Course objectives

The main objective of the course is to enable students to solve problems in business organizations based on critical thinking skills, rational methods and available facts. Problem solving refers to applying engineering skills in real-life, complex, team, unpredictable and volatile environments. Taking into account that modern companies rely on teams, units and mutually dependent parts, students will learn about the main principles and techniques of group decision making and the implementation thereof.

Learning outcomes

The course will enable students to:

identify and classify a business problem and assess its impact on the organization;
use software designed to document problem classification;
form problem solving groups or teams and take corresponding roles;
implement brainstorming methods, synectic methods, morphological analysis and soft system methodology;
identify engineering problems and propose solutions;
understand the importance and role of incomplete data and their impact on decision making;
apply problem solving skills in an efficient and timely manner.

Course content

Theoretical classes

Problem definition and types of problems
Problem solving techniques and strategies
Multiple-criteria decision-making methods
Decision making in groups and teams. Team psychology. Team contract
Structural system analysis methods. Soft system methodology
Synectic methods in group decision making
Formal and logic method, engineering approach to problem solving, critical thinking
Morphological analysis
Uncertainty in data collection, the role of probability
Problem management in an organization

Practical classes

Problem classification and definition
Team building, creating a team contract and conflict simulation
Problem solving using the soft system methodology, group practice
Solving problems through brainstorming, group practice
Presenting teamwork solutions
Creative problem solving using the synectic method
Morphological analysis
Simulation of decision making in uncertain circumstances
Integrative practice
Project work