Problem Solving Communication

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

The principal purpose of this course is to help you develop the problem-solving, project management, and communications skills that you will need for successful participation in the EMBA program and for your future leadership careers. We will introduce and apply a set of analytical, problem-solving, and communications concepts and tools that you will subsequently use throughout the EMBA program. Working with faculty and classmates, you will: * Learn widely applicable analytical models to help frame, understand, and interpret the nature of business problems. * Apply proven methods to diagnose problems, analyze the relevant information, and recommend solutions. * Practice the communication of key findings and recommendations in ways that are most likely to lead to constructive action. * Connect with your new EMBA cohort and create norms for connection and collaboration that will enhance your experience in the program’s hybrid format. We will explore critical questions, such as - what are the best ways to define and disaggregate a complex business problem; how do you develop a coherent project plan; how do you undertake insightful research and analysis; how do you draft a compelling presentation of your findings and recommendation; and how do you communicate most persuasively, both in-person and in a hybrid or virtual format? Throughout the course, we will mix theoretical concepts with project-based learning, open-ended research, and analytical problem-solving. A key feature of the course will be a “live case study”, focused on the electric vehicles industry, which you will undertake in small teams – the first of several such team projects throughout the EMBA program. This will enable us to focus attention on the importance of effective teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. You will complete this project by working with teammates to develop and deliver a final presentation, which will leverage what you have learned about effective communications.