UCD EMBA GNW June 2016

GLOBAL NETWORK WEEK
FOR EXECUTIVE MBA STUDENTS

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
DUBLIN
June 2016

Executive Decision-Making

Overview

In this module, we will explore models for helping executives make difficult decisions and examine how people actually make decisions in practice. We will also seek to understand why there is a rift between the rational decision strategies we should be pursuing, and our frequently sub-optimal decision-making behaviour.

Content outline

Themes to be addressed in the module will include:

  • The evolution of decision-making theory
    • A review of how decision theory has evolved
  • Executive decision-making – art or science?
    • Case-based discussion; executive decision-making styles; the rational versus intuitive debate.
  • Rational decision-making models
    • A review of prescriptive techniques and models including decision analysis, preference modelling, sensitivity analysis and simulation.
  • Behavioural decision-making
    • Principles of behavioural decision-making; heuristics and biases; spotlight on mistakes in investment decisions; avoiding or reducing the effects of behavioural biases.

The core content of the module will be delivered by module coordinator Mr. Stephen Boyle. The module may also include the following elements:

  • Simulation – a complex and challenging team-based decision-making simulation to be run throughout the week
  • Guest lectures – selected faculty will deliver sessions on decision-making in different contexts such as supply chain management and marketing
  • Company visits – students will visit one or more Dublin-based technology companies at the cutting edge of data analysis for executive decision-making.

Module format and assessment

Students will participate in a group project that will challenge them to apply decision making theory to a real-life decision project of their choice. The project will be assessed. Groups will be assignment in advance of the module and will be required to begin collaboration on their project before the week commences.

Groups will be required to present their project at the end of the week.

Students may also  be required to complete one or more additional individual project or learning journal assessments.

The module will be offered for credit of 5 ECTS.

At least 50-60% of the week will be based in the classroom with the remainder consisting of company visits and cultural immersion activities.

Faculty

Mr. Stephen Boyle

Stephen Boyle is a lecturer at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, where he teaches on MBA and MSc programmes in the areas of negotiation, decision-making, risk management and leadership development.

In addition to his role as a lecturer, Stephen is actively engaged with businesses as a negotiation trainer and consultant and delivers a range of customised and open enrolment courses through UCD Executive Development. He has delivered negotiation training in Europe, Asia and the United States for clients in sectors as diverse as automotive, construction, financial services, government, healthcare, law enforcement, pharmaceuticals and technology.

Prior to entering into the field of lecturing and training almost fifteen years ago, Stephen held roles in communications and change management at a Fortune 500 company and worked as a management consultant.