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.

(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 Method: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
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

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120
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
Either 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 as sessment (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 / attribu tes: Adaptability
How this is developed: In lectures and tutorials
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

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.