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Structured Approach to Problem Solving

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Structured Approach to Problem Solving

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Fractal Analytics Academy

14,740 already enrolled

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3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

160 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

160 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the lifecycle of DS project and role of structured thinking in DS project.
Define a problem statement using the SMART framework. Explain the activities, best practices, and pitfalls in the implementation phase.
Construct MECE issue tree to break-down business problems into parts. Create a problem statement worksheet to scope business problems.
Explain the role of human centered design during solutioning of business problems.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

12 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

This course is an introductory course that equips you with the concepts and tools of problem thinking. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the different stages of a data science project 2. Discuss some of the tools and techniques used in data science. 3. Apply structured thinking to solving problems and avoid the common traps while doing so 4. Apply human-centric design in problem-solving. This course also acts as the first stepping-stone for aspiring data scientists. This course is a part of the program titled Fractal Data Science Professional Certificate. This course is tailored for learners seeking to enhance their analytical and critical thinking abilities. Ideal for students, professionals, and anyone intrigued by systematic approaches, this course empowers you with the foundational skills needed to approach problems with clarity and confidence.

Module details

This module teaches you how to use structured thinking to solve problems at work and in everyday life. You will also learn about the different stages and roles in data science, as well as the tools used in data science.

What's included

15 videos7 readings5 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

15 videosTotal 70 minutes

What Is Data Science?4 minutes
Course Introduction4 minutes
A day in the life of a Data Scientist2 minutes
Stages of a Data Science Project7 minutes
Roles in a Data Science Project5 minutes
Tools of the Trade5 minutes
Applications of Data Science4 minutes
Introduction to Structured Thinking5 minutes
Frameworks of Structured Thinking5 minutes
Structured Thinking and Problem Solving4 minutes
Structured Thinking in Solving Business Problems8 minutes
Framing the Problem Statement5 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Loop Trap4 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Complexity Trap5 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Obvious Trap3 minutes

7 readingsTotal 110 minutes

The Future of Data Science10 minutes
Course Syllabus10 minutes
Skills and Competencies for the Future Workforce30 minutes
The Global Problem Statement30 minutes
Story of a Data Scientist10 minutes
Solving Problems Like a Pro10 minutes
Tell us what you think!10 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 95 minutes

Introduction to Data Science15 minutes
Structured Thinking & Efficient Project Management 30 minutes
Structured Approach - An Introduction10 minutes
Problem Statements10 minutes
End of Module Graded Quiz30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 60 minutes

Defining a Problem Statement60 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Collaboration & problem-solving. 10 minutes

This module teaches structured thinking for solving business problems and covers tools and frameworks used in the process. It also highlights common mistakes to avoid.

What's included

13 videos3 readings6 assignments2 discussion prompts

13 videosTotal 65 minutes

Defining a Problem Statement Worksheet (PSW)8 minutes
How the PSW Helps in Defining a Problem Statement7 minutes
Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive (MECE)4 minutes
What is an Issue Tree?7 minutes
Creating an Issue Tree5 minutes
Documenting the Implementation Phase7 minutes
The Adoption Plan3 minutes
Metrics for Evaluation-17 minutes
Metrics for Evaluation-22 minutes
Creating User Research for Insights4 minutes
Common Design Pitfalls4 minutes
Common Strategic Pitfalls3 minutes
Phases of Testing a DS Project5 minutes

3 readingsTotal 22 minutes

Best Practices and Pitfalls of a PSW8 minutes
What is a Hypothesis Tree?8 minutes
Other Frameworks for Problem-Solving6 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 85 minutes

Solving Problems10 minutes
Frameworks of Problem Solving10 minutes
Finalizing Solutions10 minutes
Implementing a Solution - Getting ready10 minutes
End of Module Graded Quiz30 minutes
Creating a PSW15 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 25 minutes

AI and Automation 10 minutes
User Centricity in Design and Strategy15 minutes

Human-Centered Design is an approach that prioritizes the end-users' needs by understanding them and creating products that cater to their preferences and behaviors. The goal is to design products that are user-friendly, effective, and enjoyable to use. This module would help you understand why and how you should also keep your users/humans at the center of solving your business problems.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 57 minutes

Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Empathy8 minutes
What is HCD?5 minutes
The Discovery Phase5 minutes
The Solution Phase8 minutes
Fireside Chat with Biju Dominic26 minutes
Empathy in Design — Three Strategies to Build Empathy4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 38 minutes

Optional Reading - User Centered Design in a Product Development Lifecycle Process15 minutes
Empathy Map — Why and How8 minutes
Empathy Map, User Persona, and User Flow15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Keeping User at the Center180 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 90 minutes

Case Study: Traffic Signals — How to Design Better Traffic Signals for Colorblind Individuals (Especially Red and Green Colorblind Individuals)90 minutes