Complex Problem Solving and Design Thinking

About This Course

Digitalization and digital transformation give rise to to a host complex challenges. Often, these challenges are ill-defined, ambiguous and uncertain. Tackling these complex and uncertain challenges requires leveraging a plurality of skills, different types of expertise and a multitude of practices from a wide range of different disciplines. This is why the module pursues a two-pronged strategy.

On the one hand, the module explores different ways of understanding complex problems: what they are, what causes them, and, most importantly, what to do about them. On the other hand, students also learn to apply the mindsets and practices of Design Thinking - a user-centric, team-based approach that strategically deploys innovation and creativity to tackle complex problems.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will have acquire subject-specific theoretical and methodological knowledge to: 

• Identify and analyse the complex and uncertain problems in business, policy-making and society
• Understand and identify the mindsets and practices of Design Thinking
• Apply the mindsets and practices of design thinking to a real-life complex challenge
• Understand and apply principles of teamwork and conflict management
• Present complex problems and possible solution scenarios in front of an audience and in the face of critique

Course Structure

• Prep Weeks (2 Weeks): The introductory weeks provide an brief overview of complexity science, Cultural Theoryand Design Thinking.  
• Course Weeks (8 Weeks): The main body of the course will consist of the work in the content modules and the weekly project assignments. This part of the course also features live sessions in which we share and compare progress on the Design Thinking Project.
• Post-Course Weeks (2 Weeks): The last two weeks feature a general reflection of the course, the final presentations as well as the final exam. 

Requirements

No specific technical background is required. Students should have a willingness to engage in team-based work, open discussion, creative thinking, and constructive conflict management.

General Information

• Teaching Format: Video lectures & live sessions
• Total Workload:
  
• • MBA: 100h (30h/70h) / Equivalent 4 ECTS
  • Micro Degree: 125h (40h/85h) / Equivalent to 5 ECTS
• Module coordinator: Prof. Dr. Steven Ney
• Examinations: Weekly project assignments, discussion participation, final presentation of the outcomes of the Design Thinking Project, Final Exam.
• Offered: Even Quarters