Improving Decision-Making

What defines a good decision? Most people assume that good decisions can be linked to two variables: the quality of information that characterizes a problem or opportunity, and the level of knowledge and experience possessed by a decision maker. In reality, neither the caliber of information nor the expertise of the decision maker can be reliably linked to the quality of decisions. Instead, decision-making is driven largely by contextual cues — some of which are related to a decision, and many that are not — that are present at the moment a choice must be made.

Likewise, decision quality is at the mercy of a series of what can best be thought of as hard-wired decision rules that people bring to bear on problems; while these decision rules help by reducing the amount of time and effort required to make choices, they also introduce a wide range of problematic biases to the decision-making process. If both context and habit conspire to limit the quality of choices, what can managers do to improve the quality of decisions? This program summarizes key findings from the decision sciences aimed at helping business professionals to diagnose and understand obstacles to good decisions, while also providing an interactive overview of specific tools that can be used to improve decision quality in individual and group settings.

Download the Improving Decision-Making Program PDF >>

Mid-level to senior managers who are responsible for operational or strategic decision making within organizations. This program would also benefit marketing professionals and the heads of start-ups wishing to better understand the behaviour of their clients.

• A rich understanding of the gulf that exists between idealized decisions and those that can typically be achieved in reality.
• Key insights into the behaviours and tendencies of both individual and group decision makers.
• An enhanced ability to influence the choices of others by either modifying their decision-making processes or the environment in which they make their decisions.
• Hands-on experience with different decision support tools.

May 15, 2012, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Application Deadline: May 8, 2012

Program Fee: $550 plus GST
Enroll three or more individuals from your organization in this program to receive a preferred rate.  Call 403.220.6600 for group registrations.

Location:
Haskayne School of Business
University of Calgary
Downtown Campus (906 8 Avenue SW)
Calgary, Alberta

Faculty:
Dr. Joe Arvai
Svare Chair in Applied Decision Research
Haskayne School of Business and the Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment, and Economy

Each participant who completes the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from
the Haskayne School of Business.