How Do We Solve Complex Problems

In July, Sæunn Gísladóttir, a specialist at the University of Akureyri Research Centre (RHA), attended the Problem Solving & Decision Making course organised by ShipCon in Palermo, Sicily.

The course is designed, among others, for school leaders, teachers and academic staff who wish to strengthen their critical-thinking and informed decision-making skills. Its main objectives were to enhance participants' ability to define and analyse problems, identify their underlying causes and assess potential solutions. Emphasis was also placed on selecting and validating the best solution, as well as preparing for its implementation, communication and follow-up.

Put On Your Thinking Hats

The course involved a great deal of teamwork. One of its highlights was using Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats method to analyse and solve problems collaboratively. When adopting a particular "hat," each participant must approach the problem from a different perspective. Those wearing the yellow hat, for example, are expected to be optimistic and focus on opportunities, while those wearing the red hat respond to the problem primarily through emotions and intuition.

The stay in Sicily was highly educational, and Sæunn enjoyed meeting people from numerous European countries. It provided an opportunity to establish connections with specialists abroad who could potentially become future collaborators. Many participants also expressed an interest in visiting the University of Akureyri.

_{Sæunn Gísladóttir, specialist at the University of Akureyri Research Centre, on the roof of Palermo Cathedral}

Direct Flights Create New Opportunities

Sæunn took advantage of Transavia's direct flight from Akureyri to Amsterdam before continuing her journey from mainland Europe. It is clear that increased international activity at Akureyri Airport offers significant benefits to University of Akureyri staff.

Sæunn thoroughly enjoyed both the course and her stay on this remarkable island, where many people-including Halldór Kiljan Laxness-have found considerable creative inspiration. She encourages university staff to take advantage of Erasmus+ mobility opportunities to attend courses, expand their knowledge and build connections with other educational institutions.

The course was offered through Erasmus+ mobility and taught by Angela Winstanley, a social worker with extensive experience leading teams in complex professional settings.