Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description Successful leaders need to be able to interpret and make sense of discreet and seemingly unrelated data and events. The objective of this model is to develop strategic thinking skills in students in order to (a) recognise interdependencies, inter-relationships and patterns, and (b) make consequential decisions using both analysis and intuition, in highly dynamic environments, across different time frames, and different perspectives, both individual and organisational. The module will provide students with skills, concepts, frameworks, and tools that are useful for developing a strategic mindset including framing and reframing, critical reflection, and systems thinking. A particular emphasis will be placed on forecast and foresight methodologies. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Synthesise theory and practice to assess the efficacy of different cognitive skills and techniques for making situations more clearer and understandable, developing theories of practice to guide individual and organisational actions, and supporting more holistic thinking. 2. Understand and recognise the systematic biases that affect judgment and decision making and develop skills to counteract the negative impact of bias. 3. Apply and critically reflect on the use of different cognitive skills and techniques for decision making. 4. Synthesise theory and practice to assess the efficacy of different forecasting, foresight and scenario planning techniques for different time horizons. 5. Understand and communicate how organisations with a future orientation are better prepared to capitalise on the potential of the future and reduce the risks and threats that they may present. 6. Critically evaluate, and defend coherent and persuasive arguments for the adoption of a particular forecasting technique to analyse risk associated with managerial decisions. 7. Apply a particular forecasting technique to analyse risk associated with managerial decisions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
The Strategic Mindset Framing and Reframing, Critical Reflection, Systems Thinking Mental Tools for Error Detection and Correction Mental Models and Schemas, Critical Thinking, Pattern Recognition, Reframing, Systems Thinking Cognitive Skills Chunking, Cognitive Reduction, Cognitive Heuristics, Cognitive Maps/Schemas, Mental Imagery, Creative Thinking Negotiation Rational decision making in negotiations, Decision-Analytic Approach to Negotiations, Claiming and Creating Value in Negotiations, Avoiding Cognitive Mistakes in Negotiations The Scoping Process Scoping Process, Elements, and Procedure Horizon Scanning and Trends Key concepts, methods and techniques, scenario planning, relating scenario planning and strategies, Forecast and Foresight Methods Brainstorming, Expert and Stakeholder Panels, Delphi Method, Critical Technologies Method, Technology Roadmapping | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||