoming Assumptions and Barriers19m

Using Prototyping for Innovation10m

2 practice exercises

Approaches to Problem Solving Quiz5m

Innovative Thinking and Overcoming Assumptions Quiz10m

Week

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Putting Ideas Into Action

2 hours to complete

1 video (Total 9 min), 3 readings, 1 quiz

1 video

Introduction to Module 49m

3 readings

Translating Your Idea into Practical Application15m

The Art of Good Storytelling37m

Unlocking Your Professional Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. 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.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You’ll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Learn more.

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Converting Challenges into Opportunities

Converting Challenges into Opportunities