Module manager: Ian Fouweather
Email: i.m.fouweather@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Jan to 28 Feb, 1 Jan to 28 Feb (adv year) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Students are required to meet the programme entry requirements prior to studying the module.
N/A
This module is not approved as an Elective
Decision making is a key management function. Participants will obtain an understanding of the thinking processes that underlie their own and others’ judgement and decision making in individual and group decision making situations. Participants will gain knowledge processes of operations, risk and quality management and learn to recognise the judgmental errors and decision biases that commonly arise, and strategies for improving decision making within areas of operations, risk and quality management.
The objective of this module is to provide Engineering Managers with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to be able to make appropriate decisions when faced with complex and uncertain situations that demand analysis, careful judgement and leadership.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Explore the thinking processes which shape judgements and how these inform the way that decisions are made;
2. Investigate how the use of tools and structured techniques can be used to handle information effectively in order to improve decision making;
3. Evaluate the impact of individual cognition and socio-cultural differences on decision making;
4. Explore group decision making processes and the role of negotiation within an organisational context.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes which cover all areas:
1. Decision-making: The ability to consider options, use and apply your judgement, to create possibilities and solutions. The ability to make decisions, potentially under pressure. To evaluate the thinking processes which shape their own and others’ judgements and how these inform the way that decisions are made making;
2. Negotiation & influencing: The ability to influence others to take appropriate action, and being able to discuss and reach a mutually satisfactory agreement;
3. Interpersonal skills: The ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of self and others; to be able to build rapport, relationships and network with others;
4. Managing Uncertainty, Ambiguity and Risk: The ability to make decisions dealing with uncertainty, ambiguity and risk.
Indicative content for this module includes:
- Introduction to organizational decision making, judgements, forecasts and probabilities;
- System thinking, prospect theory, heuristics and biases and ways of improving judgements;
- Decision framing and structured decision-making tools;
- Operational Engineering Decision Making in the context of quality, cost and speed and the balancing of opportunities and risks;
- Data Driven Decision Making and the use of Technology in Decision making;
- Group decision making and Negotiations.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion forum | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| WEBINAR | 1 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| WEBINAR | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 42 | ||
| Private study hours | 89.5 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 18.5 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback). Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.
Two formative activities (first in Week 1 second in Week 4-6) give students the opportunity to receive feedback on their planned report.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Written Report | 80 |
| Reflective log | Reflective Statement | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team