Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module BUSI41215: DECISION ANALYSIS FOR MANAGEMENT JUDGEMENT (DL)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI41215: DECISION ANALYSIS FOR MANAGEMENT JUDGEMENT (DL)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Not available in 2024/2025 Module Cap
Tied to N1D317
Tied to N1D217
Tied to N1D314

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To give students an in-depth understanding at an advanced level of the complexities of decision making, and how decisions can be improved by specialist techniques such as multi-attribute decision analysis. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating both the quality of management judgement and the assumptions underlying decision aiding techniques.

Content

  • Multiple Objective Decision-Making
  • Decisions Involving Multiple Objectives -1
  • Decisions Involving Multiple Objectives - 2
  • Simplifying SMART: SMARTER
  • The VISA Program
  • An Alternative MAVA Approach: Even Swaps
  • Framing of Decisions - 1
  • Framing of Decisions - 2

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will have:
  • a specialist knowledge of the pitfalls of individual decision making;
  • a critical appreciation of the assumptions, implications, and limitations of decision analysis techniques.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students will have:
  • advanced skills in, and a critical understanding of, the techniques of multi-attribute decision analysis.
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • The module is delivered in discrete Units. These are designed to enable the learning outcomes to be achieved through a combination of specially written material, directed reading, reflection through self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading. Module tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (by email, telephone, post or fax).
    • The written assignment will test students’ understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    D L Study Units (a combination of specially written material, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading) 150
    Total 150

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    1 Compulsory Tutor Assessed Assignment, (1,500 words).


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University