Structured Approach to Problem Solving (Coursera)

Offered by Fractal Analytics,
Structured Approach to Problem Solving (Coursera)

This course is an introductory course that equips you with the concepts and tools of problem thinking. This course also acts as the first stepping-stone for aspiring data scientists.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the different stages of a data science project
    1. Discuss some of the tools and techniques used in data science.
    2. Apply structured thinking to solving problems and avoid the common traps while doing so
    3. Apply human-centric design in problem-solving.

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 course is part of the Fractal Data Science Professional Certificate.

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.

Syllabus

Structured Thinking
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.

Solving Problems with Structured Thinking
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.

Human-Centered Design
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.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Critical Thinking Skills for University Success (Coursera) Coursera
The University of Sydney

Critical Thinking Skills for University Success (Coursera)

In this course, you will learn how to develop your Critical Thinking Skills to help you achieve success in your university studies. After completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Use critical thinking and argumentation in university contexts to improve academic results ; 2. Understand the importance and function of critical thinking in academic culture ; 3. Use a variety of thinking tools to improve critical thinking ; 4. Identify types of argument, and bias within arguments, in order to better evaluate the strength of arguments; 5. Use evidence to support claims in arguments ; 6. Apply critical thinking and argumentation to real world problems and issues

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Logic (Coursera) Coursera
Stanford University

Introduction to Logic (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to Logic from a computational perspective. It shows how to encode information in the form of logical sentences; it shows how to reason with information in this form; and it provides an overview of logic technology and its applications - in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, and so forth.

Sep 24th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Compreender as dimensões interculturais na vida cotidiana (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de los Andes

Compreender as dimensões interculturais na vida cotidiana (Coursera)

Este MOOC é o resultado de uma Co construção e pesquisa por professoras da Universidad Sorbonne-Nouvelle Paris 3 e da Universidad de los Andes (Colômbia). Seu principal objetivo é fornecer ferramentas para desenvolver dimensões interculturais na vida cotidiana. O curso é destinado a estudantes e profissionais de diferentes áreas além do ensino de idiomas (humanidades e ciências sociais, educação, clínica intercultural, estudos de arte e administração) que têm que enfrentar situações da vida cotidiana e relações com outros, onde ferramentas de reflexão são necessárias para ter uma abordagem intercultural.

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
Innovation for Impact (i4i) The Carlson-Polizzotto Method of Value Creation (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Innovation for Impact (i4i) The Carlson-Polizzotto Method of Value Creation (Coursera)

Welcome! Partnering with Tech industry giants Curtis Carlson and Len Polizzotto, Northeastern University brings you “Value Creation: The Carlson-Polizzotto Method” a short-form course experience like no other. Building careers by solving for the value proposition - Curt and Len are responsible for driving the integration of the software technology behind Apple’s voice command intelligent assistant and creating the standard for high definition television - now known to billions today as Siri and HDTV.

Oct 5th 2026
1 Week
Responsible AI - Principles and Ethical Considerations (Coursera) Coursera
Fractal Analytics

Responsible AI - Principles and Ethical Considerations (Coursera)

Welcome to "Responsible AI – Principles and Ethical Considerations"! Dive deep into the very essence of Responsible AI with us. Uncover the significance of key principles shaping technology's future. From ethical considerations to fairness, transparency, and accountability, we discuss these principles with real-world examples, putting them into the context of data science.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Off the Clock: The Many Faces of Time (Coursera) Coursera
Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil

Off the Clock: The Many Faces of Time (Coursera)

“Off the Clock: The Many Faces of Time” presents a transdisciplinary and transnational set of perspectives on time. This MOOC aims to expand the learners' understanding of the many facets of time, from our human experience of the present to plants, animals, bacteria, and even art’s relationship to the passing of time. This course equips learners with multidisciplinary tools for thinking about time in human and more-than-human constituents. To do so, the course asks and answers three key questions.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Decision Making - How to Choose the Right Problem to Solve (Coursera) Coursera
University of Leeds

Decision Making - How to Choose the Right Problem to Solve (Coursera)

Life is full of problems. The question is, which problems do you try to solve first and how? Learn powerful decision-making methods and how to cultivate problem-solving skills for a range of issues we all face in the workplace and beyond. In this course, you’ll evaluate your current problem-solving approach and learn techniques that will sharpen your analytical and critical skills required to help you quickly resolve issues.

Oct 5th 2026
3 Weeks