Decision Making and Problem Solving

The Decision Making and Problem Solving course is designed to strengthen your ability to make effective, evidence-based, and ethical decisions in complex organisational environments. In today’s fast-changing business world, leaders are often required to make high-impact decisions with limited time, incomplete data, and conflicting stakeholder interests. This course equips you with the frameworks, tools, and insights to navigate these challenges with confidence, clarity, and critical thinking.

The course blends theoretical foundations of decision science with practical applications from leadership, management, and behavioural economics. You will explore how cognitive biases influence judgement, how to structure analytical and creative problem-solving processes, and how ethical and technological dimensions shape modern decision-making. Real-world scenarios and case-based learning will help you translate conceptual understanding into practical leadership competence.

Course Structure and Topics

Recorded Video Lectures:

1. Introduction to Decision Making in Leadership Understand the nature and importance of decision making in leadership roles. Explore how decisions shape strategy, performance, and organisational culture.
2. Rational and Bounded Rationality Models Examine classical models of decision making, including rational choice theory and Herbert Simon’s concept of bounded rationality. Understand how real-world constraints affect ideal decision processes.
3. Behavioural Economics and Cognitive Biases Learn how human psychology influences economic and managerial decisions. Explore key biases such as overconfidence, anchoring, confirmation bias, and loss aversion, and their implications for leaders.
4. Creative Problem Solving and Innovation Develop creative thinking skills to tackle complex problems. Learn structured techniques such as brainstorming, design thinking, and lateral thinking to foster innovation and alternative solutions.
5. Analytical Problem Solving Frameworks Apply systematic frameworks such as root cause analysis, the 5 Whys, SWOT, and decision trees. Understand how to integrate qualitative and quantitative data in decision processes.
6. Group and Team Decision Making Explore how teams make decisions collectively, and analyse phenomena like groupthink, polarisation, and social loafing. Learn facilitation techniques to improve collaboration and consensus.
7. Ethical Decision Making in Leadership Examine ethical dilemmas and frameworks such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Understand how values, integrity, and corporate responsibility influence choices.
8. Decision Making Under Pressure and in Crisis Analyse decision behaviour in high-stress situations such as emergencies, negotiations, and crises. Learn how to manage uncertainty, time pressure, and emotional responses effectively.
9. Technology, Data, and Decision Support Systems Study how big data, analytics, and AI-driven tools support decision making. Understand both the opportunities and the ethical challenges of data-driven leadership.
10. The Future of Decision Making and Problem Solving Explore emerging trends including algorithmic decision support, behavioural insights, and human–machine collaboration. Reflect on the evolving role of leaders in an AI-augmented world.

Additional Reading Materials:

1. Introduction to Decision Making and Problem Solving: Setting the stage for what you will learn throughout the course.
2. Understanding the Decision Making Process: A deep dive into the steps involved in making a decision.
3. Identifying and Defining Problems: Techniques to pinpoint issues that need resolution.
4. Gathering and Analyzing Information: How to collect relevant data and interpret it.
5. Generating Alternative Solutions: Exploring different avenues before making a decision.
6. Evaluating and Selecting the Best Solution: Criteria and methods for choosing the most effective solution.
7. Implementing the Chosen Solution: Steps to put your decision into action.
8. Monitoring and Evaluating the Outcome: How to assess the effectiveness of your decision.
9. The Role of Critical Thinking in Decision Making: Leveraging critical thinking skills in the decision-making process.
10. Decision Making Styles and Approaches: Understanding your style and how it impacts your decisions.
11. Group Decision Making and Consensus Building: Collaborative decision-making strategies.
12. Ethical Considerations in Decision Making: Making decisions that are morally and ethically sound.
13. Risk Management and Decision Making: How to assess and manage risks in decision-making.
14. Overcoming Decision Making Biases and Pitfalls: Identifying and avoiding common traps in decision-making.
15. Creativity and Innovation in Problem Solving: Using creativity to solve problems in novel ways.
16. Problem Solving Techniques and Tools: Practical tools to aid in problem-solving.
17. Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving: Getting to the heart of the problem.
18. Decision Making in High-pressure Situations: Making sound decisions when the stakes are high.
19. Decision Making in a Global Context: Navigating decision-making in a diverse, global environment.
20. Developing Decision Making and Problem Solving Skills: Continuous improvement and lifelong learning in decision-making and problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate theories and models of decision making within organisational contexts.
2. Apply problem-solving frameworks to analyse and resolve complex leadership challenges.
3. Recognise and mitigate the effects of cognitive biases and heuristics on decision quality.
4. Analyse decision processes in group, team, and organisational settings.
5. Develop reflective and ethical approaches to decision making as a leader in uncertain and dynamic environments.

Who Should Enrol

This course is ideal for:

• Managers, supervisors, and emerging leaders responsible for strategic or operational decision making.
• Project managers, consultants, and professionals seeking to improve analytical and creative thinking.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners facing uncertainty and complex problem environments.
• Students aspiring to leadership, management, or organisational development careers.

Course Format

• Delivery: Fully online and self-paced.
• Duration: Approximately 20 hours.
• Materials: Recorded vide lectures, reading materials, real-world case studies, applied exercises, and downloadable resources.
• Assessment: Online multiple-choice and scenario-based quiz.
• Certification: Upon completion, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion from the London School of Business Administration.

The Decision Making and Problem Solving course develops your capacity to think strategically, reason logically, and act decisively in uncertain conditions. By combining analytical rigour, creative insight, and ethical awareness, you will emerge as a more competent and confident leader—capable of solving complex problems, guiding teams through uncertainty, and driving informed, responsible decisions that create lasting organisational value.

We look forward to guiding you through this transformative learning experience!

Enrol now to embark on a journey that will significantly enhance your decision-making and problem-solving capabilities, thereby contributing to your professional growth and organizational success. Sample Lecture: