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Decision Making

André Nardy

In this course, you will learn the concept of decision making from the rational and psychological points of view. We will discuss the limits to rationality; the interplay between emotional thinking and rational thinking when making decisions; the systematic errors provoked by our cognitive biases and by the use of heuristics; the role of emotions and intuition in decisions; the aleatory errors (noise); and possible remedies and leverage on all these aspects when making decisions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Decision making in organizations and its psychological aspects
In this first week of the course, you will learn the concept of decision making from the rational and psychological points of view. We will discuss the limits to rationality; the interplay between emotional thinking and rational thinking when making decisions; the systematic errors provoked by our cognitive biases and by the use of heuristics; the role of emotions and intuition in decisions; the aleatory errors (noise); and possible remedies and leverage on all these aspects when making decisions.
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Decision making process and problem solving
Week 2 will focus on rational decision-making processes to improve decision abilities and organizational capabilities. We will explore the PrOACT and Problem Solving Cycle methods.
Decision analysis
In this week, we will explore decision analysis as a tool to support rational decision making, the role of uncertainty, risk, and probabilistic decision making, employing simple decision trees, sensitivity analysis and attitudes towards risk.
Decision making in groups
In the fourth week of the course the attention is on the dynamics of groups and its effect on decisions made in different types of groups. Biases and social behavior interplay and create new challenges. Virtual teams and different configurations of group decision making are also explored. Processes and practices to deal with these challenges are also presented this week.
New perspectives in decision making
Social, technological and economic changes bring new challenges and are transforming the role of management and the way decisions are made in organizations. This module brings three dimensions of these changes: complexity and chaos; hypothesis formulation and experiments; and the role of artificial intelligence in decision making.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores decision making process and problem solving, which are essential skills for business professionals
Develops critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are crucial for professionals in any field
Taught by André Nardy, who is recognized for his work in decision making
Examines social, technological and economic changes that impact decision making in organizations
Provides a foundation for understanding decision making in organizations from the rational and psychological points of view
May be less relevant for individuals who are not interested in business or decision making

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Career center

Learners who complete Decision Making will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Consultant
Consultants provide expertise and advice to businesses and organizations to help them improve their performance. They help clients identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course can provide consultants with a strong foundation in decision-making theory and practice. It can help them understand the cognitive and psychological factors that influence decision-making, and provide them with tools and techniques to improve their decision-making skills. Additionally, the course can help consultants develop their problem-solving and analytical skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They work with large datasets to identify patterns and trends, and develop models to predict future outcomes. This course can help data scientists develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help data scientists develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts use data to make recommendations on investments and financial decisions. They analyze financial statements, economic data, and market trends to make informed decisions about which stocks, bonds, and other investments to buy or sell. This course can help financial analysts develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help financial analysts develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work with businesses and organizations to make informed decisions about their products, services, and operations. This course can help statisticians develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help statisticians develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with businesses and organizations to create software solutions that meet their needs. This course can help software engineers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help software engineers develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Product Manager
Product managers oversee the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. This course can help product managers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help product managers develop their interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Risk Manager
Risk managers identify, assess, and manage risks. They work with businesses and organizations to develop strategies to mitigate risks and protect their assets. This course can help risk managers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help risk managers develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts study public policy issues and develop recommendations for policymakers. They research, analyze, and evaluate public policy proposals, and make recommendations on how to improve them. This course can help policy analysts develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help policy analysts develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Market Researcher
Market researchers study consumer behavior to identify trends and develop marketing strategies. They use data analysis and research methods to gather information about consumers' needs and wants. This course can help market researchers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help market researchers develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts study the operations of businesses and organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions. This course can help systems analysts develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help systems analysts develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Management Analyst
Management analysts study the operations of businesses and organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions. This course can help management analysts develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help management analysts develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee the hiring, training, and development of employees. They also manage employee benefits, compensation, and performance reviews. This course can help human resources managers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help human resources managers develop their interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.
User Experience Researcher
User experience researchers study how users interact with products and services. They use this information to design products and services that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course can help user experience researchers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help user experience researchers develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Project Manager
Project managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work with teams of people to achieve project goals within budget and on time. This course can help project managers develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help project managers develop their leadership and communication skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries. They work with businesses and organizations to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. This course can help operations research analysts develop their decision-making skills, and provide them with a strong foundation in the theory and practice of decision-making. Additionally, the course can help operations research analysts develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the field.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Decision Making.
Explores the psychological factors that influence decision-making, providing insights into the irrational behaviors that can affect our choices.
Provides a practical framework for making better decisions in both personal and professional life.
Explores the role of intuition in decision-making, challenging the traditional view that decisions should always be based on rational analysis.
Explores the idea that our minds extend beyond our physical brains, including our bodies, our environment, and other people, and how this impacts our decision-making.
Provides an in-depth examination of the psychological factors that influence managerial decision-making, including cognitive biases, emotions, and social influences.
Explores the negative consequences of having too many choices, arguing that it can lead to indecision, dissatisfaction, and regret.
Provides practical advice on how to make difficult decisions, including how to gather information, evaluate options, and deal with uncertainty.
Explores the relationship between happiness and decision-making, arguing that we should focus on our values and relationships rather than external rewards.
Explores the psychology of choice, providing insights into how we make decisions and how we can improve our decision-making abilities.

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