Strategic Decision Making with Data
Make strategic decisions with greater clarity when information is incomplete and outcomes are uncertain. This course helps managers and leaders use available evidence to assess options, examine assumptions, and consider business risks and trade-offs. Through a business simulation and facilitated group discussion, participants practice making decisions under uncertainty and reflecting on their reasoning. They then develop a Strategic Decision Matrix and an Action Plan for a real challenge within their team or organization.
Course at a Glance
| Description | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day — 6 hours. |
| Format | Classroom workshop. |
| Learning Approach | Business simulation and facilitated group debrief. |
| Prerequisites | Supervisory or management-level responsibilities. |
| Course Output | A Strategic Decision Matrix and an Action Plan for a real business challenge. |
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Apply a structured framework for making decisions under uncertainty.
- Examine available evidence and identify assumptions and information gaps.
- Build a Strategic Decision Matrix to compare options against relevant criteria.
- Discuss risks and trade-offs when making strategic choices.
- Translate a selected decision into an Action Plan for workplace application.Â
Course Outline
Module 1: Decision Making Under Uncertainty
Explore a framework for strategic decisions when information is incomplete. Discuss how evidence, assumptions, and uncertainty influence the choices available to managers and leaders.
Module 2: Build a Strategic Decision Matrix
Learn how to structure a Decision Matrix around a business objective. Define relevant criteria, compare alternatives, and make the reasoning behind a recommendation clear.
Module 3: Business Simulation
Work through a simulated business situation involving incomplete information. Discuss options as a group, assess their implications, and make a decision using the available evidence.
Module 4: Group Debrief & Action Planning
Reflect on the simulation through a facilitated discussion. Apply the learning to a real departmental challenge and develop a Strategic Decision Matrix with an Action Plan.
Who Should Attend
Supervisors, managers, department heads, and business leaders responsible for evaluating options and making decisions that affect team or organizational performance. The course is particularly relevant to those facing complex business questions, competing priorities, or incomplete information.