Bradford University School of Management

Bradford University School of Management logo

Strategic Decision Making

Module leader to be confirmed

High-quality decisions are essential for strong business performance, but few people get the training they need to make good decisions consistently. This module provides the skills and techniques for making high-quality decisions: determining the process, properly defining the problem to be solved (framing the issues), gathering intelligence, coming to a conclusion, and learning from experience. Participants learn how to enhance the effectiveness of their own personal styles and improve the dynamics of the groups they manage and participate in.

Outline Syllabus:
Identification and analysis of critical factors that influence strategic decision making. Examination of major issues involved in selecting decision frames for strategy formulation - identifying appropriate frames and assessing effective ways to develop frames. Application of decision frames to real situations. Investigation of the importance of complexity and uncertainty for strategy formulation and evaluation of effective methods to manage complexity and uncertainty in real situations. The use of modelling scenarios to evaluate the possible impact of complexity and uncertainty. The role of behavioural factors in strategy formulation

Learning Outcomes:

  • A critical understanding of the complex nature and role of strategic decision making.
  • A sound understanding of how behavioural and functional factors impact on strategic decision making.
  • Enhanced knowledge of how a variety of academic disciplines and approaches can be used to better understand how strategic decisions are made.
  • Gained understanding of how to effectively apply decision making theories and modelling techniques to the process of strategic decision making in real situations.

  • Understand the major factors involved in formulating strategies at corporate and business level in private, public, domestic and international settings.
  • Utilise a variety of methods to analyse strategic issues and problems.
  • Evaluate the efficacy of different approaches to strategy formation.
  • Assess the effectiveness of the strategic decision making actions of managers in real situations.
  • Utilise a variety of tools and methods to assess the impact of complexity and uncertainty on the process of strategy formulation
  • Work co-operatively and effectively in groups on strategy formulation issues.
  • Share knowledge and experience about strategy formulation.
  • Make sound arguments and defences of effective methods of developing strategic plans