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    • Decision Making

    Decision Making Courses Online

    Explore decision-making techniques for personal and professional growth. Learn to make informed and strategic decisions using data and analysis.

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    Explore the Decision Making Course Catalog

    • U

      University of California San Diego

      Internet of Things Capstone V2: Build a Mobile Surveillance System

      Skills you'll gain: Software Design, Software Design Documents, System Design and Implementation, Internet Of Things, Technical Documentation, Technical Communication, Mobile Development, Test Case, System Testing, Software Development, Wireless Networks, Embedded Systems, Systems Integration

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      13 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      J

      Johns Hopkins University

      Foundational Mathematics for AI

      Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Linear Algebra, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Bayesian Statistics, Statistics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Probability, Regression Analysis, Calculus, Statistical Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Integral Calculus, Algebra, Machine Learning Algorithms, Dimensionality Reduction, Correlation Analysis

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • B

      Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo

      Análisis de riesgos de desastres y cambio climático

      Skills you'll gain: Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Risk Modeling, Project Risk Management, Governance, Failure Analysis, Feasibility Studies, Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, Analysis, Performance Metric, Vulnerability Assessments, Civil Engineering, Investment Management, Decision Making, Cost Benefit Analysis, Prioritization, Project Management, Economic Development, Quantitative Research

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27 reviews

      Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Risks to Crop Production in Agriculture

      Skills you'll gain: Land Management, Legal Risk, Water Resources, Financial Analysis, Decision Making, Environmental Resource Management, Risk Management, Business Risk Management, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Lease Contracts, Cash Flows, Production Management

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      English for Effective Business Communications

      Skills you'll gain: English Language, Marketing, Business, Vocabulary, Telecommuting, Human Resources, People Management, Office Management, Leadership and Management, Human Resources Management and Planning, Marketing Management, Business Communication, Recruitment, Business Writing, Grammar, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      112 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      Universidad de los Andes

      Recuperación de proyectos en crisis

      Skills you'll gain: Project Risk Management, Crisis Management, Project Controls, Earned Value Management, Problem Management, Project Documentation, Project Performance, Project Management, Project Coordination, Project Planning, Process Improvement, Stakeholder Management, Decision Making

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      59 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Technical Managerial Written Skills

      Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Business Writing, Grammar, Technical Writing, Writing, Business Correspondence, Editing, Concision, Persuasive Communication, Target Audience, Communication, Leadership

      Build toward a degree

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      21 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • C

      Coursera Project Network

      Fundamentals of Database Systems

      Skills you'll gain: Information Systems, Database Software, Database Systems, Database Design, Information Management, Databases, Relational Databases, Database Management, Data Management

      4.2
      Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27 reviews

      Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • N

      Northeastern University

      Mastering Negotiation Skills & Strategies

      Skills you'll gain: Negotiation, Conflict Management, Behavioral Economics, Decision Making, Relationship Building, Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Active Listening

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • E

      ESADE Business and Law School

      La gestión en la empresa familiar

      Skills you'll gain: Business Management, Organizational Structure, Governance, Business Risk Management, Systems Thinking, Business Administration, Relationship Management, Succession Planning, Human Resource Strategy, Leadership, Decision Making, Communication

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      147 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • P

      Politecnico di Milano

      Project Management: Control using the Earned Value and Risk

      Skills you'll gain: Project Controls, Project Risk Management, Project Closure, Earned Value Management, Cost Management, Cost Control, Project Management, Risk Mitigation, Risk Analysis, Business Management, Performance Metric, Forecasting

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      93 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: New
      New
      U

      University of Maryland, College Park

      Advanced Digital Marketing

      Skills you'll gain: Customer Retention, Customer Analysis, Marketing Budgets, Loyalty Programs, Customer Acquisition Management, Competitive Analysis, Customer Insights, Customer Relationship Management, Brand Loyalty, Marketing Channel, Online Advertising, Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Social Media Campaigns, Digital Advertising, Business-To-Consumer, Data-Driven Decision-Making, AI Personalization, Marketing Strategies, Customer Engagement

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      11 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular decision making courses

    • Internet of Things Capstone V2: Build a Mobile Surveillance System: University of California San Diego
    • Foundational Mathematics for AI: Johns Hopkins University
    • Análisis de riesgos de desastres y cambio climático: Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
    • Risks to Crop Production in Agriculture: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • English for Effective Business Communications: University of California, Irvine
    • Recuperación de proyectos en crisis: Universidad de los Andes
    • Technical Managerial Written Skills: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Fundamentals of Database Systems: Coursera Project Network
    • Mastering Negotiation Skills & Strategies: Northeastern University
    • La gestión en la empresa familiar: ESADE Business and Law School

    Skills you can learn in Business Essentials

    Analytics (37)
    Presentation (33)
    Modeling (29)
    Business Analytics (27)
    Language (26)
    Microsoft Excel (26)
    Writing (26)
    Speech (18)
    Plan (17)
    Business Communication (16)
    Decision-making (16)
    Leadership (15)

    Frequently Asked Questions about Decision Making

    Decision-making skills are the ability to evaluate several courses of action and choose which to take. This is an important life skill as well as a business leadership skill, since effective problem-solving requires deciding on a solution. However, making smart business decisions isn’t just about being decisive in an abstract sense.

    Effective decision-making is a skill that requires a combination of critical thinking and data analysis. In a business context, a familiarity with tools of financial analysis is especially important for decision-making, although the financial bottom line isn’t always the only factor to be considered in a careful cost-benefit analysis. For example, a growing number of companies consider corporate social responsibility principles and a “triple bottom line” approach that also looks at social and environmental costs and benefits.

    Beyond cost-benefit analyses, there are approaches informed by psychology that are used to make decisions as well as describe decision-making in the real world. Decision theory uses tools similar to game theory to analyze how decisions are affected by uncertainty, different timing between decisions and impacts, social and competitive situations, and other factors. And behavioral economics helps to understand how cognitive bias can influence decision-making, as in the case of the sunk cost fallacy which results in economically irrational decisions based on previous investments.‎

    Decision-making skills are essential for leadership positions in every field, whether chief executive officers (CEOs) of corporations, executive directors of non-profit advocacy groups, or government roles such as mayors and governors. These leaders are responsible for setting organizational goals and policies and, ultimately, making decisions on how to achieve them.

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives earn a median pay of $104,690 per year, including a median pay of $184,460 for CEOs. This high level of compensation is a testament to the importance of savvy decision-making skills, which are in high demand in organizations of all kinds.‎

    Absolutely. Coursera lets you learn about decision-making and related topics like problem-solving, psychology, and leadership from top-ranked schools like the University of California, Irvine, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania. And although you’ll be learning remotely, you’ll get the same course materials as on-campus students as well as opportunities to discuss these important topics in leadership with expert faculty as well as your fellow students.‎

    Everyone can benefit from learning about decision making, both in their personal and professional lives, so you may not need any previous experience or skills to study the concept. However, any type of work experience may help prepare you for your studies. Once you've worked in a field, you'll better understand why decision-making skills are important and how you can use them to advance your career or even get a new job in your field.‎

    A person who is a leader and good communicator is best suited to work in roles that involve strong decision-making skills. As a matter of fact, learning how to be a good decision maker can lead to supervisory and management positions in your field. You should also be an active listener and someone who can easily convey to other people what your thoughts and ideas are. People who are strong decision makers tend to be good analyzers, troubleshooters, problem solvers, and critical thinkers. This helps them gather the evidence they need to make a choice. Other skills needed for roles that require good decision-making skills are time management, logic, reasoning, and intuition. You'll also need to have good interpersonal skills, as well as be a good collaborator who doesn't shy away from teamwork.‎

    Decision-making studies or skills look good on any resume, so if you're looking for a new career or starting a career, learning about it may be right for you. It can also be helpful if you're looking to be promoted into a managerial position at work. Decision-making skills are very important for people in roles of leadership. If you currently work in a managerial position or any position in any field and find that you're having trouble making sound decisions at work, learning how to do so can improve your work performance. Learning it can also help you make better decisions in your personal life.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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