Module: Critical Thinking for Business

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Critical Thinking for Business
Module Code	SB102 (ITS) / BAA1041 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinator	Brian Harney
Module Teachers	Brid Murphy, Claire Gubbins, Cliona Mcparland, Natasha McDowell, Orla Feeney
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

The objective of this module is to develop the critical thinking skills of our first year undergraduate students. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating and interpreting different types of information as well as supporting students in developing their critical reasoning and problem solving abilities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct reliable and effective library research, with a particular emphasis on electronic information sources, as well as use appropriate citing and referencing techniques.
2. Access and evaluate a wide range of information sources which can be used to inform the decision-making process.
3. Explore issues and make decisions using well researched facts, rules, concepts and ideas.
4. Recognise the broader international, economic, societal and environmental contexts in which business is being conducted and decisions are being made.
5. Understand and recognise bias in a decision-making or problem-solving scenario and develop skills to counteract its negative impact.
6. Think critically and logically when forming opinions and judgments.
7. Combine insights from a broad range of disciplines and understand the importance of the weight of evidence in a decision-making situation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	5	Large plenary sessions
Seminars	3	Small group interactive classes of between 30 and 35 students.
Fieldwork	6	No Description
Online activity	8	Online learning exercises and discussions
Independent Study	83	Class preparation and follow up
Assignment Completion	20	Individual assignment
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Library and research skills: how to search for evidence
In partnership with the library, deliver training and online exercises in library databases and resources. Teach students about the importance of supporting claims with appropriate sources and referencing.

Reviewing & Evaluating Evidence
Guide students in the skills required to identify and access information to support business decisions. Teach them what is meant by the term ‘evidence’ and help them to develop skills to evaluate and interpret different types of evidence.

Identifying Bias
Teach students how to recognise bias, to understand the impact of bias in how we evaluate evidence and how to overcome bias and make better and more effective decisions.

Critical Reflection and Writing
Support students in developing their critical reflection skills and improve their critical analysis capabilities. Work on their ability to convey the output of their critical thinking, primarily through developing their critical writing skills.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Loop Quiz	Library skills quiz	15%	n/a
Group assignment	As members of a sustainability development team in an Irish organisation, students will critically examine sustainability challenges pertinent to an organisation.	30%	n/a
Reflective journal	Short reflective questionnaire based on lectures	10%	n/a
Assignment	Pre assignment to facilitate workshop prep and post workshop assignment to utilise tools studied in workshop	15%	n/a
Assignment	Final cap-stone assignment incorporating all module components	30%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None