ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO DECISION-MAKING
Code ULMS351
Coordinator Dr GM Ridgeway
Work, Organisation and Management
Graemer@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

12

6

      24

6

60
Timetable (if known) 60 mins X 1 totaling 12
 
60 mins X 1 totaling 6
 
      120 mins X 1 totaling 24
60 mins X 1 totaling 6
 
 
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 174

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2: Reflective learning portfolio Assessment Type: Coursework Size: 2000 words Weighting: 50% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty ap  -2000 words    50       
Assessment 1: Coursework Assessment Type: Coursework Size: 2000 words Weighting: 50% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymous As  -2000 words    50       

Aims

This module aims to provide students with the concepts and theories relevant to the cognitive and emotional aspects of decision-making at the individual, group and organizational levels. Particular attention is paid to the problems and potential pitfalls of making decisions amidst uncertainty and conflict including potential pressure to act in an ethically questionable manner. The module also considers negotiated decisions and cognitive techniques for stimulating creativity, innovation and problem-solving.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the main terms used within the psychology of decision-making

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the major cognitive, social and emotional processes that influence the nature of individual, group and organizational decision-making.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate ability to deal with conflicting evidence and 'data' within decision-making contexts and to recognise the limitations of 'evidence' used with the decision.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the manner in which social and environmental factors can inform and shape the process of decision-making through team-work and group discussion.

(LO5) Students will be able to work with others in problem-solving and negotiating teams and to reflect upon the major psycho-social processes involved in that activity.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Problem-solving skills

(S3) Numeracy

(S4) Commercial awareness

(S5) Teamwork

(S6) Organisational skills

(S7) Communication skills

(S8) IT skills

(S9) International awareness

(S10) Lifelong learning skills

(S11) Ethical awareness


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method: Online Asynchronous Learning Materials
Description: Lectures are used to highlight core concepts, theories and controversial perspectives.
Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 12
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method: Synchronous Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 12
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method: Seminar
Description: Seminars supported by case examples are mainly used to apply insights gleaned in lectures to real problems emanating from business and public sector organizations. Another important role of seminars is to facilitate the development of transferable skills by encouraging students to develop skills in conceptualizing problems, applying problems skills and applying theory to practice.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching method: Group study
Description: To foster student community and engagement by working with others on their ‘active learning’ activities
Scheduled Student Hours: 6
Attendance recorded: No

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 114
Description: There are 36 total contact hours including seminars. In addition you students are expected to devote 114 hours to private study. Private study includes preparation for lectures and seminars plus follow-up reading. Students are also expected to attend all lectures and seminars. Handouts are not provided. Students are advised to bring a copy of the Module Handbook and copies of slides to each lecture and seminar. VLE is used to post the Module Handbook, lecture slides, specimen examination paper and generic feedback on assessments. Communication with students as a group or as individuals is by e-mail. Students are asked to check their University e-mail account daily. Please note: the precise order of topics for lectures and tutorials may vary. Wherever possible, changes will be notified in advance by e-mail.

Non-modular Requirements
Ei ther ULMS101 or ULMS151

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Ethical awareness
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Coursework

Skills / attributes: Lifelong learning skills
How this is developed: In lectures tutorials and private study
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable):

Skills / attributes: IT skills
How this is developed: In private study
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Coursework

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Teamwork
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Commercial awareness
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable):

Skills / attributes: Numeracy
How this is developed: Private study
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Problem-solving skills
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Coursework

Skills / attributes: Adaptability
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable)


Syllabus

 

Risk, uncertainty and individual over-confidence;

Cognitive and affective traps;

Unethical decision-making;

Escalation in decision-making;

Real options theory;

Entrapment;

Group dynamics;

Organizational influences on decision-making and organizational over-confidence;

Paradox and contradiction in decision-making;

Cognitive techniques for problem-solving, creativity and innovation;

Negotiated decisions.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.