Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Problem Structuring & Decision-Making
Module Code	MT568
School	DCUBS
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Octavio Hernandez Semester 2: Octavio Hernandez Autumn: Octavio Hernandez
Module Teacher	Octavio Hernandez
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module provides students with a number of concepts and methods that enable them put structure onmessy real-world problems where there exist a variety of actors, objectives and worldviews, with a view to improving decision-making; emergencies and crises are examples of suchmessy real-world situations. This module is delivered through a combination of lectures, in-class student presentations, and in class case studies and exercises.

Learning Outcomes

1. Research and present on a specific problem structuring or decision making methodology
2. Analyse a real world decision making or problem structuring situation
3. Research and write an essay on a decision making or problem stucturing topic
4. Discuss a number of different thinking approaches, analysis techniques, problem structuring methodologies and decision making concepts

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	In class lectures including student case studies and presentations
Group work	30	Two group research projects and associated presentations (Two projects at 15 hours per project)
Independent learning	45	Student reading of course materials (texts, assigned readings, and assigned case studies) pre and post lecture (approx 4 hours per week for 12 weeks)
Assignment	26	Individual essay including reading and writing up
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Decision making environment VUCA.
An introduction to the key characteristics of the decision making environment (VUCA): volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous.

Tools for thinking.
An introduction to analytical, systemic and creative thinking approaches.

Decision making approaches.
rational choice, behavioural decision making including bounded rationality and satisficing, heuristics in decision making, sensemaking and intuitive approaches, decision making by groups.

Problem structuring methodologies.
Soft systems methodology, cognitive mapping, multi-person decision making: game and drama theoretic approaches.

Dynamic situations.
Simulation study of a dynamic decision making situation.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Group presentation	Research and present on a problem structuring or decision making methodology	15%	Once per semester
Group presentation	Research and present on a real life problem structuring or decision making situation	15%	Once per semester
Essay	Write an essay on an analysis of a real-world problem-structuring or decision-making situation	70%	Once per semester

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Rosenhead J, Mingers J.: 2001, Rational analysis for a problematic world: revisited, Wiley,
Bazerman M, Moore D.: 2008, Judgement in managerial decision making, Wiley,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

MSEM

MSc in Emergency Management

PBSSA

PG Exchange(Business School)

PBSSAO

PG Study Abroad(Business School)

Timetable this semester: Timetable for MT568

Date of Last Revision