We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Sydney Finkelstein

Why do smart people sometimes think they are right when they are very, very wrong? Our brains are designed to make quick decisions, and sometimes we miss out on what’s really going on. Knowing this, Professor Sydney Finkelstein walks you through the neuroscience behind decision-making, and teaches you to make conscious decisions that are right for you at work and in life. By teaching you to reflect and move forward even better than before, Professor Finkelstein will help you to be the best you possibly can at whatever you do.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Emotional Brain, Bias, and Decision-Making
Experience and Expertise
Emotional Tags in Action
Read more
Putting It All Together: How to be the Great Decision-Maker You Want to Be

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops an understanding of the neuroscience of decision-making. This is helpful for making better decisions at work and in life
This course is suitable for learners at all levels
Taught by Sydney Finkelstein, a professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business
Covers the latest research on decision-making from the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and economics

Save this course

Save Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science with these activities:
Read "Thinking, Fast and Slow"
This book provides insights into the cognitive biases and decision-making processes covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman.
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
  • Complete the practice exercises and discussion questions included in the book.
Cognitive Biases Exercises
Completing these exercises will help you strengthen your understanding of cognitive biases and how they impact decision-making.
Show steps
  • Find online quizzes or exercises specifically designed to test your ability to identify and understand cognitive biases.
  • Take the quizzes or complete the exercises regularly to reinforce your learning.
  • Reflect on the results of your exercises and identify areas where you can improve your understanding or ability to recognize cognitive biases.
Form a Decision-Making Study Group
Collaborating with peers can provide diverse perspectives and enhance your understanding of decision-making concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify fellow students who are interested in forming a study group focused on decision-making.
  • Establish regular meeting times and a schedule for discussing course materials and assignments.
  • Take turns leading discussions, presenting key concepts, and facilitating exercises.
  • Provide constructive feedback and support to each other.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Decision-Making Case Study
This activity will allow you to apply the concepts of decision-making and cognitive biases to real-world situations.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific decision-making scenario or case study that you find interesting or relevant to your field of study or work.
  • Research the scenario thoroughly, gathering information from various sources such as articles, books, or expert opinions.
  • Analyze the scenario using the concepts and techniques covered in the course, identifying the cognitive biases and decision-making heuristics that may have influenced the decision-making process.
  • Develop recommendations or alternative decision-making strategies that could have led to better outcomes.
  • Write a comprehensive report or presentation that outlines your analysis and recommendations.
Attend a Decision-Making Workshop
Attending a workshop can provide hands-on experience and insights from experts in the field of decision-making.
Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops or conferences focused on decision-making or related topics.
  • Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
  • Attend the workshop, participate actively in discussions and exercises.
  • Follow up after the workshop by implementing the techniques and strategies learned.
Develop a Decision-Making Toolkit
Creating a toolkit will help you consolidate your knowledge and develop practical tools for improving your decision-making skills.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of decision-making tools and techniques that you have learned in the course and from other sources.
  • Research and gather additional information on these tools and techniques.
  • Create a physical or digital toolkit that includes descriptions, examples, and instructions for using each tool.
  • Test and refine your toolkit by applying it to real-world decision-making scenarios.
Participate in a Decision-Making Competition
Participating in a competition can challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical and engaging way.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for decision-making competitions or case competitions.
  • Prepare for the competition by reviewing course materials, practicing decision-making exercises, and seeking guidance from experts.
  • Participate in the competition and strive to demonstrate your decision-making abilities.
  • Reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Marketing Manager
As a marketing manager, you're responsible for the development and implementation of marketing campaigns. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from target audience to budget allocation. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Project Manager
As a project manager, you're responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from resource allocation to risk management. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Sales Manager
As a sales manager, you're responsible for the development and implementation of sales strategies. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from lead generation to customer relationship management. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Product Manager
As a product manager, you're responsible for the development and launch of new products. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from market research to product design. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Operations Manager
As an operations manager, you're responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from inventory management to customer service. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Consultant
As a consultant, you're responsible for providing advice to clients on a variety of business issues. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from market research to financial analysis. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Investment Banker
As an investment banker, you're responsible for advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from valuation to risk management. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Venture Capitalist
As a venture capitalist, you're responsible for investing in early-stage companies. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from market opportunity to team quality. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Chief Technology Officer
As a CTO, you're responsible for the technology infrastructure of the company. This means you need to be able to make decisions about how to implement new technologies. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Chief Executive Officer
As a CEO, you're responsible for making decisions that affect the entire company. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure. You'll learn about the neuroscience behind decision-making, and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.
Private Equity Investor
As a private equity investor, you're responsible for investing in companies and helping them grow. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from due diligence to exit strategy. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Chief Operating Officer
As a COO, you're responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company. This means you need to be able to make quick decisions, even when you don't have all the information. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Chief Financial Officer
As a CFO, you're responsible for the financial health of the company. This means you need to be able to make sound financial decisions. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
Chief Marketing Officer
As a CMO, you're responsible for the marketing and branding of the company. This means you need to be able to make decisions about how to reach your target audience. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.
General Manager
As a general manager, you're responsible for the overall operations of a specific business unit. This means you need to be able to make decisions about everything from staffing to marketing. The course, Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science, can help you develop the skills you need to make better decisions, even under pressure.

Reading list

We've selected 16 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: Blending Art & Science.
Provides a practical guide to various decision-making models and tools. It complements the course's emphasis on developing a systematic approach to decision-making.
Explores the psychology of choice, examining how the number and framing of options influence our decisions. It aligns with the course's discussion of bias and heuristics in decision-making.
Save
Examines the social and psychological factors that influence our decision-making, particularly in group settings. It complements the course's exploration of the impact of emotions and social contexts on our choices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the cognitive and social factors that influence managerial decision-making. It aligns with the course's focus on understanding the psychological biases and heuristics that affect our judgments.
Explores the relationship between the number of choices and our satisfaction with our decisions. It aligns with the course's discussion of the role of heuristics and biases in decision-making.
Provides a cognitive science perspective on thinking and decision-making. It complements the course's focus on understanding the neurological and psychological processes underlying our choices.
Explores the science of willpower and provides strategies for improving self-control. It complements the course's emphasis on understanding the role of emotions and motivations in decision-making.
Examines the latest research on decision-making and provides insights into how we can make better choices. It complements the course's focus on understanding the cognitive and emotional factors that influence our decisions.
Examines the role of emotional intelligence in success and well-being. It aligns with the course's focus on understanding the role of emotions and social skills in decision-making.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser