42B55 Problem Solving

2026/2027

Participation in the program requires separate admission to the MMT program. The price of the MMT program is DKK 420.000. Please contact DTU Executive MBA.
Kursusinformation
Problem Solving
Engelsk
2
Deltidsmaster
Campus Lyngby
The course is based on action learning where theories, methods, concepts and tools are employed on real business challenges and issues from the participants companies.
[Kurset følger ikke DTUs normale skemastruktur]
Aftales med underviser
Mundtlig eksamen og bedømmelse af opgave(r)
The learning goal of this assignment is the utilization of managerial theories, frameworks, and tools for conducting a consultancy project. The objective is to formulate the problem, design a consultancy strategy and provide reflection on it in groups. The deliverable is an oral groups presentation.
bestået/ikke bestået , intern bedømmelse
Minimum 20
Stig Christian Herluf S Andersen , Bygning 421 , schhe@dtu.dk
Ida Stub Johansson (Primær kontaktperson) , Lyngby Campus, Bygning 421 , idajoh@dtu.dk
42 Institut for Teknologi, Ledelse og Økonomi
https://lifelonglearning.dtu.dk/en.../executive-mba/
På instituttet
Overordnede kursusmål
The purpose of the module is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to define, analyze, and solve complex business problems in a structured and evidence-based manner. Through the application of problem-formulation tools, management frameworks, and data analysis techniques, participants will learn to develop actionable solutions, craft clear and persuasive communications, and design realistic implementation plans tailored to diverse organizational contexts.
Læringsmål
En studerende, der fuldt ud har opfyldt kursets mål, vil kunne:
  • Identify and define complex business problems in structured and actionable terms.
  • Apply tools and techniques for problem formulation.
  • Develop structured approaches to solving problems using constructivist, hypothesis-driven, and issue-driven methods.
  • Select, adapt, and combine management frameworks and tools to fit the nature and context of a specific problem
  • Design appropriate data collection strategies to support evidence-based problem solving
  • Analyze and interpret data to support conclusions and develop well-supported recommendations
  • Prepare clear and logically structured presentations and reports suited to different audiences and purposes
  • Develop realistic and actionable implementation plans based on the outcomes of analysis
Kursusindhold
Problem solving is a fundamental capability for leaders responsible for navigating complex decisions in uncertain and dynamic business environments. This course provides a structured approach to identifying, analyzing, and addressing problems where the appropriate solution is not immediately clear. It emphasizes both the formulation of the right problem and the careful selection of methods and tools for solving it.

Throughout the DTU Executive MBA program, participants are introduced to a wide range of frameworks and tools drawn from multiple disciplines. This course helps consolidate that knowledge and trains participants to apply, adapt, and combine these tools effectively when faced with real-world business challenges.

The course is organized around four key phases (Figure 1): Statement, Structure, Solve, and Present. Participants will work in groups on their own consultancy projects and use them as live cases for applying each approach. Through lectures, exercises, case examples, and presentations, they will learn how to define and structure problems, collect and analyze data, and develop well-supported, feasible recommendations. Attention is also given to communicating findings effectively, adapting both content and style to different audiences.

Three complementary approaches are introduced and practiced:
• Constructivist, which emphasizes creativity and contextual adaptation
• Hypothesis-driven, which relies on structured logic and testable assumptions; and
• Issue-driven, which breaks problems into logically distinct areas of inquiry.
Sidst opdateret
22. april, 2026