Structured Approach to Problem Solving

Seize the savings! Get 40% off 3 months of Coursera Plus and full access to thousands of courses.

Structured Approach to Problem Solving

This course is part of multiple programs.

Instructors: Fractal Analytics Academy

13,982 already enrolled

Included with

Learn more

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

156 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

156 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the lifecycle of DS project and role of structured thinking in DS project.
Define a problem statement using the SMART framework. Explain the activities, best practices, and pitfalls in the implementation phase.
Construct MECE issue tree to break-down business problems into parts. Create a problem statement worksheet to scope business problems.
Explain the role of human centered design during solutioning of business problems.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

12 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is available as part of

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

This course is an introductory course that equips you with the concepts and tools of problem thinking. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain the different stages of a data science project 2. Discuss some of the tools and techniques used in data science. 3. Apply structured thinking to solving problems and avoid the common traps while doing so 4. Apply human-centric design in problem-solving. This course also acts as the first stepping-stone for aspiring data scientists. This course is a part of the program titled Fractal Data Science Professional Certificate. This course is tailored for learners seeking to enhance their analytical and critical thinking abilities. Ideal for students, professionals, and anyone intrigued by systematic approaches, this course empowers you with the foundational skills needed to approach problems with clarity and confidence.

This module teaches you how to use structured thinking to solve problems at work and in everyday life. You will also learn about the different stages and roles in data science, as well as the tools used in data science.

What's included

15 videos7 readings5 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

15 videos Total 70 minutes

What Is Data Science? 4 minutes
Course Introduction 4 minutes
A day in the life of a Data Scientist 2 minutes
Stages of a Data Science Project 7 minutes
Roles in a Data Science Project 5 minutes
Tools of the Trade 5 minutes
Applications of Data Science 4 minutes
Introduction to Structured Thinking 5 minutes
Frameworks of Structured Thinking 5 minutes
Structured Thinking and Problem Solving 4 minutes
Structured Thinking in Solving Business Problems 8 minutes
Framing the Problem Statement 5 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Loop Trap 4 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Complexity Trap 5 minutes
The Common Pitfalls — The Obvious Trap 3 minutes

7 readings Total 110 minutes

The Future of Data Science 10 minutes
Course Syllabus 10 minutes
Skills and Competencies for the Future Workforce 30 minutes
The Global Problem Statement 30 minutes
Story of a Data Scientist 10 minutes
Solving Problems Like a Pro 10 minutes
Tell us what you think! 10 minutes

5 assignments Total 95 minutes

Introduction to Data Science 15 minutes
Structured Thinking & Efficient Project Management 30 minutes
Structured Approach - An Introduction 10 minutes
Problem Statements 10 minutes
End of Module Graded Quiz 30 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Defining a Problem Statement 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Collaboration & problem-solving. 10 minutes

This module teaches structured thinking for solving business problems and covers tools and frameworks used in the process. It also highlights common mistakes to avoid.

What's included

13 videos3 readings6 assignments2 discussion prompts

13 videos Total 65 minutes

Defining a Problem Statement Worksheet (PSW) 8 minutes
How the PSW Helps in Defining a Problem Statement 7 minutes
Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive (MECE) 4 minutes
What is an Issue Tree? 7 minutes
Creating an Issue Tree 5 minutes
Documenting the Implementation Phase 7 minutes
The Adoption Plan 3 minutes
Metrics for Evaluation-1 7 minutes
Metrics for Evaluation-2 2 minutes
Creating User Research for Insights 4 minutes
Common Design Pitfalls 4 minutes
Common Strategic Pitfalls 3 minutes
Phases of Testing a DS Project 5 minutes

3 readings Total 22 minutes

Best Practices and Pitfalls of a PSW 8 minutes
What is a Hypothesis Tree? 8 minutes
Other Frameworks for Problem-Solving 6 minutes

6 assignments Total 85 minutes

Solving Problems 10 minutes
Frameworks of Problem Solving 10 minutes
Finalizing Solutions 10 minutes
Implementing a Solution - Getting ready 10 minutes
End of Module Graded Quiz 30 minutes
Creating a PSW 15 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 25 minutes

AI and Automation 10 minutes
User Centricity in Design and Strategy 15 minutes

Human-Centered Design is an approach that prioritizes the end-users' needs by understanding them and creating products that cater to their preferences and behaviors. The goal is to design products that are user-friendly, effective, and enjoyable to use. This module would help you understand why and how you should also keep your users/humans at the center of solving your business problems.

What's included

6 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 57 minutes

Human-Centered Design (HCD) and Empathy 8 minutes
What is HCD? 5 minutes
The Discovery Phase 5 minutes
The Solution Phase 8 minutes
Fireside Chat with Biju Dominic 26 minutes
Empathy in Design — Three Strategies to Build Empathy 4 minutes

3 readings Total 38 minutes

Optional Reading - User Centered Design in a Product Development Lifecycle Process 15 minutes
Empathy Map — Why and How 8 minutes
Empathy Map, User Persona, and User Flow 15 minutes

1 assignment Total 180 minutes

Keeping User at the Center 180 minutes

1 peer review Total 90 minutes

Case Study: Traffic Signals — How to Design Better Traffic Signals for Colorblind Individuals (Especially Red and Green Colorblind Individuals) 90 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Human-Centric Designs in Daily Life 10 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

Instructor ratings

(55 ratings)

Fractal Analytics Academy

Fractal Analytics

23 Courses 124,985 learners

Offered by

Fractal Analytics

Explore more from Data Analysis

Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Problem-Solving
Course
Status: Free Trial
Fractal Analytics
Design Thinking for Data Professionals
Course
Status: Free Trial
Google
Foundations of Data Science
Course
Status: Preview
Coursera
Lean Problem - Solving for Team Members and Leaders
Course

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018

"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020

"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021

"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

5 stars
76.43%
4 stars
18.47%
3 stars
2.54%
2 stars
0.63%
1 star
1.91%

Showing 3 of 156

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Some topics can be in more depth rest is fine & well interactive course

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2024

Very well structured course, and is well aligned to the course outcomes.

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

A decently informative course, though the guest videos were mostly pointless. The pace was good.

View more reviews

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Learn more

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Explore degrees

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.