Creativity and Critical Thinking

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"Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learnt. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and where appropriate, profits." - Edward de Bono

The key competency of an effective Business Analyst is the ability to think creatively and critically. This workshop gives participants a step-by-step process for problem solving, exploring business systems alternatives, and generating highly creative business solutions. You will learn to think "outside-of-the-box" and put creativity and innovation into your everyday business analysis practices.

You will engage in discussions that help you learn how to apply the problem-solving and brainstorming process individually or within groups. Through active learning techniques you will be prepared to apply these skills in the workplace.

What you will learn:

• How to develop an opportunity seeking mindset
• Critical thinking and problem solving approaches
• Determine root causes
• Proven techniques to enhance your personal creativity and strategic thinking skills
• How to draft a problem statement that clearly defines your challenge
• Apply innovative thinking techniques to generate business systems solutions
• The creative process that helps you explore all possible solutions
• How to identify the best solutions and create successful action plans

Course Outline

Explore the Problem/Opportunity

• Move from Problem-As-Given (PAG) to Problem-As-Understood (PAU)
• Develop an Affinity Diagram to perform Issue Analysis

Determine Possible Causes/Drivers

• Identify the real causes or drivers
• Complete Root Cause Analysis

Generate Possible Options/Solutions

• Brainstorm options/solutions
• Common Brainstorming Technique
• Introduction to Idea Mapping technique

Discover the Best Options/Solution

• Choose selection criteria
• Apply Criteria Evaluation

Create The Implementation Plan

• What is needed to implement the recommendation
• Create your Action Plan

Measure The Results

• Link results to the Problem or Opportunity identified

Wrap-Up

• Quiz

Dates, Fees & Location

For more details regarding this program please refer to our Training Course Calendar.

Registration closes at 4:30 pm four business days prior to each course delivery date.