Critical Thinking &
Managerial Decision Making
Managerial Decision Making
This course is designed to develop the capacity for rigorous analytical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic reasoning. It integrates systematic skills in logical reasoning and argument analysis with risk assessment and stakeholder management. Students will engage with authentic managerial scenarios from business and public institutions to solve complex, real-world challenges.
Credits: 5 ECTS.
Duration: 12 Weeks (Intensive).
Language: 100% English.
Certification: Official University Certificate with QR-Verification.
Credits: 5 ECTS.
Duration: 12 Weeks (Intensive).
Language: 100% English.
Certification: Official University Certificate with QR-Verification.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
-
Identify Fallacies:Recognize logical fallacies and manipulative arguments in organizational contexts. - Apply Models:Use rational and behavioral decision-making models in real-world situations.
- Correct Biases:Recognize and mitigate the influence of cognitive biases on individual and group decisions.
- Use Strategic Tools:Apply SWOT, PESTLE, stakeholder mapping, and decision trees.
- Solve Complex Problems:Use mental models like systems thinking, first principles, and inversion.
- Communicate Decisions:Draft professional memos and deliver persuasive arguments to stakeholders.
Credits: 5 ECTS.
Duration: 12 Weeks (Intensive).
Language: 100% English.
Certification: Official University Certificate with QR-Verification.
Duration: 12 Weeks (Intensive).
Language: 100% English.
Certification: Official University Certificate with QR-Verification.
Course Modules
- Module I: Foundations of Critical Thinking & Decision Making.
- Core principles of critical thinking and argument analysis.
- Identification of cognitive biases and use of mental models.
- Module II: Applied Analysis, Strategy & Communication.
- Strategic analytical tools and risk analysis.
- Strategic planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis.
- Professional communication of managerial decisions.
Ihor Koziura
Lecturers and course developers
Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Public Administration, Full Professor at the Department of Management. Has been working at Poltava University of Economics and Trade since 2014. Expert in Public Administration, Local Government, and Administrative Management
This course is designed to develop the capacity for rigorous analytical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic reasoning — competencies essential for effective management across business, corporate, and public sector contexts.
The curriculum integrates systematic skills in logical reasoning and argument analysis with risk assessment, stakeholder management, and strategic communication. Students will engage with authentic managerial scenarios from
business organizations and public institutions, applying recognized analytical frameworks to solve complex, real-world management challenges.
By the end of this course, students will be equipped to navigate ambiguity and lead with clarity in diverse professional environments.
The curriculum integrates systematic skills in logical reasoning and argument analysis with risk assessment, stakeholder management, and strategic communication. Students will engage with authentic managerial scenarios from
business organizations and public institutions, applying recognized analytical frameworks to solve complex, real-world management challenges.
By the end of this course, students will be equipped to navigate ambiguity and lead with clarity in diverse professional environments.
The aim of the course is to develop professional competencies in critical thinking and managerial decision making; to train students in methods of logical analysis, identification of cognitive biases, and evidence evaluation; to introduce them to rational and behavioural decision-making models; to develop strategic communication skills; and to provide a practical foundation for evidence-based management across business organisations and public sector institutions.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- identify logical fallacies and manipulative arguments in business, organisational, and public management contexts;
- apply rational and behavioural decision-making models to real-world management situations;
- recognise and correct the influence of cognitive biases on individual and organisational decisions;
- use strategic analytical tools (SWOT, PESTLE, stakeholder mapping, decision trees) in business and institutional analysis;
- develop evidence-based strategies and action plans for complex managerial challenges in both private and public sector settings;
- communicate managerial decisions clearly through structured reports, presentations, and professional memos;
- apply mental models (systems thinking, first principles, inversion) to decompose and solve complex problems.
22 hours
Lectures
50 hours
Laboratory or Practical Classes
2 hours
Final project
Teaching & Assessment
Teaching Methods
Socratic questioning, interactive seminar discussions, multimedia lectures, group simulations, and case studies from private and public sectors.
Assessment
Evaluation of practical assignments, interim testing after each module, and a decision memo with a presentation.
Final Project
An evidence-based managerial decision analysis report addressing a real-world organizational problem.
Socratic questioning, interactive seminar discussions, multimedia lectures, group simulations, and case studies from private and public sectors.
Assessment
Evaluation of practical assignments, interim testing after each module, and a decision memo with a presentation.
Final Project
An evidence-based managerial decision analysis report addressing a real-world organizational problem.
