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Introduction

This module focuses on decision-making and leadership both in the context of research and onwards career planning. The two-day intensive programme aims to raise awareness of decision-making methodologies, many of which are already implicitly practised and encourages participants to apply analytical techniques to their own experiences. This module also introduces leadership terminology and in follow-up activities encourages participants to think about their own personal leadership capabilities and their development. Career planning, including CVs, preparation for job interviews and assessment centres provide the real life contextual framework which concludes the course.

Decision-making.

• Functions of decision-making; implicitness of choice and action; freedom of choice; types of decision; analytical, irrational and chance factors in decision-making.
• Consideration of possible outcomes in reaching desired goals. Factors driving the making (and avoiding) of decisions. The role of risk in decision-making: SWOT analysis.
• Building exercise to experience group decision-making: pros and cons of group decision-making; effects of personal dynamics. Aids to decision-making.
• Generation of decision-making log for decisions made by student and by others: analysis of factors considered in making decisions and their success or otherwise.

Influencing the outcomes of group decision-making – Leadership.

• Spheres of influence; influencing others. Motives; types of behaviour, successful and otherwise; consequences and characteristics of behaviour.
• Different styles of leadership: determination of own leadership style.
• Inter-relationship of decision-making process and leadership: leadership during decision-making; leadership to implement decisions.
• Keeping of leadership log, to include examples and analysis of leadership in the student’s research environment and elsewhere.

Careers.

• CV writing and personal "branding". Preparation for interview and assessment centres.

Draft programme Link opens in a new window

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Discuss various decision-making methodologies and use them in the analysis of individual and group decisions.
• Apply methodologies, such as SWOT in strategic decision making and in career planning context.
• Discuss factors influencing decision-making processes for an individual and for a group.
• Identify and discuss own leadership preferences/styles
• Have increased awareness of recruitment processes.
• Apply decision making and leadership methodologies to career related activities, such as interviews and assessments centres.

Any queries regarding this module, please contact Transferable.skills@warwick.ac.uk