Problem Framing


Overview/Description
Target Audience
Expected Duration
Lesson Objectives
Course Number


Overview/Description
When you frame a picture, you intend for the viewer to examine everything within that border. Problem framing is similar in that you must not only consider what objectively makes up the problem itself but also what subjective tendencies influence your view of the situation. This course is designed to help you effectively frame problems so that you're sure your line of sight is aimed straight toward the solution. You'll discover how to recognize and gather information about a problem so that all contingencies are accounted for and all subtleties considered. You'll learn how to uncover the various assumptions, both conscious and unconscious, that are typically made about problems. After identifying these assumptions, you'll be able to tell the productive ones from the nonproductive. You'll also explore specific strategies for getting to the heart of any problem and learn dynamic techniques for framing that problem so that success is greatly enhanced. In the end, your ability to frame problems will be museum-quality.

Target Audience
Executives, managers, supervisors, team leaders, and other business professionals who want to enhance their ability to solve business problems and make effective personal and organizational decisions

Expected Duration (hours)
3.0

Lesson Objectives

Problem Framing

  • recognize the value of effectively identifying and gathering information about a problem.
  • specify techniques to identify a business problem.
  • identify valid sources of information about business problems.
  • apply techniques to assess the expertise of a subject-matter expert in a business scenario.
  • recognize benefits of fully examining assumptions about a given problem.
  • select strategies to validate assumptions about a given problem.
  • analyze the effectiveness of a team whose goal is to uncover problem assumptions in a business scenario.
  • match constraints that affect assumptions about objectives with their corresponding descriptions.
  • recognize the value of addressing the root problem instead of peripheral issues.
  • select sorting techniques to identify the root causes of business problems.
  • analyze the appropriate use of a causal flow analysis to determine the root causes of a business problem.
  • recognize benefits of incorporating dynamic problem-framing techniques into everyday business life.
  • identify the steps of constructing a fishbone diagram.
  • analyze the effectiveness of a group using a deviation analysis to effectively frame a given business problem.
  • analyze the effective use of the problem-redefinition technique to effectively frame a business problem scenario.

    • Course Number:
    pd_04_a02_bs_enus