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Mastering Complex Problem-Solving: Root Cause & Decisions (Udemy.com)

A Practical Toolkit for Business & IT Professionals with Decision-making and Critical Thinking Methods

Created by: Christine Aykac

Last updated August 2026

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What you will learn

  • Apply a structured method for solving complex business and IT problems
  • Distinguish between simple, complicated, and complex problems and choose the right approach
  • Craft clear, measurable problem statements that drive better decisions and alignment
  • Use the KEPNER and FOURIE® (K&F) approach to analyze and resolve complex issues
  • Apply divergent and convergent thinking to generate and narrow down solution options
  • Identify the root cause of recurring problems instead of treating symptoms
  • Prioritize issues and focus on the core problems that will have the biggest impact
  • Select the best solution with stakeholder buy-in and evaluate related risks
  • Design actions to avoid future problems and reduce repeated firefighting

How it compares

Against the other 53 rated Udemy courses in Design Thinking on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.4 out of 5higher than 26% of them
  • Reviews65#48 of 54 by number of reviews
  • Length2.2 hoursshorter than 62% of them
  • Last updatedAugust 2026more recently than 83% of them

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Course Description

Are you tired of projects going off track, teams jumping to the wrong solutions, or the same problems resurfacing again and again? You’re not alone, and it’s rarely a people issue. Most failures come from how problems are framed, analyzed, and solved, especially in complex business and IT environments where uncertainty, interdependencies, and pressure are the norm.

Mastering Complex Problem-Solving gives you a structured, practical, and repeatable approach to tackling complex challenges, without relying on guesswork, firefighting, or trial and error.

This course is designed for real-world professionals who need better answers, faster alignment, and solutions that actually stick.

What is this course about?

In this course, you’ll learn how to slow down just enough to solve the right problem, then move forward with confidence using proven methods and structured thinking.

You’ll develop a step-by-step toolkit that helps you:

  • Distinguish between simple, complicated, and complex problems

  • Write clear, measurable problem statements that drive alignment

  • Apply divergent and convergent thinking to explore options and make sound decisions

  • Use the KEPNER and FOURIE® (K&F) approach for root-cause analysis and decision-making

  • Prioritize issues when everything feels urgent

  • Select solutions with stakeholder buy-in, not resistance

  • Anticipate risks and prevent future problems before they happen

The course blends structure and flexibility, giving you methods that work in both stable and fast-changing environments.

What’s new and enhanced in this version?

This updated version goes beyond traditional problem-solving techniques by adding modern, practical capabilities:

  • Using AI to Support Complex Problem-Solving
    Learn how Generative AI can augment human judgment—helping you analyze information, explore alternatives, and surface insights faster (without replacing critical thinking).

  • Common Problem-Solving Methods
    Gain practical exposure to widely used approaches such as Design Thinking, Six Sigma, and 5 Whys. You’ll see how these methods apply in real scenarios, including healthcare, startups, and operational environments.

  • Growth Mindset for Problem-Solvers
    Build the mindset required to navigate ambiguity, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve your decision-making under pressure.

What will you be able to do after this course?

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

  • Confidently tackle messy, ambiguous problems

  • Stop wasting time solving symptoms instead of causes

  • Communicate problems clearly to leaders and stakeholders

  • Make better decisions with fewer resources

  • Reduce rework, stress, and firefighting

  • Apply a repeatable framework across projects, operations, and teams

You won’t just know the concepts; you’ll know when and how to apply them.

If you’re ready to stop reacting, start thinking strategically, and solve problems that don’t come back, this course will give you the structure, tools, and confidence to do exactly that.

About AI-Supported Content in This Course

This course’s design, structure, and content are based on my professional experience, education, and knowledge. Some visual and audio elements, including voices and visuals, are enhanced with AI tools for clarity and accessibility.

Want to keep learning beyond the course? Join the Adaptive Leaders Hub and AI Practice Hub spaces within the Lead with Confidence community to bring real challenges and sharpen your problem-solving skills with peers. You'll find the details on my Udemy profile.

Let's continue learning, growing, and leading with purpose!

Keep learning, keep innovating, and keep adapting!

Christine Aykac

This course is eligible for 2 PDUs that you can self-report toward maintaining your PMI certification.

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Instructor Details

Christine Aykac

I'm Christine Aykac, a PMI-authorized instructor and speaker with 35+ years of leading projects, programs, and PMOs across technology, retail, government, telecom, and financial services. More than 21,000 learners worldwide have taken my courses.

My courses are for project, product, and operations professionals, PMO leaders, and team leaders who want to pass their certification, lead through complexity, and work confidently with their teams. You'll also learn to use new technologies like AI while protecting your data and privacy.

I'm listed in the PMI Speakers Bureau and the PMI Training database, and I deliver the Adaptive Leadership and AI-Powered PMO courses in PMI's official training curriculum. I've designed and delivered programs with Hemsley Fraser and Global Knowledge, and I still coach enterprise delivery teams, so what I teach comes from hands-on experience.

My approach blends technical precision with human leadership: project and risk tools, coaching, and practical exercises that turn complex ideas into real results.

Certifications: PMP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PRINCE2 Agile, SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), and KF Professional Problem-Solver.

What I care about most is helping you lead with intention, handle uncertainty with confidence, and build a career that aligns with your values. 

I'm glad you're here.

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Reviews

4.4

65 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Eileen Hofs on 8/25/2023

Thanks Christine for sharing this course with me. I have used other problem solving techniques in the past. The Kepner and Fourie approach was new to me. I liked how you stepped through what the approach was, how to apply it, what was the best question to ask at each stage and how to prevent the problem from reoccurring.

By Chris A on 5/5/2023

The complex problem solving method explained very simple way.

By Lesabe Martin Mabe on 6/21/2022

Yes it is a good match, i have gained a lot from the presentation.

By Servet Celep on 5/2/2022

I didn't know there was a simple yet very powerful method to approach and solve complex problems. thank you!

By Jakob Diness on 2/13/2022

Easy to follow introduction from Christine Aykac, and a nice voice as well to listen to.

By Antonio Langella on 1/19/2022

Christine was clear and coincise, a tough topic to explain in just 1.5 hours. Anyhow, she was interesting all the way. I just wish there were some pratical examples. As for the rest, it's a good course I'd recommend.

By Bangun Sugiharto on 4/7/2021

tidak ada actual video

By Jackie on 2/2/2021

yes it was good for me cause am able to identify right information sources

By Seniz on 12/15/2020

It is easy to understand content with examples! Thanks

By Malaliyana Arachchilage Gimhani Dilusha on 3/18/2021

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Quality Score

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Overall Score : 88 / 100