Management and Leadership

Data-Driven Problem Solving and Decision Making

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• Traditional Classroom: 1-day
• Virtual Instructor-led: Two 3–3.5 hour sessions; Three 2-hour sessions

Making the best decisions requires more than intuition or assumptions — it requires the ability to turn data into actionable insights that drive optimal business outcomes. This interactive workshop equips analysts, managers, and decision-makers with a comprehensive toolkit for tackling business challenges. Attendees will master a proven eight-step problem-solving framework along with practical methods including root cause analysis techniques, brainstorming techniques, criteria-based decision making, and risk identification and mitigation strategies. The workshop focuses on moving beyond simply reporting numbers to uncovering insights that matter — and communicating those findings persuasively to influence stakeholders and drive action. Through hands-on exercises and a real-world case study, learners will practice defining problems clearly, collecting and analyzing the right data, and evaluating alternatives systematically.

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This course is ideal for:

• Analysts and any professional responsible for interpreting and presenting data
• Leaders and managers seeking to improve data-informed decisioning skills
• Individuals across industries aiming to strengthen their analytical and problem-solving skills
• Risk, operations, and program management professionals responsible for risk assessment and mitigation
• Quality and operational excellence professionals driving improvements
• Organizations aiming to define and solve business problems in a structured and repeatable manner

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Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of data for informed decision making.
• Apply an 8-Step Problem Solving approach for data-driven problem solving.
• Learn to clearly define the problem and identify root causes.
• Gain proficiency in conducting focused data collection and analysis.
• Discover how to transform analytical findings into compelling narratives that influence stakeholder decisions.
• Communicate data-driven recommendations with clarity and confidence.
• Explore how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks.
• Articulate how to generate and evaluate decision alternatives using criteria-based methods.

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Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Data-Driven Decision Making

• Data as the Driving Force
• Maturity Levels of Data-Driven Decision Making
• Importance of Data When Making Decisions
• Biases in Decision Making
• Overview of 8-Step Problem Solving Approach
• Exercise: Scenario — Beyond Surface-Level Information

Module 2: Defining the Problem

• Importance of Defining What You Are Solving For
• What a Problem Statement Is and Is Not
• Creating a Problem Statement
• Exercise: Review the Case Study Scenario — Create the Problem Statement

Module 3: Investigate the Root Causes of the Problem

• Definition and Importance of Root Cause Analysis
• Learn How to Brainstorm a Broad Set of Causes Using a Cause-and-Effect Diagram
• Identify the Root Causes Using the Five Whys
• Understand Best Practices When Facilitating Root Cause Analysis Events
• Exercise: Practice Using the Cause-and-Effect Diagram on a Real Scenario

Module 4: Analyze the Problem

• Translating Questions into Analytical Objectives
• Designing a Focused Analysis Approach
  • Determine Required Data Needs
  • Collect and Prepare Data
  • Analyze Patterns and Trends (Practical, Graphical, Analytical)
  • Present Analysis to Inform Actionable Insights
• Exercise: Case Study — Analyze Patterns and Trends to Generate Insights

Module 5: Identify Possible Solutions

• Importance of a Creative Thinking Mindset When Brainstorming Possible Solutions
• Brainstorming and Structured Ideation Techniques
  • Design Thinking — Crazy 8’s Method
  • Brainswarming
  • Brainwriting
• Risk Assessment of Solutions
  • Review the Types of Risk
  • Identify Potential Risks and Impact Using a Risk Assessment Tool
  • Approaches to Mitigate Risk When Solutioning
• Exercise: Hands-on Brainstorming Activity
• Exercise: Create a Risk Assessment for a Given Scenario

Module 6: Evaluating and Selecting the Best Solution

• De Bono’s Six Hats Technique for Decision Making
• Comparing and Evaluating Options
  • Impact/Effort Matrix
  • Defining Evaluation Criteria (Cost, Benefit, Feasibility, Risk)
  • Weighted Criteria-Based Matrix
• Exercise: Apply De Bono’s 6 Hats to a Real-World Decision
• Exercise: Create an Impact/Effort Matrix for a Real-World Scenario

Module 7: Implementation and Learning

• Creating Actionable Implementation Plans
• The Importance of Piloting

Module 8: Implementation and Learning

• Monitoring Results and Measuring Success
• Continuous Learning and Reflection
• Wrap-Up and Q&A

MDV183 Course Code