Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Course in Doha, Qatar

The Problem-Solving and Decision-Making course in Doha, Qatar gives managers and professionals a structured way to tackle complex workplace issues. Many problems keep returning because teams treat symptoms instead of causes. The course therefore starts with defining the problem precisely, then applies root cause analysis tools such as the 5 Whys and the fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram. Participants learn to gather the right evidence, separate facts from assumptions and agree what success would look like before jumping to a solution.

Once causes are clear, the focus moves to creative thinking techniques for generating options, and to decision tools such as weighted decision matrices, pros and cons analysis and simple risk assessment. A dedicated module looks at cognitive biases, including confirmation bias and anchoring, and at how groups can make better decisions together. Learning is based on case studies, group exercises and participants' own work problems. Organizations can arrange the course as an in-house program focused on challenges in their own operations.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define problems clearly using precise problem statements and relevant data

• Identify root causes with the 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams

• Generate a range of solutions using structured creative thinking techniques

• Evaluate options using weighted decision matrices and agreed criteria

• Assess risks and consequences before committing to a decision

• Recognize common cognitive biases and reduce their effect on judgment

• Implement decisions with clear actions, owners and review points

This course is aimed at professionals who are expected to resolve issues and make decisions that affect their teams or operations.

• Managers and department heads

• Supervisors and team leaders

• Project and operations managers

• Analysts and specialists who recommend solutions

• Quality and process improvement staff

• High-potential employees preparing for management

Module 1: Defining the Problem

• Writing a clear problem statement

• Separating facts, opinions and assumptions

• Gathering data and involving the right people

• Distinguishing symptoms from causes

Module 2: Root Cause Analysis

• The 5 Whys technique

• Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams

• Pareto analysis to focus on the vital few causes

• Verifying causes with evidence

Module 3: Creative Option Generation

• Brainstorming and brainwriting ground rules

• Reverse brainstorming and SCAMPER

• Challenging assumptions and reframing the problem

• Building on ideas in groups

Module 4: Evaluating Options and Deciding

• Setting decision criteria and weights

• Building a weighted decision matrix

• Cost-benefit and pros and cons analysis

• Choosing a decision style: decide, consult or seek consensus

Module 5: Risk, Bias and Implementation

• Simple risk assessment: likelihood and impact

• Confirmation bias, anchoring, overconfidence and groupthink

• Running a pre-mortem before committing

• Action planning, ownership and reviewing results

As Qatar diversifies its economy under Qatar National Vision 2030, organizations in energy, construction, logistics, finance, healthcare and government face complex choices about resources, technology and service delivery. Decisions are often made quickly and involve many stakeholders, so a structured approach helps reduce costly mistakes and recurring problems. Managers who can analyze root causes and weigh options objectively support better operational performance and innovation, contributing to the knowledge-based economy that the national vision aims to build.

Join a scheduled class at our training center in Doha or attend live online. For organizations, the course can run as an in-house program at your premises or online, tailored to your sector, examples and schedule.