Skip to main content
Module Search
A street in Durham, with old buildings and people walking down the street
 

BUSI44315: APPROACHES TO DECISION MAKING (PT/EXECUTIVE)

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an advanced understanding of the ways in which decision making frameworks may help in making sense of the complex world in which managers manage.

Content

  • Optimisation: using linear programming to find best solutions.
  • Multi-attribute problems: how to trade off different sorts of outcomes.
  • Risky decisions: how to cope with uncertainty.
  • Subjectivity and bias: why we need help in making rational decisions.
  • Competition and cooperation: the application of game theory.
  • Problem structuring: describing complexity using soft systems and pattern languages.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have an in-depth understanding of the contribution that analytical decision methods (mainly, but not only, quantitative) can make to the solution of decision problems in business;
  • have a critical appreciation of how to structure complex problems.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • be able to formulate and solve models to assist management decision making.

Key Skills:

  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading. The written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion)28Yes
Preparation and Reading122 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Written AssignmentComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written Assignment4,000 words maximum100 

Formative Assessment

None.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.