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Mastering Complex Problem-Solving
Christine Aykac

A Practical Problem-solving Toolkit for Business and IT Professionals with Divergent and Convergent Thinking Methods

Summary

Price
Save 78%
£19 inc VAT (was £89)
Offer ends 31 December 2026
Study method
Online, On Demand
Duration
1.9 hours · Self-paced
Qualification
No formal qualification
Certificates
  • Certificate of completion - Free
  • Reed courses certificate of completion - Free
Additional info
  • Tutor is available to students

62 students purchased this course

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Overview

Tired of projects failing or operations halting due to unexpected problems? This course equips you with a step-by-step toolkit to confidently tackle any complex challenge. Whether you're a project manager, IT professional, or business leader, gain the skills to drive successful outcomes.

Why This Course?

  • Real-World Application: Applicable to diverse industries and scenarios.

  • Systematic Approach: Structured framework for breaking down complex problems.

  • Improved Outcomes: Enhance decision-making, save resources, and reduce stress.

  • Empowerment: Develop confidence to address challenges head-on.

What You'll Learn:

  • Distinguish between simple, complicated, and complex problems.

  • Craft effective problem statements.

  • Apply the KandF (KEPNER and FOURIE®) approach.

  • Utilize divergent and convergent thinking.

  • Prioritize problems to maximize impact.

  • Identify root causes to prevent recurrence.

  • Select the best solutions with stakeholder buy-in.

  • Implement strategies to avoid future problems.

Key Skills You'll Develop:

  • Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Generate and narrow down ideas

  • KEPNER and FOURIE® Approach: Structured method for root cause analysis

  • Systematic Questioning: Gather quality data and promote reasoning

  • Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate potential risks

Certificates

Certificate of completion

Digital certificate - Included

Once you have completed your course, you will receive a certificate via email that includes your PDU/CDU information. This certificate is evidence of your continued learning and professional development and is essential for maintaining your professional certifications.

The certificate will be sent to the email address you provide at registration, so please ensure it is valid and current. If you have any questions about the certification process, please get in touch with us. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for choosing our course!

Christine Aykac

Reed courses certificate of completion

Digital certificate - Included

Will be downloadable when all lectures have been completed

Curriculum

3
sections
12
lectures
1h 53m
total

Course media

Description

Many problem-solving methods exist, but they can be ineffective when applied to complex issues. A problem is considered complex when it involves many interrelated factors and when cause and effect are not immediately apparent. In such instances, a traditional problem-solving approach that relies on linear thinking and strict cause-and-effect analysis is often insufficient. Fortunately, there is a problem-solving method specifically designed for complex issues: the Kepner and Fourie (K&F) approach. This approach helps you identify the root cause of a problem. However, the K&F method is more than just a simple question-asking exercise; it is also a powerful learning tool that can help you understand the system in which the problem exists and identify potential solutions.

So, what is the Kepner and Fourie approach? In a nutshell, it is a structured problem-solving method that utilizes a cause-and-effect diagram to help identify the root cause of a problem. The K&F approach also aids in understanding the relationships between the various factors contributing to the problem. This understanding is critical because it allows for the identification of potential solutions that address the root cause rather than merely its symptoms.

If you want to learn more about the Kepner and Fourie approach, this course is for you. In this course, you will explore the history of the K&F approach and how it can be utilized to solve complex problems. Additionally, you will learn about the various steps in the K&F method and how to apply them to real-world scenarios. By the end of this course, you will have a strong understanding of how to use the K&F approach to tackle complex problems.

Additionally, you will acquire valuable skills in both divergent and convergent thinking, enabling you to effectively reach a consensus and ultimately save your project. You will also learn how to engage the appropriate resources by asking the right questions, grasping important concepts, and evaluating potential risks. Armed with this vital knowledge, you will be equipped to overcome any challenge and achieve success.

At the end of this course, you will better understand what it takes to be an effective problem solver. You'll also know how complicated problems are usually solved and why they cannot always provide quick results without applicable skills like brainstorming or estimation, which can take time for some people who don't want to spend too much energy trying other methods before getting closer towards their goal as quickly possible (but still the following process).

Enrol in this course today and start learning how to use the Kepner and Fourie approach to solve complex problems!

Christine

Coach & Trainer

Keep learning, keep innovating, and keep adapting!

Who is this course for?

This course is open to anyone:

  • Operational and project managers and their teams
  • Process managers and practitioners
  • Delivery team members, including Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and Tem leads
  • Anyone in mediator or facilitator roles
  • Consultants and contractors
  • Anyone coordinating multiple segment workforce

Requirements

This course is designed for individuals who want to learn problem-solving and complex issue resolution. While there are no prerequisites for this course, it is beneficial to have some experience participating in problem-solving or issue-resolving activities.

During the course, you will have the opportunity to learn about various problem-solving techniques and practice using them in complex situations. You will also learn about the different stages of problem-solving and how to effectively work through each stage. By the end of the course, you will better understand how to solve problems and resolve complex issues.

Career path

If you find yourself struggling to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of work, it is time to consider learning new skills. At first, the prospect of learning new skills can seem daunting, but with the right attitude and approach, you can benefit from the following learnings:

  • Adaptive Leadership: Unlock Your Professional Potential
  • Agile Foundation: Guide to Getting Started with Agility

Questions and answers

Currently there are no Q&As for this course. Be the first to ask a question.

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FAQs

Interest free credit agreements provided by Zopa Bank Limited trading as DivideBuy are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Financial Ombudsman Service. Zopa Bank Limited trading as DivideBuy is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, and entered on the Financial Services Register (800542). Zopa Bank Limited (10627575) is incorporated in England & Wales and has its registered office at: 1st Floor, Cottons Centre, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QG. VAT Number 281765280. DivideBuy's trading address is First Floor, Brunswick Court, Brunswick Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1HH. © Zopa Bank Limited 2026. All rights reserved.