Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Programme Summary

Business problems often persist because assumptions are accepted too quickly or symptoms are mistaken for causes. This programme develops practical habits for defining problems, testing evidence and evaluating explanations. Participants work through ambiguous business cases, challenge weak arguments and recommend proportionate actions with clear assumptions, helping teams improve the quality and transparency of everyday problem solving.

Training Objectives

1 Strengthen precise problem framing and questioning; 2 Improve evaluation of evidence and assumptions; 3 Develop awareness of common reasoning errors; 4 Support structured exploration of possible causes; 5 Build defensible recommendations and learning checks.

Learning Outcomes

1 Write a clear evidence based problem statement; 2 Distinguish facts assumptions and unsupported claims; 3 Evaluate alternative explanations against available evidence; 4 Identify reasoning weaknesses in a business argument; 5 Recommend an action with validation measures.

Target Audience

Business Analysts; Team Leaders; Operations Managers; Project Coordinators; Quality Coordinators.

Target Industries

Professional Services; Manufacturing; Retail; Healthcare Administration; Technology Services; Logistics.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Problem Framing: Symptoms causes and decision needs; Scope boundaries and problem statements; Asking questions before selecting solutions.
• Module 2 Evidence Quality: Sources relevance and reliability checks; Facts estimates opinions and assumptions; Missing information and uncertainty awareness.
• Module 3 Reasoning and Arguments: Claims reasons and supporting evidence; Correlation causation and alternative explanations; Recognising common reasoning errors.
• Module 4 Bias and Perspective: Confirmation bias and premature closure; Group pressure and competing viewpoints; Structured challenge and independent review.
• Module 5 Exploring Causes: Process context and contributing factors; Hypotheses evidence and disconfirming tests; Avoiding blame and single cause assumptions.
• Module 6 Options and Recommendations: Generating proportionate solution alternatives; Criteria constraints and potential side effects; Making assumptions and tradeoffs explicit.
• Module 7 Testing and Learning: Small tests and useful success measures; Reviewing outcomes against original expectations; Revising conclusions when evidence changes.
• Module 8 Business Problem Workshop: Analysing an ambiguous business case; Challenging a weak recommendation logically; Presenting an evidence based action proposal.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack permitted; external internet and AI assistance prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Analyse an ambiguous business case, identify unsupported assumptions and compare explanations before recommending an action with a practical validation plan.
• Assessment criteria: Clarity of problem framing and evidence review; Quality of reasoning and alternative explanations; Strength of recommendation and validation logic.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records assessed critical thinking and business problem solving skills; it does not confer a specialist analytical or investigative qualification.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Suitable for business professionals with basic workplace experience. No statistical or formal logic qualification is required.Suitable for business professionals with basic workplace experience. No statistical or formal logic qualification is required.Suitable for business professionals with basic workplace experience. No statistical or formal logic qualification is required.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a short business argument and identify assumptions during a 20 minute preparation activity.Review a short business argument and identify assumptions during a 20 minute preparation activity.Review a short business argument and identify assumptions during a 20 minute preparation activity.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.