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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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/v64ryq/decision
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What's inside
Syllabus
The Emotional Brain, Bias, and Decision-Making
Experience and Expertise
Emotional Tags in Action
Read more
Syllabus
The Emotional Brain, Bias, and Decision-Making
Experience and Expertise
Emotional Tags in Action
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Practical insights for sharper decisions
According to students, this course offers eye-opening insights into the neuroscience behind decision-making, with many finding the content on biases and emotional tags particularly relevant and actionable for both personal growth and professional development. Learners frequently praise Professor Sydney Finkelstein's engaging lectures and his ability to make complex topics incredibly accessible and clear. While many highlight its practical application in everyday life and work, some advanced learners note it provides a foundational understanding and may be less focused on advanced quantitative methods or deep academic rigor, leaning more on psychological concepts. Overall, it's considered a valuable and transformative learning experience.
Emphasizes neuroscience and cognitive biases over quantitative methods.
"I found it more philosophical and psychological than practical business strategy."
"I was expecting more practical applications for business; this felt more like a general psychology lecture."
"While the concepts are fine, I needed more depth for hardcore strategic application in complex business environments."
Suitable for both professionals and personal development.
"This course is ideal for both personal growth and professional development."
"I found it great for self-reflection and understanding cognitive biases."
"It's a must-take for leaders and professionals, offering invaluable insights."
"I'd recommend it for anyone new to the topic who wants a conceptual understanding."
Provides practical tools and strategies for real-world application.
"I've truly changed how I approach critical choices at work thanks to this course."
"I've already started applying the techniques in my team meetings, which is a testament to its direct utility."
"The course offers actionable strategies and helps build a solid framework for better decisions."
"I found it practical, insightful, and very well presented."
Professor Finkelstein is highly praised for his teaching style and clarity.
"Professor Finkelstein makes complex neuroscience principles of decision-making incredibly accessible and relevant."
"The instructor is engaging and clearly passionate about the subject."
"I found the material felt fresh and updated, which speaks to the quality of instruction."
"Professor Finkelstein is a master storyteller and simplifies complex ideas."
Ideal for beginners, but lacks depth for advanced learners.
"I was hoping for a bit more on quantitative decision tools or frameworks beyond the psychological aspects."
"While good for a general understanding, I didn't find it deep enough for robust academic rigor."
"I felt some parts were a bit repetitive and leaned heavily on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific studies."
"I didn't feel it went deep enough for someone already familiar with basic cognitive psychology."
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"
Show steps
This book provides insights into the cognitive biases and decision-making processes covered in the course.
View
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
on Amazon
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Read "Thinking, Fast and Slow"
Show steps
This book provides insights into the cognitive biases and decision-making processes covered in the course.
View
Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Completing these exercises will help you strengthen your understanding of cognitive biases and how they impact decision-making.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Collaborating with peers can provide diverse perspectives and enhance your understanding of decision-making concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
This activity will allow you to apply the concepts of decision-making and cognitive biases to real-world situations.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Attending a workshop can provide hands-on experience and insights from experts in the field of decision-making.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Creating a toolkit will help you consolidate your knowledge and develop practical tools for improving your decision-making skills.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Participating in a competition can challenge you to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical and engaging way.
Show steps
Show steps
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:
Chief Executive Officer
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.
Chief Operating Officer
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
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
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.
Chief Technology Officer
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.
General Manager
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.
Project Manager
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.
Consultant
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
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.
Private Equity Investor
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.
Venture Capitalist
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.
Product Manager
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.
Marketing Manager
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.
Sales Manager
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.
Operations Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/v64ryq/decision
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.
Save
Delves into the two systems of thinking, providing insights into how our minds make decisions and judgments. It complements the course's exploration of the neuroscience behind decision-making.
Examines the irrationalities and biases that influence our decision-making. It aligns with the course's focus on understanding the emotional and cognitive factors that impact our choices.
Save
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.
Save
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.
Save
Explores the concept of nudging, a subtle way of influencing people's behavior without restricting their choices. It aligns with the course's discussion of the role of behavioral economics in decision-making.
Save
Examines the science of habit formation and provides insights into how we can create and change our habits. It complements the course's focus on understanding the role of emotions and cognitive biases in shaping our decisions.
Save
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.
Save
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.
Provides practical strategies for managing anxiety and stress. It aligns with the course's emphasis on the role of emotions and mindfulness in decision-making.
Explores the relationship between happiness and success. It complements the course's focus on understanding the role of emotions and motivation in decision-making.
This classic book provides practical advice for personal and professional effectiveness. It complements the course's emphasis on the role of self-awareness and self-management in decision-making.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/v64ryq/decision
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Effort
Four weeks of study for approximately four hours per week.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Sydney Finkelstein
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Strategic Leadership: Impact, Change, and Decision-Making. It's comprised of four courses:
- Why Smart Executives Fail: Common Mistakes & Warning Signs
- Superbosses: Managing Talent & Leadership
- Decision-Making: Blending Art & Science (viewing)
- Lessons on Wisdom: Personal Leadership for Your Life
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