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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

    • Status: New
      New
      U

      University of Michigan

      Extraordinary Human Capital Management

      Skills you'll gain: Human Capital, Human Resource Strategy, Human Resources, Change Management, Talent Management, Labor Relations, HR Tech, Organizational Strategy, Crisis Management, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Talent Acquisition, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Workforce Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Team Management, Human Resources Management and Planning, Organizational Change, Cultural Sensitivity, Cultural Responsiveness

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      14 reviews

      Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: New
      New
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence

      Skills you'll gain: Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Data Ethics, Advanced Analytics, Business Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Robotic Process Automation, Data Infrastructure, Cloud Computing Architecture, Predictive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies, Cloud Computing, Internet Of Things, Computer Hardware

      Build toward a degree

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • A

      Arizona State University

      Semiconductor Packaging Manufacturing

      Skills you'll gain: Statistical Process Controls, Process Control, Quality Assurance, Semiconductors, Verification And Validation, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing Processes, Manufacturing Standards, Process Analysis, Product Testing, Thermal Management, Electronics Engineering, Electronics, Reliability

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      55 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Generative AI: Impact on Business and Society

      Skills you'll gain: Consumer Behaviour, Business Risk Management, Business Operations, Generative AI, Business Ethics, Social Studies, Global Marketing, Data Ethics, Environmental Issue, Public Safety and National Security, Governance, Cultural Diversity

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      31 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Project Network

      Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker

      Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Data Modeling, Mathematical Modeling, Biology, Systems Analysis, Environment

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      159 reviews

      Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    • U

      University of California, Davis

      Major and Principal Gifts

      Skills you'll gain: Proposal Writing, Fundraising, Prospecting and Qualification, Business Writing, Stakeholder Management, Negotiation, Stakeholder Engagement, Compliance Reporting, Relationship Building, Communication Strategies

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      27 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • 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

    • Status: New
      New
      Status: Free
      Free
      C

      Coursera Instructor Network

      Introduction to Generative AI in Healthcare

      Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Data Ethics, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Artificial Intelligence, Regulatory Compliance, Medical Science and Research, Health Technology, Healthcare Ethics, Health Informatics, Treatment Planning, Patient Evaluation, Medical Imaging, Natural Language Processing, Decision Support Systems, Information Privacy, Data Security

      4
      Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      21 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Intro to Analytic Thinking, Data Science, and Data Mining

      Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Data Mining, Data Science, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Big Data, Analytics, Business Intelligence, Descriptive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Literacy, Predictive Analytics, Data Processing, Small Data

      4.2
      Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
      ·
      149 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      United Cities and Local Governments of Africa

      Planning for Climate Change in African Cities

      Skills you'll gain: Environmental Policy, Environmental Issue, Community Development, Environmental Resource Management, Mitigation, Policy Analysis, Natural Resource Management, Decision Support Systems, Governance, Vulnerability, Socioeconomics, Economic Development

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      126 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of Maryland, College Park

      Developing the Opportunity for Corporate Entrepreneurs

      Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Market Opportunities, Corporate Strategy, New Business Development, Business Strategies, Value Propositions, Initiative and Leadership, Competitive Analysis, Market Analysis, Decision Making

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      92 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Irvine

      Study Skills for University Success

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Styles, Learning Strategies, Time Management, Verbal Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Active Listening, Literacy, Communication, Interpersonal Communications, Student Engagement, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Adaptability, Blended Learning

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      108 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

    • Extraordinary Human Capital Management: University of Michigan
    • Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Semiconductor Packaging Manufacturing : Arizona State University
    • Generative AI: Impact on Business and Society: University of Michigan
    • Building an Ecosystem model with Insight Maker: Coursera Project Network
    • Major and Principal Gifts: University of California, Davis
    • La gestión en la empresa familiar: ESADE Business and Law School
    • Introduction to Generative AI in Healthcare : Coursera Instructor Network
    • Intro to Analytic Thinking, Data Science, and Data Mining: University of California, Irvine
    • Planning for Climate Change in African Cities: United Cities and Local Governments of Africa

    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)
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    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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