Complex problems are often made harder because teams solve the first problem presented, examine one function in isolation, or use AI to accelerate an untested answer. Participants will define the desired outcome, distinguish symptoms from causes, map the relevant system and stakeholders, and formulate testable hypotheses. VUCATS—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, technology, and speed—provides the operating context, while AI is used as a challenger and hypothesis generator rather than an authority.
Course ID: FBPC10
FBP2 – Solve the Right Problem: Critical Thinking for Complex Business Challenges
Learning Objectives
- Determine a precise problem statement defining symptoms, scope, stakeholders, and the desired outcome.
- Analyze a complex problem using systems thinking, cross-functional evidence, hypotheses, and assumption testing.
- Apply critical-thinking and AI-assisted techniques to identify evidence gaps and select the next best test or action.
Major Topics
- Desired outcomes and precise problem statements
- Symptoms, causes, scope, stakeholders, and system boundaries
- Systems thinking and cross-functional evidence
- Hypothesis development, assumption testing, and disconfirming questions
- VUCATS as the context for complex business challenges
- AI as a challenger and hypothesis generator rather than an authority
Who Should Attend
Experienced CPAs, finance business partners, analysts, and finance leaders who solve ambiguous, cross-functional business problems and use evidence or AI to test possible explanations.
Fields of Study
Management ServicesPrerequisites
Completion of Finance Business Partnering Series 1 or equivalent foundational knowledge and experience is recommended.