Contemporary
thinking
for
complex challenges
A short course in complex problem-solving, strategy & design
40 topics
Sign up once for access to all 40 topics. Complete the fast-track (19 modules) for the Introduction to Complex Problem Solving certificate. Complete all 40 modules for the Short Course in Complex Problem Solving, Strategy and Design certificate.
For Everyone
Enrol yourself, your team or your organisation. Relevant and valuable for everyone from students to senior decision-makers and executives. No prerequisite knowledge needed.
On demand
Learn when it suits you, at your own pace. Re-visit content as many times as you like. Subscription provides one year access which can be renewed.
Sir Karl Popper"All life is problem solving."
Gerald M. Weinberg"We live in an age of unmastered complexity."
OECD, The Nature of Problem Solving"..the world no longer rewards people just for what they know...but for what they can do with what they know. Problem solving is at the heart of this."
This course is endorsed by Professor Peter Shergold, Chancellor of Western Sydney University and former Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Australia
Why we developed this course
The 21st Century is throwing us many challenges, both entrenched problems and exciting opportunities. But these challenges are increasingly complex and our traditional methods of problem-solving are no longer adequate.
That’s why the World Economic Forum and the OECD have cited complex problem solving as the most important skill we need this century. However, it is a relatively new concept and (until now) there has not been much around on what it entails and how to do it.
We believe there is a huge opportunity to make more progress with the challenges of the 21st Century, by making complex problem solving skills more accessible, tangible, systematic and practical.
We think complex problem solving skills are essential, life-long skills for pretty much everyone, from students and the most junior analysts, to our most senior decision-makers across academia, public, private, and NGO sectors.
Why take the course...
Learn valuable lifelong skills
Improve how you think
Have impact
Be inspired
Course outline
40 modules, jam-packed with ideas, practical techniques, stories, examples, case studies, quiz questions, useful resources, downloadable worksheets, references and guidance for learning-by-doing. Take a peek.
Part I — Complexity and the 21st Century
We'll explore why a growing number of people and organisations are citing complex problem solving as a necessary, if not the most-needed, skillset for the 21st Century. We'll explore what we mean by the term ‘complex’ and why our traditional, linear methods of problem-solving need updating. And we'll also look at a conceptual model for complex problem solving.
Part II — 21st Century Thinking Skills
A guide for the higher-order thinking styles that are embedded in complex problem solving, including strategic thinking, critical thinking, systems thinking, creative thinking, design thinking, analytical thinking, structured thinking, and futures thinking.
Part III — 20 Questions for Complex Problem Solving, Strategy and Design
A practical guide for complex problem solving based on 20 Questions that prompt you to think about the most important things you need to think about when grappling with a complex challenge, and, importantly, practical techniques to help you do that thinking. Topics include: Framing problems, knowns and unknowns, understanding problems, design, goal design, implementation, evaluation, unintended consequences, trade-offs, testing assumptions, data, evidence-based decision-making, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary approaches, listening and having purposeful conversations, and compelling communication.
Learn as a Team
Complex problem solving skills are valuable lifelong skills for individuals, but there is even greater value when whole teams are aware of the ideas and can use the techniques together.
Better Teamwork
Provides a common approach, language and toolkit that sits across discipline-specific methods and knowledge. All team members understand and can contribute to the problem-solving process.
More Impact
Complex problem solving skills help to deliver better outcomes from projects because less time and money is wasted, knowledge and time is used productively, effort is focused, and the approach used has been rigorous.
Capability Development
Track your team members’ progress through the course. Build valuable and transferrable lifelong skills in your people. Learn more about how team subscriptions work.
Pricing & Plans
Enrol yourself, your team or your whole organisation
Student AUD $99
Students have access to all the features of the Individual plan, at a discounted price. See eligibility criteria.
Educator AUD $149
By signing up as an Educator, you'll be able show the videos and share the worksheets with your students. See eligibility criteria.
Team AUD $149/pp
People who work together can learn together, at a discounted price.
Everything in the individual plan, plus assign a team manager who can track team members’ progress through the course.
Learn with up to 50 people at a time.
If you have more than 50 people, contact us about our large group discounts.
Learn more about how team subscriptions work.
Volume Subscriptions
If you are an educational institution, further discounts are available either by recommending Navigate Complexity as a resource for unit(s) of study (as you would a text book), or by purchasing subscriptions on behalf of your students and/or staff. If you are an organisation with large groups (>50 people), larger group discounts are available. If you are a consultant and would like to use these materials with your clients, licenses are available. Please contact us to find out more.
Partners and Testimonials
We’re proud to be partnering with leading organisations to build people’s problem-solving capabilities.
"Quite simply the best skillset to add to a complex workplace. In terms of value, a tiny investment for a long-lasting dividend."— Che Walsh, Director - Governance and Policy, Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority
Your Presenter
From designing aerospace systems, to providing policy advice within the Department of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (Australia), Jane MacMaster brings together insights from technology design, policy development, complexity science and many other fascinating areas to provide a conceptual model and practical techniques for complex problem solving.
In June 2020 Jane MacMaster was appointed The Institution of Engineers Australia’s first Chief Engineer.
