About This Course
The Strategic Decision‑Maker course helps you move beyond ad‑hoc choices to deliberate, well‑structured decisions. You will learn how to frame problems, separate signal from noise, weigh trade‑offs and choose options that create long‑term value.
Using cases, exercises and tools, you will practise strategic thinking in realistic scenarios – from market entry and pricing to project prioritisation and resource allocation. By the end, you will have a repeatable approach to decision‑making that you can apply in any role or industry.
Syllabus Overview
Module 1
Strategic Thinking & Problem Structuring
- What Is “Strategic” Decision‑Making? – horizon, impact, uncertainty
- Strategic vs. Operational Decisions – where to spend your time
- Problem Framing – asking the right question, clarifying objectives
- MECE Thinking & Issue Trees – breaking down complex problems
- Tools: SWOT, 5 Whys, 2x2 Matrices, basic Strategy Canvases
- Exercise: Structuring a real business / team challenge
Module 2
Data‑Driven Decisions & Options
- Working with Data – hypotheses, assumptions & what to measure
- Basic Quantitative Tools – percentages, growth, contribution, break‑even
- Scenario Planning – best / base / worst‑case thinking
- Generating & Comparing Strategic Options
- Decision Criteria & Simple Scoring Models
- Exercise: Evaluate multiple options for a strategic initiative
Module 3
Execution, Stakeholders & Communicating Decisions
- From Decision to Action – prioritisation & road‑mapping basics
- Stakeholder Mapping – interests, influence & communication plans
- Presenting Recommendations – storylines, slides & executive summaries
- Managing Risk – identifying risks, mitigations & triggers
- Learning from Outcomes – post‑mortems & feedback loops
- Case Study: Presenting a strategic recommendation to leadership
*Cases and examples may be adapted to participants’ functional backgrounds (IT, operations, marketing, HR, etc.).
Practice
Case Exercises & Decision Playbook
- Short cases on pricing, project selection, vendor choice & hiring decisions
- Group work: framing, analysis & recommendation presentations
- Individual reflection: your decision‑making strengths & blind spots
- Creating your personal “Decision Playbook” for work
