Global Learning for Operational Leaders
Professional training course
ILM Recognized Managerial Decision Making and Problem Solving
Managers are constantly confronted with solving complex problems and making critical decisions. The outline covers Structured problem solving, Understanding and analyzing problems, Root cause analysis, and Decision makin...
Introduction
Course overview
Why Attend
Managers are constantly confronted with solving complex problems and making critical decisions. If not handled properly, these problems can have severe negative effects on operations and profitability. This course equips managers with the right tools and techniques to ensure they will find proper and permanent solutions to problems and make optimum decisions. Participants will learn how to develop the right mindset for solving problems, and enable them to understand, analyze and appreciate the different types of problems, conduct in-depth root cause analysis and make the right decisions for permanent solutions. Participants will also discover that some problems cannot be solved using rational problem solving methods but need different, more creative approaches. In this course we will enhance the participants' idea generating proficiency and we will enable them to lead a creative team. Finally, and after a solution is formulated and a decision is made, participants will learn how to 'sell' their solutions to stakeholders and get the buy in. On this course, participants will also discover how to influence others and get support for what has been decided.
Course Methodology
This highly practical and interactive course uses models, practical exercises, case studies, presentations and group discussions to develop managerial problem solving and decision making capabilities.
Participants in a group will be challenging other groups' findings and results and will be defending theirs. The use of participants’ real work situations adds practicality and facilitates transfer of learning. Participants will safely practice learned techniques which will then be easily applicable at the workplace
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the structured model for systematically addressing problems and decisions
- Practice the use of key tools and techniques for analyzing and solving problems
- Conduct a comprehensive root cause analysis of any problem
- Demonstrate the use of several disciplines in decision making
- Identify various creative idea generating tools which can be practically applied at the workplace
- Apply influencing techniques to enable better decision making and implementation
Target Audience
Team leaders, department managers and supervisors who are involved in leading and participating in solving their teams’ problems, as well as making and implementing decisions.
Target Competencies
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Creativity
- Situational analysis
- Influencing
- Leadership
What you will achieve
Learning objectives
- Explain the structured model for systematically addressing problems and decisions
- Practice the use of key tools and techniques for analyzing and solving problems
- Conduct a comprehensive root cause analysis of any problem
- Demonstrate the use of several disciplines in decision making
- Identify various creative idea generating tools which can be practically applied at the workplace
- Apply influencing techniques to enable better decision making and implementation
Who should attend
Target audience
- Team leaders, department managers and supervisors who are involved in leading and participating in solving their teams’ problems, as well as making and implementing decisions.
- Target Competencies
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Creativity
- Situational analysis
- Influencing
- Leadership
Methodology
Learning approach
- This highly practical and interactive course uses models, practical exercises, case studies, presentations and group discussions to develop managerial problem solving and decision making capabilities.
- Participants in a group will be challenging other groups' findings and results and will be defending theirs. The use of participants’ real work situations adds practicality and facilitates transfer of learning. Participants will safely practice learned techniques which will then be easily applicable at the workplace
Course content
Course outline and key learning areas
Module 1
Structured problem solving
- Definitions, principles and overview
- Direct relationship between problem solving and decision making
- Types of problem solving
- Problem solving mindsets and attitudes
- Developing the questioning mindset with team members
- Problem ownership
- Drilling down complex problems into progressively smaller parts
- The 6 step problem solving method
- Classifying and prioritizing problems
Module 2
Understanding and analyzing problems
- Techniques for recognizing problems
- Appreciating the magnitude of problems facing us
- Isolating causes from symptoms
- Data collection and analysis
- Pareto analysis
- 'SWOT' analysis
Module 3
Root cause analysis
- When is it necessary to undergo a wide scale root cause analysis
- Root cause analysis: the interrelation
- Root cause analysis: the process
- Cause and effect analysis: key points of the process
- Three types of corrective actions
Module 4
Decision making
- Everyday decision making techniques
- Principles of decision making
- Components of optimum decision making
- Using critical thinking as an aid to decisions
- Different tools for decision making
- Subjective versus objective decision making
- The uncertainty problem
Module 5
Creativity and problem solving
- Intelligence versus creativity
- The role of creativity in problem solving
- Mental blockers of creativity
- Brainstorming: different techniques
- Opposite thinking and 'what if'
- Mind mapping
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does ILM Recognized Managerial Decision Making and Problem Solving cover?
This course covers Interpersonal Skills and Self Development through a structured five-day outline focused on practical application, discussion, and implementation planning.
When is the next available session?
The next scheduled session starts on 15 - 19 June 2026, with additional classroom dates and mirrored Online / Live options listed in the course schedules section.
Who should attend this course?
Team leaders, department managers and supervisors who are involved in leading and participating in solving their teams’ problems, as well as making and implementing decisions., Target Competencies, Problem solving
How can I register for a session?
Use any Register button next to the available course dates to open the participant registration page and submit your booking request for the selected session.
Is this course available online as well as classroom-based?
Yes. The course detail page includes both classroom sessions and Online / Live sessions, with online options aligned to the same course dates for easier planning.
Where are classroom sessions delivered?
Current classroom venues include London, Istanbul, Vienna, Barcelona, Paris, Frankfurt.
Still Have Questions?
Contact the academy team for course details, delivery options, and delegate guidance.
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