BUS9040-B, MGT9703, MGT9703-B Decision Analysis for Managers/ Managerial Decision Making

Contents

• Contact Details    
• Introduction    
• Learning Outcomes    
• Employability Skills / Skills for your Future    
• Principles of Responsible Management Education    
• Teaching & Learning Methods    
• Module Delivery    
• Feedback Strategy    
• Assessment Rationale    
• Learning Resources    
• Reading    
• The Library (www.library.lincoln.ac.uk )    
• Subject librarians    
• Digital Learning Resources 
• Appendix 1: Schedule of Activity    
• Appendix 2(a): Assessment Brief    
• Appendix 2(b): Resit Assessment Brief    
• Appendix 3: Assessment Criteria    
• Appendix 4: Assurance of Learning Core Competencies    

Introduction

Decision analysis is the science and art of designing or choosing the best alternatives  based on the goals and preferences of the decision maker (DM) and to do this well is a  fundamental skill for managers at every level in the organisation. But decisions are often  hard to make in the presence of multiple objectives, uncertainty about the future, and  differences of opinion among key players. For decisions that require large amounts of  resources and commitments, the weight of responsibility felt by the decision maker can be  heavy, especially when the consequences require considered judgements about trade-offs  between benefits, risks and costs. The aim of this module is to enhance the students’  decision capabilities when confronted with strategic or operational choices. Students will  learn how decision analysis tools can be used to structure and analyse decision problems  and how a mix of data and judgment can help decision makers to better achieve their  objectives. The main focus of the course is on practical management problems.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module, you should be able to: 
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of what makes good decisions outcomes

LO2 Critical appreciation of the challenges involved in making decisions characterised  by uncertainty and or the presence of multiple objectives
 
LO3 Systematically structure and analyse decision problems 

LO3 Apply appropriate decision analysis tools and effectively communicate the results 

In addition to module-specific outcomes, selected modules within Lincoln International  Business School are required to deliver and assess particular core competencies associated with our mission as an AACSB-accredited business School, and as such reflect core skills and knowledge sets associated with being a graduate in business management. There are twelve core competencies, and these are distributed across modules associated with each programme. Each core competency is assessed through the assessment(s) for a module and is identified on the relevant Assessment Rubric. The assessment of these core competencies is not weighted (they don’t contribute to your grade) but is assessed based on proficiency/non-proficiency. If you find yourself not achieving proficiency, then this will not directly affect the outcome for a module, but is an opportunity for you to reflect on your development and how you can work towards proficiency at a later opportunity. We will also reflect on the overall outcomes for modules and programmes and seek to enhance our teaching, learning and assessment as a result.  
  
The Core Competencies assessed in this module are as follows:

AoL CC5 Data Analytics - Apply data analytics to tackle and solve demanding problems  in original ways  
AoL CC6 Technological Agility - Select and apply appropriate technologies to support reasoned, responsible decision-making.

 Employability Skills / Skills for your Future

The module enhances your employability by developing the following transferable Work Ready skills:

• Organisation
• Communication 
• Learning & Adaptability 
• Perseverance & Initiative 
• Commercial Awareness
• Researching and Analysing
• Problem Solving

Principles of Responsible Management Education

The Lincoln International Business School is committed to the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) to develop future leaders who are socially responsible and will create sustainable environmental and economic value.

This module contributes to the PRME agenda by, inter alia, extending knowledge of challenges business managers face in meeting social and environmental responsibilities.

Teaching & Learning Methods

The module consists of a combination of lectures and seminars aimed at equipping students with critical analytical skills. Emphasis will be placed on practical management problems informed by case studies

Module Delivery

The module will be delivered by bi-weekly 2-hour lectures and 2-hour seminars, which will be based in the computer Labs (IT workshops). The schedule of activity is available in Appendix 1.

Feedback Strategy

Receiving feedback during your learning is essential to ensure you are prepared for your final assessments. To support your learning throughout the module, feedback strategies include the following:

• Dedicated assessment support lectures
• Assessment support in seminars/Workshops
• One-to-one meetings with tutors

Assessment Rationale

The module’s assessment and resit assessment is ONE assignment which consists of a portfolio of short, scaffolded assignment tasks staggered across the semester. Students will collate these assignment tasks and submit them as one assignment at the end of the semester, accompanied by a short capstone reflection. A general description of the assessment task/purpose is available in Appendix 2 (a) and Appendix 2 (b).

Full details and guides for individual assignment tasks will be provided on the Module’s Blackboard site.

Assessment Criteria Grids will be used to provide feedback on Blackboard and indicate how marks will be allocated; they are included in Appendix 3 and Appendix 4.

Learning Resources

Reading

The key text(s) for this module are:

Clemen, R.T. and Reilly, T. (2014) Making Hard Decisions with Decision Tools. South-Western Cengage Learning, Mason

Simone Gressel, David J. Pauleen and Nazim Taskin (2021), Management Decision-Making, Big Data & Analytics. Sage: London

Other recommended reading for the module is:

Snowden, David J.; Boone, Mary E. (2007). A Leader's Framework for Decision Making.
Harvard Business Review, 85 (11): 68 – 76.

French (2013) Cynefin, statistics and decision analysis. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 64: 547–561

Blenko, M.W., Mankins, M.C., Rogers, P. (2010). The  Decision-Driven Organisation.
Harvard Business Review, 88 (6): 54– 62

Mark S. Schwartz (2016). Ethical Decision-Making Theory: An Integrated Approach. Journal of Business Ethics, 139 (4):755 – 776.

Other, more specific references are provided on the Module Blackboard site and will be signposted in class. You are also expected to read independently for this module. Good quality academic sources are available at the university library; useful databases include SCOPUS, Business Source Complete and Emerald Insight. This module requires that you follow the Harvard System of referencing.

Appendix 1: Schedule of Activity

Appendix 2(a): Assessment Brief

Module Code & Title: Decision Analysis for Managers / Managerial Decision Making (BUS9040-B/MGT9703/MGT9703-B)

Contribution to Final Module Mark: 100% 

Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:

The assessment on this module is a 3,500 – 4,000-word assignment which consists of a portfolio of short, scaffolded assignment tasks staggered across the semester. Students will collate these assignment tasks and submit as one assignment at the end of the semester accompanied by a capstone reflective piece structured around Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) or other reflective frameworks. This will encourage students to engage with the course material as they as they go along and work steadily throughout the entire course. The assignment requires students to use all the knowledge and skills learned from lectures and seminars (including IT seminars), and also requires students to carry out independent research. Similarly, the resit assessment is a 3,500 – 4,000-word (approx.) assignment which consists of a portfolio of short, scaffolded assignment tasks along with a capstone reflective piece of student learning throughout the course (see appendix 2(b)).

Full details and guides for individual assignment tasks will be provided on the Module’s Blackboard site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of what makes good decisions outcomes

LO2 Critical appreciation of the challenges involved in making decisions characterised by uncertainty and or the presence of multiple objectives

LO3 Systematically structure and analyse decision problems

LO3 Apply appropriate decision analysis tools and effectively communicate the result

In addition, the Core Competencies assessed in this module are as follows:

AoL CC5 Data Analytics - Apply data analytics to tackle and solve demanding problems in original ways

AoL CC6 Technological Agility - Select and apply appropriate technologies to support reasoned, responsible decision-making.

Knowledge & Skills Assessed:

The assignment requires students to use all the knowledge and skills learned from lectures and seminars (including IT seminars), and also requires independent research by the Student as Producer agenda. This includes:

• Academic writing and written communication
• Researching and analysing
• Problem solving and critical thinking/analysis
• Practical application of Data – Information – Knowledge (DIK) pyramid
• IT skills or technological agility

Assessment Submission Instructions:

You are required to submit your assignment (deadline Monday, 13th May 2024) using the online assessment submission facility on the Module Blackboard site. Pay careful attention to their instructions provided at the time of submission. Hard copies will not be accepted or marked.

Date for Return of Feedback: TBC 

Format for Assessment:

Please follow the formatting guidelines below:

• File type:    Ms Word or PDF (file type for any supplementary documents will be specified at the time of submission)
• Font / Size: Arial or Times New Roman / 12
• Spacing / Sides: 1.5 / Single Sided
• Pagination required?    Yes
• Margins:    At least 2.54 to left and right and text ‘justified’
• Referencing: Full compliance with Harvard protocols

Marking Criteria for Assessment:

Detailed Assessment Criteria Grid is provided in Appendix 3.
In general, the assignment should be well presented, structured and referenced, acknowledging all sources used and using the Harvard Referencing System. Key marking criteria include:

• Reference to Academic Literature
• Synthesis/criticality
• Ability to apply appropriate decision analysis techniques arriving at logical conclusions
• Structure, presentation, logical flow of argument and academic writing
• Use of references and evidence of wider reading

Please note that all work is assessed according to the University of Lincoln Management of Assessment Policy and that marks awarded are provisional on Examination Board decisions (which take place at the end of the Academic Year.

Feedback Format:

Feedback and marks will be available electronically on Blackboard. If you will have any specific questions relating to the feedback, contact the module co-ordinator to discuss.

Additional Information for Completion of Assessment:

The assignment should carefully follow the instructions provided and address the requirements of individual tasks. Where appropriate, it should provide evidence of wider reading by the use of appropriate references to published academic works (books, journals, etc), where appropriate.

You should appropriately cite any reference material, using the Harvard Referencing style and ensure that you draw from quality academic sources. On this note, remember that general internet sources such as Wikipedia and Investopedia are not recognised academic sources.

Please label your work with your name, enrolment number, module title and code

Assessment Support Information:

Assessment support will be provided through detailed assessment briefs/guidance, the Tutors availability to answer any questions you may have. If required, there will be dedicated assessment support during lectures or seminars and one-to-one meetings with tutors.

Important Information on Dishonesty & Plagiarism:

University of Lincoln Regulations define plagiarism as 'the passing off of another person's thoughts, ideas, writings or images as one's own... Examples of plagiarism include the unacknowledged use of another person's material whether in original or summary form. Plagiarism also includes the copying of another student's work'.

Plagiarism is a serious offence and is treated by the University as a form of academic dishonesty. Students are directed to the University Regulations for details of the procedures and penalties involved.

For further information, see plagiarism.org

Appendix 2(b): Resit Assessment Brief

Module Code & Title: Decision Analysis for Managers / Managerial Decision Making (BUS9040-B/MGT9703/MGT9703-B)

Contribution to Final Module Mark: 100% Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:

Like the first sit assessment, resit assessment on this module is a 3,500 – 4,000-word assignment which consists of a portfolio of short, scaffolded assignment tasks staggered across the semester. Students will collate these assignment tasks and submit as one assignment at the end of the semester accompanied by a capstone reflective piece structured around Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) or other reflective frameworks. This will encourage students to engage with the course material as they as they go along and work steadily throughout the entire course. The assignment requires students to use all the knowledge and skills learned from lectures and seminars (including IT seminars), and also requires students to carry out independent research. Full details and guides for individual assignment tasks will be provided on the Module’s Blackboard site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of what makes good decisions outcomes

LO2 Critical appreciation of the challenges involved in making decisions characterised by uncertainty and or the presence of multiple objectives

LO3 Systematically structure and analyse decision problems

LO3 Apply appropriate decision analysis tools and effectively communicate the result

In addition, the Core Competencies assessed in this module are as follows:

AoL CC5 Data Analytics - Apply data analytics to tackle and solve demanding problems in original ways

AoL CC6 Technological Agility - Select and apply appropriate technologies to support reasoned, responsible decision-making.

Knowledge & Skills Assessed:

The assignment requires students to use all the knowledge and skills learned from lectures and seminars (including IT seminars), and also requires independent research in accordance with the Student as Producer agenda. This includes:

• Academic writing and written communication
• Researching and analysing
• Problem solving and critical thinking/analysis
• Practical application of Data – Information – Knowledge (DIK) pyramid
• IT skills or technological agility

Assessment Submission Instructions:

You are required to submit your assignment (deadline TBC) using the online assessment submission facility on the Module Blackboard site. Pay careful attention to instructions provided at the time of submission. Hard copies will not be accepted or marked.

Date for Return of Feedback: TBC 
Format for Assessment:

Please follow the formatting guidelines below:

• File type:    Ms Word or PDF (file type for any supplementary documents will be specified at the time of submission)
• Font / Size: Arial or Times New Roman / 12
• Spacing / Sides: 1.5 / Single Sided
• Pagination required?    Yes
• Margins:    At least 2.54 to left and right and text ‘justified’
• Referencing: Full compliance with Harvard protocols

Marking Criteria for Assessment:

Detailed Assessment Criteria Grid is provided in Appendix 3.
In general, the assignment should be well presented, structured and referenced, acknowledging all sources used and using the Harvard Referencing System. Key marking criteria include:

• Reference to Academic Literature
• Synthesis/criticality
• Ability to apply appropriate decision analysis techniques arriving at logical conclusions
• Structure, presentation, logical flow of argument and academic writing
• Use of references and evidence of wider reading

Feedback Format:

Feedback and marks will be available electronically on Blackboard. If you will have any specific questions relating to the feedback, contact the module co-ordinator to discuss.

Additional Information for Completion of Assessment:

The assignment should carefully follow the instructions provided and address the requirements of individual tasks. Where appropriate, it should provide evidence of wider reading by the use of appropriate references to published academic works (books, journals, etc), where appropriate.

You should appropriately cite any reference material, using Harvard Referencing style and ensure that you draw from quality academic sources. On this note, remember that general internet sources such as Wikipedia and Investopedia are not recognised academic sources.

Please label your work with your name, enrolment number, module title and code

Assessment Support Information:

Assessment support will be provided through detailed assessment briefs/guidance, and the Tutors availability to answer any questions you may have. If required, there will be dedicated assessment support during lectures or seminars and one-to-one meetings with tutors.

Important Information on Dishonesty & Plagiarism:

University of Lincoln Regulations define plagiarism as 'the passing off of another person's thoughts, ideas, writings or images as one's own... Examples of plagiarism include the unacknowledged use of another person's material, whether in original or summary form. Plagiarism also includes the copying of another student's work'.

Plagiarism is a serious offence and is treated by the University as a form of academic dishonesty. Students are directed to the University Regulations for details of the procedures and penalties involved.

For further information, see plagiarism.org

Appendix 3: Assessment Criteria

Appendix 4: Assurance of Learning Core Competencies