PBS2250
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking considers how most successful professionals of the 21st century will be able to assess an environment, analyze a situation, design alternative solutions, and assist organizations in creatively overcoming challenges and reaching strategic goals.
This course focuses on the development of reasoning and problem solving skills by using the scientific method to analyze case studies and controversial topics. Learners consider cultural differences in reasoning, inductive and deductive logic, and how to use positive inquiry and synthesis to solve individual and organizational problems. Emphasis is placed on successful models and proven methods that are transferable within the work environment.
Course level
Undergraduate
Course duration
max. 8 weeks
Estimated time per week
10-15 hours
Course prerequisites
None
Cost
$ -
Course credits
3
Relevant jobs
All
What will I learn?
Explain the central elements of problem solving and decision making
Develop a strategic approach to individual growth and development and organizational performance
Identify the human factors that impact the results in problem solving and decision making processes
Apply problem solving and decision making processes and methods to real-world situations
Explain the essential components of problem solving and decision making and the obstacles associated with them
Analyze how cultural differences in beliefs can impact higher-order reasoning processes and social norms
Key Skills
How will I learn?
Your course starts on the first of the month. Each course consists of six modules, each module will take you one week to complete and each course is designed to take you eight weeks to complete. Nexford’s learning design team has purposefully created courses to equip you with competencies mapped to the skills employers are looking for. Each course has 5-7 learning outcomes based on the skills employers need. Everything you learn gives you measurable skills you will use to succeed in today’s world of work.
Nexford courses are not live or recorded lectures. Instead, they’re reading, videos, interactive elements, quizzes and relevant case studies. Programs include assessments, peer-to-peer discussions, and a final project to practice what you’ve learned in a real-world context. Program content is available 24/7 during the course, and you have opportunities for collaboration and networking with learners during and after your program. Our global community of learners work at top companies such as Microsoft, Deloitte, and Google.
You'll have 24/7 access to success advisors to support you. Faculty also provide you world-class support. Book appointments with them, get individual feedback, and attend regular optional webinars. Nexford courses are rigorous and they encourage critical thinking - because we care about what you know how to do not what you know you have regular hands-on assessments reflecting the business world.
| Modules | Assignment Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1: Theories of decision making | Day 10 |
| 2: The decision process | Day 17 |
| 3: Individual differences and decision making | Day 24 |
| 4: Making decisions under uncertainty | Day 31 |
| 5: Group influences on decision making | Day 38 |
| 6: Decision making and real-world application | Day 45 (optional) |
| 7: Final project | Day 51 |
Across the duration of the course, you will undertake five Formative Assessments and one Final Project.
The summative assessment is your final project and achieving a passing grade on this assessment is required to pass the course. The minimum passing grade at Nexford University is a C or above. (70% or above).
| Grading Scale | Grading Weights | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 90%-100% | Module Assignments | 30% | |
| B | 80%-89% | Final Project Milestones | 30% | |
| C | 70-79% | Final Project | 40% | |
| F | < 70% | |||
| W | Withdrawn | Total | 100% | |
You'll get real skills you can use at work, straight away. At the end of this course, you'll also get a digital badge that you can put on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills.
Once you've taken one course, you can take more. Using stacked credentials, you’re able to take enough courses to make a certificate, and take enough certificates to build a degree.
If you apply for a Nexford certificate or degree, you'll get credit for each course you take.
What support will I receive?
When you have a dedicated team on your side, you'll never be alone studying at Nexford. Hailing from many different countries and with online education expertise, our faculty provides you world-class support. Ask them questions during one-to-one office hours or live chat, email them any time, and get individual feedback on your assessments.
While you’re learning, you’ll also have full access to the Nexford online library, which includes access to millions of full-text articles, industry reports and key sources such as the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and The Economist.
LinkedIn Learning: unlimited access with Nexford
Support your Nexford goals with access to LinkedIn Learning during your program, at no additional cost. Explore the learning hub of the globe’s biggest professional networking platform to:
- Power your career: choose from over 16,000 expert-led courses, from remote working to data science
- Show off your skills: earn a certificate when you complete a course
- See what’s trending: LinkedIn Learning adds 25 new courses each week
- Tailor your learning: choose relevant courses based on your experience, LinkedIn profile and goals
- Test what you’ve learned: use LinkedIn Learning assessments
