Critical Thinking
(Approved for 6 professional development hours for professional engineers)
- Instructor: Michael D. Ford
- Date: To be determined.
- Time: 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registration and morning snack/coffee from 8-8:30. Lunch/beverages will be provided.
- Location: Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC), Binghamton University, 85 Murray Hill Rd, Vestal, N.Y. 13850
- Credentials: You will earn a microcredential in Critical Thinking and receive a digital badge if you complete the course by passing the final assignment, which will be made available to course participants at the end of the day. A course completion certificate will be issued to all course participants. It is not required that professional engineers take the exam to receive the 6 professional development hours, but they must attend the whole workshop from start to finish.
- Who can take this course: This workshop is open to all engineers and non-engineers, students and professionals. All are welcome!
ABOUT THE COURSE
People are challenged on a continuous basis to make decisions, sometimes on the fly, other times with the luxury of time to ponder possibilities. While many decisions may be of relatively low consequence (what to wear, what to order for lunch, which TV program to watch), there are numerous examples when we need to perform an appropriate analytical process: who to vote for, how to invest our 401(k), what vehicle to buy, etc.
This highly participative session will engage attendees in activities that demonstrate tips, tools and techniques for effective decision-making. It will focus on core critical analysis based on a combination of left brain and right brain approaches, i.e. both linear and creative thinking.
Participants will be engaged in the following topics:
- The definition of critical thinking
- Fundamental analytical skills
- Problem solving techniques
- The power of persuasive arguments
- Root cause toolkit
- Resolving ethical dilemmas
The facilitator will provide value-added opportunities through a combination of slideshow presentation, roundtable discussion, individual and team-based hands-on exercises, and an interactive Q&A summary.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the completion of the course the learner will be able to:
- Define fundamental terminology.
- Demonstrate analytical skills.
- Identify the appropriate problem-solving technique for a given situation
- Construct persuasive arguments
- Diagnose problems through the use of a root-cause approach
- Recognize the historical contributions of diverse champions of thinking
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Michael D. Ford (M.S.I.S.E., CFPIM, CSCP, CLTD, CQA, CRE, CQE, ACPF, CPSM, CSSGB) is a supply-chain expert with TQM Works Consulting. He provides innovative solutions, based on 30 years of experience in retail, distribution, manufacturing, and consulting.
His work history includes software implementation, business planning, inventory control, distribution planning and corporate training. This includes a broad range of experience from ETO (engineer to order) to MTS (make to stock), as well as nonprofits, service and the Department of Defense.
He has presented at over 350 industry events throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan, Nigeria, South Africa and Australia, and he has provided over 5,000 hours of classroom training, averaging 4.5/5.0 on evaluations.
COURSE FEES
- $95: Binghamton University Students and other SUNY students
- $125: Non-SUNY students
- $150: Binghamton University faculty/staff and Binghamton University alumni
- $175: SUNY faculty/staff
- $275: Industry/Standard Rate (Contact wtsnindy@binghamton for group rates)
Group rates are available for industry available (2-4 participants, 5-9 participants, 10 or more); please contact Watson Industrial Outreach at 607-777-6251 or wtsnindy@binghamton.edu
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
All cancellations must be received in writing by the course start date to receive a refund. No refunds for cancellations or non-attendance will be given after that date.
Substitutions may be made any time before a certain date by informing the Office of Industrial Outreach at wtsnindy@binghamton.edu.
A $20 refund fee will be applied to all refunds requested by registrants.
If the course is canceled by the organizers, enrollees will be advised and receive a full refund.
