Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Creativity

This course is part of Essential Professional Skills: Complete Guide Specialization

Instructor: Chris Croft

Access provided by National Open University of Nigeria

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Apply practical techniques to generate creative ideas, solve problems systematically, and overcome common barriers to innovation.
Make better decisions by evaluating options objectively, managing risk, identifying root causes, and using proven decision-making frameworks.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Tree Maps

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Essential Professional Skills: Complete Guide 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

Taught by business skills expert Chris Croft, this practical and fast-paced course is designed around short, highly actionable lessons that each focus on a single technique. The course covers three essential areas: Creativity, Problem Solving, and Decision Making. Learners will discover practical methods for generating ideas, overcoming creative blocks, identifying root causes, evaluating options, managing risk, and making better decisions even in complex situations.

The ability to solve problems, make good decisions, and think creatively is one of the most valuable skill sets in business. Whether you're leading a team, managing projects, running a business, or simply looking to improve your effectiveness, these skills help you tackle challenges with confidence. The focus throughout is on immediate application rather than theory. Using practical examples and proven frameworks (such as mind maps, the Five Whys, weighted decision matrices, decision trees, and risk analysis) participants will build a toolkit of techniques that can be applied straight away. Ideal for professionals at all levels, this course provides practical strategies to help you think more clearly, solve problems more effectively, and make better decisions every day.

In this module, learners practice creativity as a skill that can be strengthened through method, environment, and repetition. They explore how to set up conditions for better thinking, frame the right problem before generating solutions, and use practical ideation tools such as brainstorming, mind maps, perspective taking, analogical transfer, AI-assisted ideation, random prompts, and systematic creativity. These skills help learners produce more original and useful ideas in workplace settings where innovation depends on both imagination and structure.

What's included

11 videos1 assignment

11 videosTotal 14 minutes

Creativity: A Learnable Skill1 minute
The Ideal Environment for Creativity2 minutes
Choosing The Best Solution1 minute
Questions To Ask Before Solving a Problem1 minute
Setting yourself a challenge0 minutes
Using Mind Maps1 minute
Asking lots of people1 minute
Innovation transfer1 minute
Using AI for creativity1 minute
Overcoming a creativity barrier1 minute
Changing just one feature2 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Practising your creativity30 minutes

In this module, learners build a practical problem-solving process that combines creativity with disciplined analysis. They examine how to distinguish symptoms from root causes, involve the right people, use lateral thinking when needed, and apply structured tools such as Five Whys, Kepner-Tregoe analysis, comparative diagnosis, and data-informed detection. The module also emphasizes balancing evidence with judgment and reviewing whether a solution actually worked, which is essential for solving real workplace problems sustainably.

What's included

10 videos1 assignment

10 videosTotal 14 minutes

Introduction to Problem Solving1 minute
Finding the Real Root Cause1 minute
Question Every Constraint1 minute
When and How to Involve Others in Problem Solving1 minute
Using the Five Whys2 minutes
Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis Explained2 minutes
Comparing Data with Other Teams1 minute
Could it be random chance?3 minutes
Using Logic and Intuition1 minute
Review Your Solution Objectively1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Problem Solving Summary Quiz30 minutes

In this module, learners strengthen their ability to make clear, defensible decisions when multiple options and uncertainties are involved. They identify decision criteria, compare alternatives with weighted matrices, weigh risk against reward, decide when to delegate choices, test practicality, gather more information, and map options with decision trees. The module also helps learners avoid sunk-cost bias and recognize when a simpler choice is sufficient, preparing them to make more transparent and effective decisions at work.