Understanding and solving complex business problems

Houston, we have a problem!

We are living in an era of unprecedented complexity and interconnectedness. Some decisions we make might be so routine that we may make them without giving them much thought, but challenging or complex decisions demand much more consideration.

It takes practice to recognise complex systems, and the challenges that come with embracing the unknown and facing novel situations that have many variables, with no one right answer. These are volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environments, and they present unique challenges and opportunities for professionals and their teams.

How do you make effective decisions amidst:

• Multiple and, at times, competing factors in play
• Gaps in information or data
• New situations
• No single right answer
• High stakes and big consequences
• Stakeholder-rich environments

Don’t despair – our masterclass in Understanding and Solving Complex Business Problems will provide evidence-based approaches to clearly identify the problem at hand and help participants apply effective decision making in VUCA environments.

About the facilitator

Professor Fran Ackermann

Professor Fran Ackermann is a Research Professor in Curtin’s School of Management. Her key research interests are in complex project management and systemic risk; and strategy development concentrating on elements of strategy making. Within these areas, she conducts industry-funded research projects and delivers bespoke executive education programs.

She is a Fellow of the British Academy of Management Fellow, a senior editor of the journal Decision Support Systems, and a former grant assessor for the Economic and Social Research Council (UK) and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UK). She has held positions at Bordeaux Business School, The University of Western Australia, Tillburg University and has research linkages with the University of Minnesota and State University of New York.