Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Complex Problem Solving in Organizations course is designed to develop strategic thinking skills, providing a demonstrated process and actionable tools to solve complex problems. This course is part of the Sustainable Management and Technology program, specifically in the Master semester 1.

Course Details

• Credits: 3 credits
• Teacher: Chevallier Arnaud
• Language: English
• Withdrawal Policy: It is not allowed to withdraw from this subject after the registration deadline.
• Location: Courses given on IMD Campus.

Summary

This course enables professionals to improve their problem-solving skills, including framing, exploring, deciding, and synthesizing solutions. It focuses on strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Content

The course covers the entire problem-solving journey, including:

• Framing: identifying the problem
• Exploring: identifying potential solutions and stakeholder needs
• Deciding: selecting the best solution
• Synthesizing: analyzing and presenting the solution

Keywords

• Strategy
• Strategic thinking
• Decision-making
• Problem solving

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students must be able to:

• Structure a comprehensive problem-solving approach
• Define the problem in a synthetic frame
• Construct a clear map of potential solutions
• Analyze potential solutions
• Decide which solution offers the best tradeoffs
• Synthesize the analysis in a compelling argument
• Use judicious iterations and probabilistic thinking to manage key uncertainties

Transversal Skills

• Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions
• Demonstrate a capacity for creativity
• Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking

Teaching Methods

The course uses a mix of flipped lectures (videos), class discussions, and projects. Attendance to all sessions is mandatory, and any absence may result in penalties.

Assessment Methods

There won't be a final exam. Instead, assessment will be a mix of a group project and individual assessment, including:

• Quality of the group project (60%)
• Quality of the individual contribution (40%), including class participation and contributions to help others

Resources

• Bibliography: Chevallier, A. and A. Enders (2022). Solvable - A Simple solution to complex problems. Harlow, England, Pearson.
• Library resources: Find the references at the Library

Program Details

• Program: Sustainable Management and Technology
• Semester: Fall
• Number of places: 40
• Exam form: During the semester (winter session)
• Subject examined: Complex problem solving in organizations
• Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
• Type: mandatory

Schedule

The course schedule is as follows: | Time | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 8-9 | | | | | | | 9-10 | | | | | | | 10-11| | | | | | | 11-12| | | | | | | 12-13| | | | | | | 13-14| | | | | | | 14-15| | | | | | | 15-16| | | | | | | 16-17| | | | | | | 17-18| | | | | | | 18-19| | | | | | | 19-20| | | | | | | 20-21| | | | | | | 21-22| | | | | |