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Description

Problem Solving: Analysing Root Causes, Deciding and Driving Action

Move beyond reflex solutions to address the real cause and stand behind a decision that holds

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

When a recurring malfunction appears, the first solution that comes to mind is often applied without analysis. The problem resurfaces a few weeks later. Conversely, some decisions stall for lack of explicit criteria and a set moment to choose.

Two days to establish a complete method: frame the problem, trace it back to its causes, generate options, select on the basis of criteria you can defend, then monitor implementation. The tools are applied to real situations brought by participants.

Learning objectives

  • State a problem as an observable gap rather than as a solution
  • Trace issues back to root causes using structured analysis tools
  • Generate and compare several resolution options
  • Select an option on the basis of weighted and explicit criteria
  • Secure implementation through an action plan and monitoring indicators

What makes this programme different

Each participant works on a real problem from their own department, from framing through to action plan
Analysis and decision-making tools provided as reusable templates
Sub-group work with comparison of the analyses produced on the same case

Programme

1Framing the problem

Half the work lies in the wording

  • Distinguishing symptom, problem and solution
  • Wording the gap between the observed and the expected situation
  • Gathering facts and available data
  • Scope, stakes and stakeholders

2Tracing the causes

Treating the root rather than the effect

  • Repeated questioning of successive causes
  • Grouping causes into families
  • Distinguishing assumed causes from verified causes
  • Gathering evidence in the field

3Generating and comparing options

Several routes before choosing

  • Techniques for generating ideas in a group
  • Formulating genuinely different options
  • Selection criteria: cost, lead time, risk and acceptability
  • Weighting and comparison matrix

4Deciding and implementing

A decision that holds over time

  • Decision modes according to the stakes and the level of buy-in required
  • Wording and communicating the decision taken
  • Action plan, responsibilities and deadlines
  • Monitoring indicators and review point

Who is it for

Managers, project leaders, unit heads and technical specialists facing recurring problems or high-stakes decisions

Prerequisites

Holding a role that involves problem analysis or team decision-making

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.