Problem Analysis Workshop

A. Course Description

The two-day workshop addresses the reality of people facing seemingly impossible problems and difficult decisions everyday of their lives. It will take the “guess work” and the “trial-and-error” tendency out of solving problems and replace it with a practical and creative approach that promises consistently effective results. It will support “hunches” and “gut feel” in making decisions with a more logical and sound method. 

On the whole, it will bring problem-solving and decision-making to the higher order of thinking that looks at data as basis for solutions and actions, that considers different perspectives, and that guides people all the way to implementing their solutions and decisions. 

B. Course Objectives

As a result of attending this workshop, the participants will be able to:

1. Appraise situations and prioritize concerns
2. Recognize problems that require solutions
3. Analyze causes of problems
4. Make the best decisions in given situations
5. Ensure effective implementation of decisions and plans
6. Apply the problem-solving process to their actual work situations

C. Course Participants

The workshop will benefit executives, managers, supervisors, and support staff who believe that problem-solving and decision-making is their major responsibility and a way to their adding value to the organization. It is also for all those who have been looking for a better way to address the numerous and challenging concerns they face on a daily basis.

D. Course Outline

1. What is a Problem Anyway?
2. Anatomy of a Problem: Problems as a Balanced Conflict
3. Pitfalls in Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
4. The Iceberg Phenomenon: Going Beyond Symptoms and Hunches
5. “Quick and Dirty” Problem Solving Techniques:

i. Questioning
ii. Group Consensus
iii. Chronological Analysis
iv. Cause-and-Effect
v. Force-Field Analysis
vi. Is/is not Analysis

6. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: A Way of Life

i. Elements of a Good Decision
ii. Objectives for the Decision
iii. “Musts”: Non-negotiable Criteria
iv. “Wants”: Nice-to-Have Criteria
v. Generating Meaningful Alternatives
vi. Balancing Benefits and Risks

7. Overcoming Murphy’s Law in Implementation of Decisions and Plans

About the Resource Speaker: Cesar P. Baltazar

Mr. Baltazar is a Certified Instructor in Executive Problem-Solving and Decision-Making. He is also a Consultant in Business Management, Organization Development, and Human Capital Management.

At present, he is the President of iCareer Academy, Inc. and the Partnership Forum for International Trade Development, Inc., and the Managing Director of Organization Development Consultancy. 

He is a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Psychology at the University of the Philippines and has an MBA degree from the Ateneo de Manila University. He also has a Certificate in Organizational Action from the Center for Creative Leadership in North Carolina and in Strategy Implementation from the Wharton School.