Evidence-based problem-solving discipline

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Enrol

This course currently has no scheduled dates. To express interest in this course or to discuss bespoke options for yourself or your organisation, please submit an expression of interest or contact the Professional Education Team on +61 2 5114 5573 or profedcourses@adfa.edu.au

Duration

1 day

Delivery mode

Face-to-face and online

Location

Canberra

Standard price

$950.00

Defence price

$950.00

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Overview

The problem-solving gets more challenging and overwhelming in complex issues with several actors and a large amount of information from different sources, a new norm in the digital and big data era. People, groups and organisations sometimes make decisions and provide solutions far from real-world issues. Our brains are designed to make quick decisions, and sometimes we miss out on what’s really going on.

This course is designed to show how to use data, information and knowledge systemically to make better decisions. Effective problem-solving is a core capability of a successful business professional, and leaders and team members need to demonstrate problem-solving confidence and capacity in their personal and professional careers.

Course content

Evidence-based problem solving introduces you to the fundamentals of a deliberate and structured approach to problem-solving and balancing analysis and judgment to avoid the common pitfalls of problem-solving in organisations. The importance and power of evidence, and familiarity with the different sources of evidence, are critical for identifying, solving, and communicating a problem. This course covers how to define problems, how to source relevant data, process, present and critically evaluate data to become the foundations of responsible decisions, the role of biases and the importance of communication and evaluation.

The basics of evidence-based problem solving: 

  • Problem articulation and decomposition
  • Understanding problems - fact gathering
  • Patterns, biases, hypothesizing effects
  • Analysing the issues and identifying causes
  • Analysing the issues with limited evidence
  • Problem-solving and making decisions
  • Evaluation of the solution 
  • Effective communication during the problem-solving process

Learning outcomes

Skills/competencies/knowledge that would be gained through this course:
  • Understand the basics of evidence-based problem solving. 
  • Characterise the fundamental aspects of evidence and desired features.
  • Recognise how the discipline of evidence-based problem solving could benefit your organisation.
  • Use tools to embed evidence-based practice into your problem-solving activities.

Who should attend

The Evidence-based problem-solving course is for any member or leader in Defence, Industry and Government groups. Problem-solving is an essential skill for individuals and teams however the solutions need to be grounded in evidence. In the current era of complexity, uncertainty and big data, we need to know how to use the best evidence in a systemic way to reach the solution.

The content in this course can be applied to a range of problem-solving situations from team management, and public services decisions to the defence and industry sectors.


Facilitator

Fateme Zare

Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
Research Associate

Fateme Zare is a researcher at the University of New South Wales Canberra and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). Fateme has more than 10 years of research, teaching and practical experience in model-based decision support processes using Systems Thinking and critical thinking with a focus on the integration of human–natural systems modelling. She has substantial experience in participatory, transdisciplinary and complex research. She has studied the integration of different aspects of problem-solving and modelling. One aspect of her research focuses on using different methodology and techniques to develop a comprehensive problem definition in integrated, interconnected, and complex human-natural systems. Social aspects of the decision-making and human aspect of the process are critical to the structure and evaluate decision support processes and enhance complex systems' robustness.

 

Cancellation policy

Courses will be held subject to sufficient registrations. UNSW Canberra reserves the right to cancel a course up to five working days prior to commencement of the course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If registrant cancels within 10 days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply. UNSW Canberra is a registered ACT provider under ESOS Act 2000-CRICOS provider Code 00098G.