Synopsis. Decision making and problem solving in organizations from managerial perspective. Pre-requisite: Junior-level standing.

Detailed Description. This course will focus on behavioral decision making, the study of how people make decisions, to learn factors that can eventually help you make better decisions. It draws from research in psychology, economics, political science, and management with application in a broad range of contexts. Topics include heuristics and biases in inference including overconfidence and bounded awareness, decision framing and reversal of preferences, escalation of commitment, fairness/ethics, and the role of motivation and emotion. As time permits, we will examine negotiator cognition and rational decisions in negotiation. The course is influenced primarily by the research/writing of Max Bazerman, but also draws upon the works of Daniel Kahneman, Paul Nutt, Cass Sunstein, Richard Thaler, and Amos Tversky.
 

• Knowing the different types and levels of decisions;
  
• Understanding the different decision-making biases and ways to avoid them;
  
• Recognizing frames and the role they play in decision making;
  
• Understanding when it is appropriate to decide on your own and when to involve others; and
  
• Understanding how strategic decision making differs from other forms of decision making
   

The required "text" for the course is Decisive by Chip & Dan Heath. In addition, you will be assigned other readings (details for acquiring these articles will be provided during our first class meeting). These assignments are designed to help you:

• Know the limitations of individual decision making and determine when and how to get others involved;
  
• Improve your ability to think, make effective decisions, and defend your decisions; and
  
• Learn ways to help others make effective decisions
   

Content produced by Robert L. Holbrook, Jr.

Printable pages (e.g., topic schedules, syllabi) have been optimized for printing with half-inch margins and no headers or footers. These pages have been carefully screened for inaccuracies, but content may not be consistent with that presented in class. When inconsistencies arise, please feel free to contact Dr. Holbrook or stop by 308 Copeland Hall.