7 in 10
companies consider analytical thinking an essential skill, ahead of resilience, flexibility and agility, and leadership and social influence.
WEF, Future of Jobs Report 2025
Management & Strategy
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Build the mindset and tools to decide with clarity and structure.
next edition Nov 16, 2026
duration 12 hours
study mode Online
language English
investment €650
why this program?
Analytical thinking sits at the heart of decision-making
who is this for?
Different backgrounds, shared challenges
Mid-level managers
Already in management roles, or preparing for one, in innovation, marketing, finance, operations, or HR.
Recently promoted professionals
Professionals who need a structured approach to decision-making.
Functional specialists
Professionals who need to make decisions that cut across functions.
Managers taking on broader roles
Professionals preparing to step into broader management responsibilities.
what you will develop
Knowledge that translates into practice
Problem Framing & Root-Cause Identification
Go beyond the symptoms and determine the critical factors that shape the real business challenge.
Business Context Analysis
Apply frameworks that reveal which fundamental aspects constrain the company’s options.
Decision Frameworks for Selecting Alternatives
Compare possible courses of action and build a well-supported recommendation.
Risk & Impact Assessment
Anticipate the implications of the chosen solution before committing to it.
why pbs?
3 reasons to choose this program
An end-to-end decision framework
The program covers the full sequence, from root-cause identification to context analysis to a structured recommendation. Not isolated tools or tips.
Co-directed by two practitioners
Renata Blanc, Program Director of the International MBA, and César Lima, former CEO with consulting experience across biotech and service design, bring hands-on business experience to every module.
A compact, synchronous online format
12 hours across three mornings, designed to fit the schedule of managers with limited availability.
expected impact
Outcomes that translate into value
For you
A structured method from symptom to root cause, and on to a well-supported recommendation.
More confidence and speed in decisions, backed by frameworks rather than intuition alone.
A sharper read of business context, with a clearer view of risks and organizational impacts.
For your organization
More autonomous professionals, able to work through business problems without constant escalation.
A shared problem-solving language across functions, including innovation, marketing, finance, operations, and HR.
Faster, more defensible recommendations when facing ambiguous or complex challenges.
Apply to Problem Solving & Decision Making
Start applicationCustomize this program for your team
Contact our Corporate Solutions team
international recognition
Rankings that reinforce results.
Financial Times
Executive Education 2026 Worldwide
program structure
From problem to a structured recommendation
— Problem Framing & Root-Cause IdentificationRenata Blanc · César Lima
Identify the problem beyond the symptoms and determine the critical factors that shape the understanding of the challenge.
— Business Context AnalysisRenata Blanc · César Lima
Analyze the fundamental aspects that constrain the company’s actions and apply frameworks to better understand the business reality.
— Alternatives, Recommendation & Risk AssessmentRenata Blanc · César Lima
Identify alternatives, select a recommendation, and assess the impacts, risks, and organizational implications of the chosen solution.
how you will learn
Immersive learning
End-to-end case application
Work the full sequence from framing to recommendation on a business case.
Frameworks applied immediately
Each module moves from a short introduction straight into application.
Peer perspectives
Compare framings with colleagues from different industries and functions.
faculty
Program direction
Lecturer at FEP and Porto Business School in the areas of Problem Solving and Decision Making, Financial Accounting, Management Planning and Control and Entrepreneurship. Director of the International MBA Porto Business School (since 2017). Degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics of Porto (FEP, 1999). Master’s in Business Management from EGP (2008). MBA in […]
Business management experience in a fast growing company, in an international context. Proven skills in strategic growth (organic and inorganic) and operational planning, as well as in the effective daily coordination of operations. Great team worker with proven leadership skills. Full understanding of company’s internal processes. Related Programms 09 of november, 2026 Open Executive Program […]
INVESTMENT & TERMS
Prepare your application
Admission is subject to seat availability, so we recommend submitting your application as early as possible.
- early bird 5% discountUp to 1 month before the program starts€617.50 Save €32.50
- last call Standard feeUp to 1 week before the program starts€650 Subject to availability
Admissions Team
Meet the Admissions team
Get answers to your questions, assess how the program fits your professional path, and learn about the application process, schedule, investment, and next steps.
Problem Solving & Decision Making
The next edition starts on November 16. Your decision starts now.
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