The document discusses analytical thinking skills. It states that analytical thinking involves methodically breaking down complex problems, gathering relevant information, identifying key issues, comparing data from different sources, and identifying patterns to arrive at appropriate solutions. Analytical thinking skills are critical for problem solving, decision making, and career advancement. The document provides tips for improving analytical thinking such as reading books actively, asking questions, playing brain games, practicing problem solving, and thinking carefully about decisions.
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1. Dr.Akhilesh Chandra Pandey
Motilal Nehru Institute of Research & Business Administration (MONIRBA)
University of Allahabad
(A Central University)
2. Efficiency Doing things right
Effectiveness - Doing the right things
Ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently
Analytical Thinking-Process to arrive at appropriate
solutions
Dr.Akhilesh C Pandey, University of Allahabad
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3. It is a critical component of visual thinking that gives one the
ability to solve problems quickly and effectively. It involves a
methodical step-by-step approach to thinking that allows you
to break down complex problems into single and manageable
components.
Analytical thinking involves the process of gathering relevant
information and identifying key issues related to this
information. This type of thinking also requires you to compare
sets of data from different sources; identify possible cause and
effect patterns and draw appropriate conclusions from these
datasets in order to arrive at appropriate solutions.
Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad
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4. Analytical thinking skills are critical in the workplace.
It is essential for gathering data, solving complex problems,
making rational decisions, as well as summarizing data and
executing well-thought-out projects.
This is a skill that every employee should gain and sharpen
to be able to climb up the career ladder.
Dr.Akhilesh C Pandey, University of Allahabad
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5. The process of applying your analytical skills usually involves several
steps:
Identifying a topic, problem, or issue
Gathering information through testing and observation
Developing solutions or deepening your understanding of the topic
Testing solutions or new ideas based on what youve learned
Post-analysis,or reviewing what solutions worked, to assess and apply
your new knowledge
A key element to analytical thinking is the ability to quickly identify cause
and effect relationships.This means understanding what might happen
during the problem-solving process and examining how new ideas relate
to the original topic. Dr.Akhilesh Chandra Pandey, University of
Allahabad
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6. Be Observant: Take a walk outside or observe people in your office. Use as many of your senses, see
what is happening around you. Is there anything that interests you?Remember you must actively
engage your mind. ( Management by Walking)
Read Books/Documents : Once again, the key to improving your analytical thinking skill is to keep
your mind active and running. Read books and try to work on an active reading strategy: proactively
read and digest and question what youre reading. You can highlight, raise questions, read aloud, or
make predictions to stay engaged with your reading material.
Learn How Things Work: Dont just find the solution but know how exactly certain things work. By
scrutinizing how things work, you will have a better understanding of the process which is vital in
stimulating your analytical skills.
Ask Questions : Did you know that curiosity makes us smarter? According to Neuroscientist Aracelli
Carmago, The more curious we are about a subject, the more it engages our cognitive functions, such
as attention and memory. With that said, asking more questions can help develop better problem-
solving skills, retention, and memory of a subject. So, dont be shy to ask questions, especially if your
query is valid.
Dr.Akhilesh C Pandey, University of Allahabad
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7. Dr.Akhilesh C Pandey, University of Allahabad
7
Play Brain Games: If you want to improve your analytical thinking skills, it may be time to
play Sudoku or other brain games like puzzles, chess, or crosswords. The best part of working
on brain games to develop your analytical skillset is it is fun and does not require a lot of
motivation to get started.
Practice Your Problem-Solving Skills: Keep in mind that for every problem, there is a
solution. Visualize and be articulate in the presentation of a particular concept. Prepare two,
three or even more solutions to a problem. And, if possible, do test runs on those solutions. See
which one is the best and the most logical.
8. Think About Your Decisions: Making important decisions at work is common.
Thus, think hard and rationalize your decisions. What are the pros and cons of
your decision? Ask for an expert opinion if available or do extensive research.
Ask yourself, is this the best solution for this problem? Take a step back to
rethink it a bit more, and then you can finally decide.
At the end of the day, like any skill development, you have to have a lot of
practice and application.Learn from your everyday experiences. Then, practice
your analytical skills until it comes naturally.
Dr.Akhilesh C Pandey, University of Allahabad
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9. Analytical thinking is an effective skill for everyone at work. It is
essential for gathering data, solving complex problems, making
rational decisions, as well as summarizing data and executing
well-thought-out projects. Everyone does some thinking, some
more than others. People who fail to think or do not think much,
put themselves and likely others at risk. People who think, by
contrast, and think well analytically, have better prospects in
life. Wherever possible, thinking should be analytical and
proactive.
We should anticipate problems even before they arise. That way,
we can prepare to face them once they arrive, and we will not be
caught off-guard.
Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad
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10. Brainstorming is a method design teams use to generate ideas
to solve clearly defined design problems.
In controlled conditions and a free-thinking environment,
teams approach a problem by such means as How Might We
questions. They produce a vast array of ideas and draw links
between them to find potential solutions.
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11. Set a time limit Depending on the problems complexity, 1560 minutes is normal.
Begin with a target problem/brief Members should approach this sharply defined question, plan or
goal and stay on topic.
Refrain from judgment/criticism No-one should be negative (including via body language) about any
idea.
Encourage weird and wacky ideas Further to the ban on killer phrases like too expensive, keep the
floodgates open so everyone feels free to blurt out ideas (provided theyre on topic).
Aim for quantity Remember, quantity breeds quality. The sifting-and-sorting process comes later.
Build on others ideas Its a process of association where members expand on others notions and
reach new insights, allowing these ideas to trigger their own. Say andrather than discourage with
butto get ideas closer to the problem.
Stay visual Diagrams and Post-Its help bring ideas to life and help others see things in different ways.
Allow one conversation at a time To arrive at concrete results, its essential to keep on track this way
and show respect for everyones ideas.
Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad
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12. Problem
How to make Training Sessions more
effective ?
Time 10 Minutes
Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad
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13. Problem solving skills allow you to notice an issue, identify the root cause, design an
effective solution, and successfully implement it. This includes the skills to evaluate
whether or not your plan achieved the results you wanted. The best problem solvers can
anticipate problems before they arise and take action to prevent them or lessen the
impact. They use logic to define what needs to change and creativity to propose
innovative solutions.
Identify and define the problem
Come up with possible solutions
Evaluate the options
Choose the best solution
Implement the solution
Evaluate the outcome
Soft skills - Communication skills, People skills, Social skills, and Personality traits.
While problem solving skills can require you to use your technical ability, you have to
establish a number of specific soft skills to identify issues and implement solutions.
Problem Solving Skills you may use when solving a problem:
Analysis, Creativity, Judgment, Communication, Organization, Teamwork, Evaluation
Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad 13
14. Analytical Skills - Solving any problem starts with analyzing the issue
you have to go beyond the symptoms of the problem to find the root cause.
Being analytical can include a number of essential problem solving skills for
officers:
Attention to detail, Data collection, Forecasting, Research,Fact-checking,
Historical analysis
Creativity -Sometimes the solution to a problem is not always straight-
forward, and can require creative thinking and other points of view to
resolve.
Brainstorming , Curiosity, Audit Reporting , Audit planning, Creating new
technical methods for auditing
Judgment -With dozens of solutions before you, how do you choose the
best one? Through exercising sound judgment. You can compare between
options and select the solution that's right for each unique situation.
Critical thinking, Prediction, Decision-making,Discussion,Corroboration,
Test development, Authenticity, Leadership 14
15. Communication - Being a good communicator also helps you relay your
decision on a solution and align everyone to tackle it together. Without
specific problem solving communication skills, issues can't be resolved
quickly and efficiently. That's why to be an effective leader and expert
problem solver, it's important to have the following communication skills:
Active listening, Patience, Persuasion, Negotiation, Mediation, Clarity of
expression, Public speaking, Reading body language, Verbal
communication, Written communication,Building rapport
Organization-Organization skills help you implement the steps everyone
needs to take, which can improve alignment and efficiency.
Prioritization, Initiative, Audit management, Audit Planning,Time
Management, Meeting facilitation,Recording and filing Audit reports,
Creating Audit schedules Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad
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16. Teamwork-is essential for working with others and contributing to a
Audit & Accounts Departments mission.
Collaboration, Delegation, Giving and receiving feedback,Goal
setting, Dependability, Resource allocation, Prioritizing tasks, Setting
expectations, Assessing employee strengths and weaknesses, Setting
expectations, Performance evaluation, Identifying outcomes, Trust,
Respect
Evaluation Data analysis, Adaptability, Creating and evaluating
reports, Troubleshooting,Resilience,Integrity, Identifying patterns, Open
mindedness
Dr.A.C.Pandedy, MONIRBA, University of Allahabad
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