Global Learning for Operational Leaders
Professional training course
ILM Recognized Managerial Decision Making and Problem Solving
Classroom
14 sessions
Scroll for more
Online / Live
14 sessions
Scroll for more
Introduction
Course overview
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.
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
Complete course outline
Course outline and key learning areas
The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.
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 9 - 13 November 2026. See the course schedules section for the available dates and delivery formats.
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
Is bilingual course delivery available?
Yes. All course materials and presentations are provided in English, while bilingual explanation and discussion support may be available depending on the selected location and trainer availability. For example, when attending a course in Istanbul, you may request a Turkish-speaking trainer to explain the English course content in Turkish. Arabic explanation support may also be requested at this location. Other languages are available in selected cities. You can choose your preferred language support as an optional preference during registration.
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?
Check the course schedules section for currently published classroom and Online / Live sessions.
Where are classroom sessions delivered?
Current classroom venues include Frankfurt, Barcelona, Dubai, Istanbul, Vienna, Paris, Geneva, Cape Town.
How long is the training programme?
The programme runs for five days, with up to five training hours per day, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Each programme includes a total of 25 training hours.
Quick request
Send quick request
Send a fast enquiry about this course and the academy team will get back to you.
Get a quotation
Request a formal quotation
Choose an available date and venue, add your participants, and we will email a formal quotation for ILM Recognized Managerial Decision Making and Problem Solving to your business address.