Decision Making for Managers

Course review:

This module will help you develop your ability in decision making. It is aimed at individuals who have some experience of making decisions in managerial contexts. Decision making is a fundamental part of being a manager and the approach you develop from this module can be applied to all aspects of your managerial role.

This module enables you to develop a consistent approach to decision making which will cover both routine and non-routine situations. This should help you to decide on an effective course of action to tackle the kind of problems that you will encounter in your workplace. You will also be introduced to different models of decision making and will be taken through the stages involved in making a decision. This program also looks at decisions you have already made, which will help you to refine and develop your approach. This can be particularly important as a manager, since you may be required to explain decisions you have made and be held accountable for the consequences of them. It is an APPLIED module and you will be expected to apply the underpinning knowledge and techniques in the module to situations where decisions have to be made.

TOPICS COVERED

1. Analyse models of decision making

Knowledge and/or Skills you will acquire:

· Types of decision

· Rational decision making model

· Alternative models of decision making

· Group decision making

2. Develop an approach to making decisions

Knowledge and/or Skills you will acquire:

· Definition and diagnosis of the problem and/or issue

· Generating alternative solutions

· Deciding between alternatives

· Gathering acceptance and implementation

· Techniques of decision making

3. Evaluate the decision making process

Knowledge and/or Skills you will acquire:

· Comparison with the rational model

· Criteria for evaluation

· Strengths and weaknesses

· Drawing lessons for the future