Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit focuses on enhancing students' understanding of problem solving and decision making processes in management practice, from a critical perspective on managerial thinking and action as an art of practical wisdom and sound judgment.
Through interactive group work, role play, case studies and situational exercises, students will apply analytical reasoning and adaptive-creative methods of decision making to successfully manage organisational problems. Specific tools and techniques will be used to illustrate the complexity of managers' roles in defining problems; generating, evaluating and implementing solutions; balancing rationality and intuition; and making group decisions.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. interpret organisational phenomena effectively, in order to define problems and identify decision-making situations
2. analyse patterns and relationships in problem solving and decision making processes
3. identify and evaluate problem contexts, explanations and alternative solutions
4. recognise and avoid errors in reasoning and decision-making
5. identify implicit assumptions, constraints and biases in problem solving and decision making, and develop strategies to effectively communicate these to stakeholders.

Assessment

Within Semester Assessment: 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Cristina Neesham

Contact hours

36 contact-hours per semester.

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in one of the following courses: 0105, 0319, 2099, 2778, 1065, 3801, 1506, 2643, 2642, 0200, 0201, 0028 or 1822 or seek Chief Examiner's approval before undertaking this unit.