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University of Maryland, College Park

Agile Innovation and Problem Solving Skills

University of Maryland, College Park via Coursera

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Overview

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Transform ideas into better solutions by developing an agile approach to problem solving. Innovation starts with solving the right problem, and effective problem solvers know how to define problems clearly, gather meaningful requirements, generate creative ideas, and test solutions early and often. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for navigating uncertainty and reducing risk in new products, services, and business opportunities. Apply techniques for problem definition, requirements gathering, root-cause analysis, and creative ideation to identify solutions that address real customer and business needs. Explore how agile innovation uses fast feedback cycles, timeboxes, constraint-based thinking, and iterative testing to learn what works and refine solutions. Practice approaches such as “brainstorm and storm drain” to expand creative possibilities while maintaining focus on actionable outcomes. Build practical skills for creating an innovation environment where teams can experiment, learn from failure, address complex problems, and develop sustainable solutions. Designed for product managers, project professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone involved in developing new products, services, or business opportunities.

Syllabus

  • Innovation Challenge
    • Examine how organizations can deliver innovative capabilities and achieve project goals under uncertain conditions. Apply the Theory of Constraints to identify critical bottlenecks, manage delivery risks, and focus innovation efforts where they can create the greatest impact.
  • Requiring Empathy
    • Learn how effective requirements gathering and validation can improve project outcomes and accelerate innovation. Explore user stories, test-driven development, and visual prototyping techniques to capture needs, gather faster feedback, and validate requirements with greater confidence.
  • Power of Constraints
    • Discover how strategically applied constraints can unlock creativity, productivity, and innovative solutions to complex, uncertain problems. Examine how constraints can focus problem-solving efforts and reveal opportunities that may otherwise remain hidden.
  • Solving Uncertainty
    • Apply the Theory of Constraints thinking processes, user stories, and solution constraints to address complex problems and develop effective solutions. Explore systems engineering techniques and TRIZ to systematically overcome barriers and accelerate innovative solution development.
  • Course Final
    • Test your Knowledge!

Taught by

John Johnson

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Reviews

4.3 rating, based on 30 Class Central reviews

4.5 rating at Coursera based on 46 ratings

Start your review of Agile Innovation and Problem Solving Skills

  • Anonymous
    The Agile Innovation and Problem Solving Skills course offers valuable insights into agile thinking, innovation, and practical approaches to solving complex problems. It introduces key concepts such as managing uncertainty, rapid experimentation, and using prototypes to test ideas quickly. The course includes helpful examples and case studies that make the ideas easier to understand and apply in real work environments. While the material is very informative, the course can also be challenging at times because it requires careful thinking and understanding of several frameworks and concepts. Overall, it is a rewarding learning experience that helps develop problem-solving skills and an innovative mindset useful for modern organizations.
  • Anonymous
    El curso es altamente recomendable para profesionales que lideran proyectos o procesos, ya que ofrece herramientas prácticas para gestionar la incertidumbre, alinear objetivos y generar valor mediante Agile, mejorando la toma de decisiones y reduciendo el fracaso de proyectos.
  • Anonymous
    The Agile Innovation and Problem Solving Skills workshop was engaging and insightful. It provided practical tools and frameworks that can be applied in real work scenarios. The interactive activities encouraged collaboration and creative thinking. Overall, it was a valuable experience that enhanced my understanding of agile approaches and problem-solving techniques.
  • Anonymous
    I did get many informations and knowledge for problem solving methods that im sure it will help me alot in my work field
  • Anonymous
    دورة تهدف الى تنميه التفكير الابداعي والابتكاري وتطوير مهارات تحليل المشكلات وتحديد اسبابها ثم ايجاد حلول عمليه وفعالة واتخاذ القرارات المناسبة لتحسبن الاداء وتحقيق الاهداف
  • Anonymous
    This course provides a strong and practical foundation in Agile thinking, innovation, and structured problem solving. I especially appreciated the integration of Theory of Constraints, TRIZ, Design Thinking, and portfolio management concepts in a clear and applicable way. The case studies made the ideas concrete, and the tools like Vanishing Cloud and Faster-Better-Cheaper were highly actionable. It helped me think more strategically about uncertainty, value creation, and decision-making in complex projects. Highly recommended for leaders and engineers who want a modern, systems-based approach to innovation.
  • Anonymous

    تعرفت على مفاهيم وطرق حل للمشكلات
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  • Anonymous
    ..الدورة رائعة جدا واستفدت منها كثيرا ولكنها طويلة وتحتاج الى تركيز عالي حيث قمت بإعادتها اكثر من مرة وكذلك الاختبار
  • Abdulaziz ZAID Alyafei
    2
    Hello. Thank you for this educational material and these wonderful courses. However, I have a comment that when translated into Arabic, there are errors in the terminology and answers, which may result in failing the course. Thank you.
  • Anonymous
    ..الدورة رائعة جدا واستفدت منها كثيرا ولكنها طويلة وتحتاج الى تركيز عالي حيث قمت بإعادتها اكثر من مرة وكذلك الاختبار
  • Anonymous
    هذه الدورة كانت تجربة تعليمية استثنائية ، لقد استقدت من المحتوى الذي يجمع بين الابتكار السريع ومنهجيات حل المشكلات بطريقة عملية.
    الشرح كان واضح ، ولكن كنت أتمنى لو كانت الدورة مقدمة باللغة العربية مباشرة بدلا من الإعتماد على الترجمة، لأن الترجمة في بعض الأحيان تشتت التركيز وتجعل استيعاب المفاهيم يأخذ وقتا أطول، بشكل عام المحتوى غني وقيم وأنصح بشدة لكل من يريد تطوير مهاراته الإبداعية بالإنضمام لهذه الدورة، شكرا للقائمين على هذا المحتوى الرائع.
  • Anonymous
    The *Agile Innovation and Problem Solving Skills* course was highly valuable and practical. It provided a clear understanding of agile principles and how to apply them in real-world situations. I particularly appreciated how the course focused on pr…
  • Anonymous
    The Agile Innovation and Problem-Solving Skills course offers valuable insights and provides a strong foundation in innovation and structured problem-solving. The content is informative and useful for professional development, although the course itself feels quite long. The instructor was clear and delivered the material well.

    However, the exams are overly complex and can be confusing, as it is difficult to clearly identify mistakes. This often leads to second-guessing and repeated changes to answers, which can be frustrating. Simplifying the assessments or providing clearer feedback would significantly improve the overall learning experience.
  • Anonymous
    Good course, well explained and easy to attend, good material to deepen knowledge. Smooth learning throug lessons
  • Anonymous
    I really enjoyed this course. The lessons were clear and easy to understand, and the topics were useful for improving problem solving and innovation skills. I liked how the course explained Agile ideas in a practical way. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to develop useful business skills.
  • Anonymous
    دوره تهدف الى تنميه التفكير الابداعي والابتكاري وتطوير مهارات تحليل المشكلات وتحديد اسبابها ثم ايجاد حلول عمليه وفعاله واتخاذ القرارات المناسبه لتحسين الاداء وتحقيق الاهداف
  • Anonymous
    This course is an excellent learning experience, especially for individuals handling projects independently. It provides practical frameworks and tools that help break down complex challenges into manageable tasks while maintaining flexibility and focus. The emphasis on agile thinking encourages continuous improvement, quick adaptation to change, and creative problem-solving.
  • Anonymous
    كانت الدورة تجربة مميزة ومفيدة، خاصة في دمج الابتكار السريع مع أساليب حل المشكلات بشكل عملي. الشرح واضح، لكن كان من الأفضل تقديمها باللغة العربية بدل الاعتماد على الترجمة. بشكل عام، محتوى غني وقيم وأنصح بها لكل من يرغب بتطوير مهاراته.
  • Anonymous
    A very informative and practical course. It provided useful frameworks and techniques for Agile innovation, requirements gathering, problem solving, and decision-making. The examples and case studies made the concepts easy to understand and apply. I gained several tools that will help me improve project outcomes and collaborate more effectively with stakeholders. Highly recommended
  • Anonymous
    This course provides a practical understanding of Agile innovation and problem solving rather than only explaining Agile theory. I especially liked the topics on Theory of Constraints, Design Thinking, User Stories, empathy, and how better requireme…
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