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Effective Decision-Making
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:37
Abstract
How can we make effective decisions, whether in research or in a broader context—decisions that are both rational and satisfying? In this workshop, we will systematically examine the decision-making process, identify personal bottlenecks, explore common biases, and test practical tools for effective decision-making that integrate analytical skills with intuition.
Objective
After this workshop, participants will • Understand the main factors that contribute to effective decision-making. • Reflect on their own decision-making processes. • Increase awareness of their intuition to better align analytical thinking and gut feeling, while recognizing potential pitfalls when relying on intuition (Kahneman, 2013). • Apply practical decision-making tools, including the decision matrix, affect balance (Storch, 2013), and microtheses (Berg & de Jong, 2013). • Expand their professional interdisciplinary network.
Content
Self-reflection tools and practices Decision-making drivers tests Personal and professional values and goals Intuition and supporting scientific evidence Decision-making process Biases in decision-making Key decision-making tools and strategies “Marketplace” final session for sharing insights and tools
Resources
Lecture Notes
PowerPoint slides and lecture materials will be provided shortly before and after the course.
Literature
Berg, I.K., de Jong, P., 2002. Interviewing for Solutions, 2nd ed. Brooks/Cole, Pacific Groove, CA. De Jong, P. und Berg, I. K.. 2002. Lösungen (er-)finden. Das Werkstattbuch der lösungsorientierten Kurztherapie. Band 17. Systemische Studien. Verlag modernes lernen – Dortmund. (in German) Gallrein et al. 2013. You spy with your little eye: People are “blind” to some of the ways in which they are consensually seen by others. Journal of Research in Personality. Vol 47. Issue 5. 464-471. Luft, J. and Ingham, H., 1955. The Johari window, a graphic model of interpersonal awareness. Proceedings of the western training laboratory in group development. Los Angeles: University of California, Los Angeles. Saxena, P. 2015. JOHARI WINDOW: An Effective Model for Improving Interpersonal Communication and Managerial Effectiveness. SIT Journal of Management. Vol. 5. No. 2. Pp. 134-146 Schmid, B. 2016. Das Drei-Welten-Modell der Persönlichkeit. Available online at: https://www.isb-w.eu/campus/de/schrift/Das-Drei-Welten-Modell-1994SI0015D Storch, M. and Krause, F. 2018. Zurich Resource Model. Homepage: https://zrm.ch/
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 25
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Effective Decision-Making
22.10. and 29.10., 14:00-18:00
|
No time listed | 1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Doctorate Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (Further information at: )
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Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Architecture (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Biology (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Biosystems Science and Engineering (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Computer Science (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Management, Technology, and Economics (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Mechanical and Process Engineering (More Information at: )
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Transferable Skills (During the doctoral studies, at least 1 CP ECTS must be acquired in the field of ethics / good scientific practice. See also )
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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Doctorate Physics (More Information at: )
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Doctorate Health Sciences and Technology (More Information at: )