Duration: 3 days – 21 hrs
Overview
This course is designed to enhance the critical thinking and decision-making skills of senior business process managers and solution process owners. It focuses on structured approaches to analyzing complex business challenges, evaluating risks, and making data-driven decisions that align with organizational policies. Participants will learn to develop effective policies, problem-solving frameworks, and strategic solutions to enhance business efficiency and governance.
Objectives
- Apply critical thinking frameworks to assess and resolve business challenges effectively.
- Develop structured decision-making models that align with corporate policies and business objectives.
- Analyze and evaluate data to make informed decisions and mitigate risks.
- Formulate and implement policies that support operational efficiency and compliance.
- Improve problem-solving skills by using logical reasoning, root cause analysis, and creative thinking techniques.
- Enhance stakeholder engagement by making well-supported, transparent, and ethical decisions.
- Use AI-assisted tools to streamline decision-making and enhance policy development.
Audience
- Senior Business Process Managers
- Solution Process Owners
- Operations and Strategy Leaders
- Policy and Governance Executives
- Risk and Compliance Officers
- Project and Program Managers
- Decision-Makers in Business Process Improvement
Pre- requisites
- Basic understanding of corporate policies and decision-making processes
- Experience in managing or overseeing business operations
- Familiarity with risk assessment and problem-solving in business environments
Course Content
Day 1: Foundations of Critical Thinking and Decision-Making
Interactive Diagnostic Exercise (Pre-Course Assessment)
Module 1: Understanding Critical Thinking for Policy Development
- Why critical thinking is vital in policy and solution development
- Recognizing and overcoming cognitive biases
- Logical reasoning and argumentation
Module 2: Advanced Problem-Solving Approaches
- The 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and SCAMPER method for root cause analysis
- SWOT & PESTLE analysis for policy planning
- Applying the OODA Loop in high-stakes decisions
Module 3: Decision-Making Frameworks
- Rational vs. intuitive decision-making
- The Kepner-Tregoe Method for structured decision-making
- Decision trees and scenario planning
Hands-on Case Study Exercises
- Small group problem-solving activities
- Role-playing business challenges
- AI-assisted decision-making tools (practical usage)
Day 2: Policy Development and Risk Mitigation
Module 4: Developing Effective Policies
- Key principles in policy creation
- Aligning policies with compliance and business goals
- Best practices for policy documentation
Module 5: Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies
- Risk identification in decision-making
- Cost-benefit analysis and risk-reward balance
- Ethical considerations and corporate responsibility
Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement & Persuasive Communication
- How to build consensus in decision-making
- Influence tactics for policy acceptance
- Managing resistance to change
Industry-Specific Case Studies & Ethical Dilemmas
- Real-world examples from governance, finance, and business strategy
- Lessons learned from policy failures and successes
Day 3: Strategic Decision-Making and AI Integration
Module 7: Crisis and High-Stakes Decision-Making
- Decision-making in uncertain and crisis situations
- Red Teaming & pre-mortem analysis
- Vroom-Yetton model for leadership-driven decisions
Module 8: AI and Technology in Decision-Making
- How AI is reshaping business policies and governance
- Risks and limitations of AI-based decision models
- AI ethics and bias mitigation
Final Group Project – Policy and Solution Simulation
- Develop a policy framework for a complex business problem
- AI-assisted decision support simulation
- Stakeholder presentation and critique session
Closing Panel Discussion & Q&A
- Expert insights on critical thinking and policy development
- Participant reflections and key takeaways
- Certification and next steps for continued skill development
