Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through four modules of material. Each module is broken into smaller lessons. These will help you prepare to make strategic decisions as a team leader. You will explore how to analyze data to make informed decisions and manage risk, conflict resolution approaches, and how to quickly adapt to operational changes.

Throughout the course, you will find readings, videos, and a variety of interactive elements. These include lightning rounds, flashcards, interactive scenarios, Percipio AI simulations, and more. Engaging with these activities reinforces new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study.

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The student interprets data effectively, using insights to make informed decisions that enhance productivity while mitigating risks. 
  • The student evaluates potential risks associated with decisions and selects the best course of action that balances operational efficiency and safety. 
  • The student identifies underlying issues through systematic analysis and structured problem-solving techniques to address complex operational challenges. 
  • The student generates practical and viable solutions to resolve operational issues, taking into consideration all relevant variables. 
  • The student reallocates resources and adjusts plans in response to shifting priorities to meet new operational demands. 
  • The student demonstrates composure and focus under pressure, quickly adapting to new challenges while maintaining a focus on operational objectives. 
  • The student manages daily operations efficiently by overseeing tasks, ensuring deadlines are met, and maintaining adherence to budgets and timelines. 
  • The student coordinates team members and workflows effectively to ensure smooth operations, prioritizing tasks and addressing operational bottlenecks promptly.

Assessment

You will demonstrate competency through one performance-based assessment. You must achieve a ranking of Competent on the assessment to pass the course.

The assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You may attempt the assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact your Student Experience Team.

1 Final Project
3 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Decision-Making
  • Analyze relevant data to identify key trends and insights to drive decision-making.
  • Justify a decision by providing a clear rationale for a chosen course of action.
  • Identify potential risks associated with various decision options by analyzing data and forecasting possible outcomes. 
  • Make decisions that balance operational productivity with safety and compliance requirements.
Problem-Solving
  • Apply critical thinking techniques to identify the root cause of complex operational problems. 
  • Apply systematic problem-solving approaches, such as root cause analysis, to address underlying issues. 
  • Evaluate potential solutions to address a problem while ensuring operational efficiency. 
  • Implement potential solutions to address the problem while ensuring operational efficiency. 
  • Monitory the outcomes of implemented solutions to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Adaptability
  • Adjust resource allocation in response to changing operational needs and priorities. 
  • Prioritize tasks effectively to meet shifting deadlines and operational demands.
  • Develop contingency plans to ensure smooth operations during unexpected changes. 
  • Demonstrate composure and a solution-focused approach when faced with sudden changes or challenges. 
  • Adapt workflows and processes to accommodate new operational demands.
  • Communicate all necessary adjustments to keep the team aligned with the overall operational objectives.
Operational Knowledge
  • Develop strategies to optimize team schedules and workflows, ensuring that daily operations stay on track and meet established deadlines. 
  • Monitor adherence to organizational policies, quality benchmarks, and safety regulations to ensure efficient and consistent daily operations. 
  • Identify key tasks and potential bottlenecks in team workflows to understand areas that may disrupt smooth operations. 
  • Delegate tasks to team members to ensure progress towards operational goals.
  • Evaluate team performance and processes to continuously improve operational efficiency.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.