Introduction
Organizations face complex decisions every day, from improving efficiency to increasing revenue and managing risk. Business Problem Solving with Data enables professionals to use data as a structured tool for identifying issues, understanding causes, and selecting effective solutions. The course develops analytical thinking in a business context, helping participants connect data to action and solve real organizational challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Course Objectives
- Use data to frame and solve business problems systematically
- Strengthen root-cause analysis and evidence-based reasoning
- Connect business questions to relevant data sources and measures
- Evaluate alternative solutions using data and logic
- Improve the quality of recommendations and decisions
- Apply analytical thinking to operational and strategic challenges
Target Audience
- Managers responsible for solving business performance issues
- Professionals involved in planning, operations, or improvement
- Strategy and transformation teams
- Business analysts and decision-support professionals
- Team leaders seeking structured problem-solving methods
- Executives leading change or performance initiatives
Course Outline
- 5 Sections
- 0 Lessons
- 5 Days
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- Day 1: Framing Business Problems Clearly• Defining the real problem behind symptoms
• Separating assumptions from evidence
• Breaking down complex issues into manageable questions
• Prioritizing problems based on business impact
• Case study: Misdiagnosed problems in organizations0 - Day 2: Using Data to Diagnose Causes• Identifying relevant data sources for analysis
• Root-cause thinking and causal reasoning
• Using trends, comparisons, and segmentation
• Recognizing gaps in data and uncertainty
• Workshop: Diagnosing a business case using data0 - Day 3: Evaluating Options and Trade-Offs• Generating solution alternatives
• Comparing options using evidence and criteria
• Estimating impact, cost, and feasibility
• Balancing short-term wins and long-term outcomes
• Practical activity: Assessing competing solutions0 - Day 4: Making Recommendations with Confidence• Building a strong evidence-based argument
• Communicating insights to decision-makers
• Anticipating objections and stakeholder concerns
• Supporting recommendations with data storytelling
• Case study: Data-backed business turnarounds0 - Day 5: Embedding Data-Driven Problem Solving• Creating repeatable problem-solving routines
• Supporting teams with structured decision processes
• Avoiding bias and rushed conclusions
• Building a culture of evidence-based action
• Final group project: Solving a business challenge with data0
Instructor
Lessons:
