Business, Commerce and Management Studies Generic Management

Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills Training

SAQA US 242817 | NQF 4 | Credits 8 | Duration 5 Days
From $1,242 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with systematic approaches to identify, analyse, and resolve workplace problems, and to make informed decisions. Participants will learn to implement solutions effectively and evaluate outcomes to ensure continuous improvement. The course aligns with SAQA Unit Standard 242817, focusing on practical application in real-world contexts.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply a structured problem-solving process to identify and define problems in the workplace.
  • Analyze root causes of problems using appropriate techniques such as the 5 Whys or fishbone diagrams.
  • Evaluate alternative solutions using decision-making criteria to select the most viable option.
  • Implement chosen solutions by developing action plans and allocating resources effectively.
  • Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of implemented solutions to ensure desired results are achieved.
  • Demonstrate the ability to document and communicate problem-solving processes and decisions clearly.

Target Audience

This course is designed for supervisors, team leaders, managers, and any professionals who need to enhance their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in the workplace.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment. No prior formal training in problem solving is required.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Problem Solving and Decision Making

Objectives:
• Understand the importance of problem solving and decision making in the workplace
• Define key terms: problem, decision, criteria, constraints
• Identify the steps in a structured problem-solving process
• Recognize different types of problems and decision-making contexts
• Apply a simple problem-solving model to a basic scenario

Topics:
• Introduction to problem solving and decision making
• The problem-solving cycle: define, analyze, generate solutions, decide, implement, evaluate
• Types of problems: simple, complicated, complex, chaotic
• Factors influencing decision making: time, information, resources, risk
• Overview of decision-making models: rational, intuitive, creative
• Group activity: identifying problems in case studies

Day 2: Problem Analysis and Root Cause Identification

Objectives:
• Differentiate between symptoms and root causes
• Use root cause analysis tools: 5 Whys, Fishbone diagram
• Apply data gathering techniques: interviews, observation, surveys
• Analyze problems using cause-and-effect relationships
• Prioritize problems based on impact and urgency

Topics:
• Root cause analysis: concepts and importance
• 5 Whys technique: step-by-step application
• Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram: constructing and interpreting
• Data collection methods for problem analysis
• Prioritization matrices: impact vs. urgency
• Group exercise: conducting a root cause analysis on a given problem

Day 3: Generating and Evaluating Solutions

Objectives:
• Use creative techniques to generate alternative solutions
• Apply decision criteria and constraints to evaluate options
• Use decision-making tools: decision matrix, SWOT analysis
• Assess risks and benefits of each solution
• Select the best solution based on evidence and criteria

Topics:
• Creative thinking techniques: brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER
• Decision criteria: cost, time, feasibility, impact
• Decision matrix: weighting and scoring options
• SWOT analysis for solution evaluation
• Risk assessment: likelihood and consequence
• Group activity: evaluating solutions for a workplace problem

Day 4: Implementation Planning and Decision Execution

Objectives:
• Develop an implementation plan with timelines, resources, and responsibilities
• Identify potential barriers and mitigation strategies
• Communicate decisions effectively to stakeholders
• Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed
• Understand change management principles for decision roll-out

Topics:
• Action planning: steps, resources, milestones
• Risk mitigation: contingency plans
• Stakeholder communication and buy-in
• Monitoring and evaluation: key performance indicators
• Change management basics: Kotter’s 8 steps
• Role-play: presenting a decision to a team

Day 5: Advanced Applications and Integration

Objectives:
• Apply the complete problem-solving process to complex, real-world scenarios
• Integrate multiple tools and techniques from previous days
• Evaluate the effectiveness of decisions post-implementation
• Develop a personal action plan for continuous improvement
• Demonstrate competency through a capstone exercise

Topics:
• Complex problem solving: case study with multiple stakeholders
• Post-decision evaluation: lessons learned
• Continuous improvement: PDCA cycle
• Building a problem-solving culture in teams
• Capstone group project: solve a simulated workplace problem from start to finish
• Personal action plan for applying skills

Practicals

No practicals for this training.

This course is made up of exercises and case studies delivered alongside the theory — no separate practical sessions are required to complete it.

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course and a final summative test at the end.

Daily Exercises — 30%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 30% to the final total.

Final Test — 70%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 70% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 30%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 70%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Daily Average 30% + Final Test 70%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Fri 11 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Sep 2026 Fri 02 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Oct 2026 Fri 23 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Dec 2026 Fri 11 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 11 Jan 2027 Fri 15 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Feb 2027 Fri 19 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,242 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Fri 05 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 07 Jun 2027 Fri 11 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 28 Jun 2027 Fri 02 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 19 Jul 2027 Fri 23 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Sep 2027 Fri 10 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Sep 2027 Fri 01 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 18 Oct 2027 Fri 22 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 06 Dec 2027 Fri 10 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 27 Dec 2027 Fri 31 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
Mon 17 Jan 2028 Fri 21 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,242 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 492 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Durban, South Africa Winter 2026 $2,916 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Abu Dhabi, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $1,863 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Dubai, UAE Winter 2026 $5,238 Register
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Fri 14 Aug 2026 Cape Town, South Africa Winter 2026 $3,078 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 14 Sep 2026 Fri 18 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Fri 09 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Oct 2026 Fri 30 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Dec 2026 Fri 18 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 18 Jan 2027 Fri 22 Jan 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Feb 2027 Fri 26 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $1,615 Register
Mon 08 Mar 2027 Fri 12 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 22 Mar 2027 Fri 26 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 14 Jun 2027 Fri 18 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 05 Jul 2027 Fri 09 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 26 Jul 2027 Fri 30 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Fri 17 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 04 Oct 2027 Fri 08 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 25 Oct 2027 Fri 29 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 13 Dec 2027 Fri 17 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 03 Jan 2028 Fri 07 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Mon 24 Jan 2028 Fri 28 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $1,615 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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