C h a p t e r 8
Two-Day Program
- Overview of modules used for a two-day training session
- Description of the program, and the objectives and modules to be used
- Topics covered and time needed to present each module
The two-day workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the decision-making process and enables the learners to grasp and use all the key concepts of the process. These training modules are used for the two-day session:
Module 1—The Decision-Making Process: Anatomy of a Decision (Ch 9)
Module 2—The Creative Process: Developing Options (Ch 10)
Module 3—Barriers to Creativity (Ch 11)
Module 4—Overcoming Barriers to Creativity (Ch 12)
Module 5—Tools to Improve Creativity (Ch 13)
Module 6—The Analytic Process: Narrowing Down the Options (Ch 14)
Module 7—Using Everyday Statistics (Ch 15)
Module 8—Using Tools to Improve Analysis (Ch 16)
Module 9—The Human Aspect: Emotional and Irrational Factors (Ch 17)
Module 10—Implementing the Decision: Wrap-Up (Ch 18)
Overview of Modules Presented
Presented below is an overview of the modules for a two-day workshop, including the training objectives and a sample agenda with approximate times needed to complete each of the modules. Please refer to chapters 9 through 18 for a full description of the module contents, including a detailed facilitator’s guide for each module.
Module 1—The Decision-Making Process: Anatomy of a Decision (Ch 9)
Module 1 lays a foundation for all that follows it. It introduces the subject of decision making and breaks it into the process that will be used throughout the training workshop.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing module 1, the participants should be able to
- list and explain the steps by which a decision is made
- explain the benefits of a structured decision-making process
- determine the relative importance of a decision.
MODULE 1 TIME
- Approximately 2 hours
| Introduction, welcome, and housekeeping items | 15 minutes |
| Pretest and discussion | 15 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation | 30 minutes |
| Break | 10 minutes |
| Complete PowerPoint presentation | 10 minutes |
| Worksheet exercise and discussion | 30 minutes |
| Wrap-up, learning check, and preview | 10 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a pretest at the start, a learning check at the end, and administrative trivia associated with starting a training program (such as introductions, laying out the schedule and ground rules, and so on). A 10-minute break is included in modules of more than 90 minutes.
Module 2—The Creative Process: Developing Options (Ch 10)
Module 2 introduces the subjects of creativity and risk in decision making.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing module 2, the participants should be able to
- explain the importance of creativity in decision making
- clarify the goal of a decision
- develop or identify viable options from which to choose
- calculate the degree of risk related to a decision.
MODULE 2 TIME
- Approximately 1 hour
| Introduction, welcome, and review | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation | 30 minutes |
| Worksheet/exercise and discussion | 20 minutes |
| Wrap-up, learning check, and preview | 5 minutes |
Note: This includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end.
Module 3—Barriers to Creativity (Ch 11)
This module delves into the subject of barriers to creativity.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing module 3, the participants should be able to identify
- six kinds of barriers that may prevent effective decision making
- personal traits related to decision making
- factors to consider in group decision making.
MODULE 3 TIME
- Approximately 1 hour
| Introduction, welcome, and review of previous modules | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation | 25 minutes |
| Creativity barriers exercise | 15 minutes |
| Group discussions of barriers to creativity | 10 minutes |
| Wrap-up, learning check, and preview of next module | 5 minutes |
Note: This includes time for a quick review and a learning check at the end.
Module 4—Overcoming Barriers to Creativity (Ch 12)
Module 4 presents methods for overcoming the barriers to creativity identified in module 3. Module 4 is recommended for any session in which the training program lasts more than one day. It should always follow module 3.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing module 4, the participants should be able to
- explain four techniques for overcoming barriers to decision making
- develop a personal plan for reducing at least two common barriers.
MODULE 4 TIME
- Approximately 1 hour
| Introduction, welcome, and review of previous modules | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation | 30 minutes |
| Worksheet/exercise | 20 minutes |
| Wrap-up, learning check, and preview of next module | 5 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end.
Module 5—Tools to Improve Creativity (Ch 13)
This module describes several tools that can help improve creativity.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, the participants should be able to
- describe and use at least five tools that may help improve creativity
- apply the appropriate tools to a variety of situations requiring creativity.
MODULE 5 TIME
- Approximately 2 hours
| Introduction, welcome, and review of previous module | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and practice exercise | 50 minutes |
| Break | 10 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and practice exercise | 50 minutes |
| Wrap-up, learning check, and preview of next module | 5 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end. It includes time for both presentations by the trainer and exercises in applying new skills by participants. As with all units of more than 90 minutes, a 10-minute break is included.
Module 6—The Analytic Process: Narrowing Down the Options (Ch 14)
Module 6 covers the subject of gathering information to help make an effective decision.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing module 6, the participants should be able to
- identify significant sources of data for decision-making analysis
- determine the value of collecting additional information
- explain and use Pareto analysis.
MODULE 6 TIME
- Approximately 1 hour
| Review and introduction of the analytic process | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and discussion | 30 minutes |
| Worksheet/exercise | 20 minutes |
| Wrap-up, measurement, and preview of next module | 5 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end.
Module 7—Using Everyday Statistics (Ch 15)
Module 7 covers basic concepts of statistics that are helpful in making decisions.
Warn the boss about this module: On the chance that top brass in your organization may visit the training room, you may want to assure them that the card and dice games being played by participants are relevant to the subject of using statistics to improve decision making.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, the participants should be able to
- define probability by using everyday examples
- use the concept of probability to explain simple gambling situations
- explain the process and uses of sampling data in decision making.
MODULE 7 TIME
- Approximately 1.5 hours
| Review and introduction of statistical concepts | 5 minutes |
| Exercise/games | 15 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and discussion* | 55 minutes |
| Practice exercise* | 10 minutes |
| Wrap-up, measurement, and preview | 5 minutes |
*You may either integrate the practice exercise and the lecture or save the practice time until after the PowerPoint presentation and discussion.
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end.
Module 8—Using Tools to Improve Analysis (Ch 16)
Module 8 covers the use of simple tools that may be helpful when making decisions.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing module 8, the participants should be able to
- describe at least five tools that may help improve analysis of information
- apply the appropriate tools to a variety of situations requiring analysis of information.
MODULE 8 TIME
- Approximately 2 hours
| Review and introduction of tools that improve analysis | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and discussion | 50 minutes |
| Break | 10 minutes |
| Complete PowerPoint presentation | 20 minutes |
| Practice/worksheets | 30 minutes |
| Wrap-up, measurement, and preview of next module | 5 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end. As for all modules of more than 90 minutes, this schedule includes a 10-minute break.
Module 9—The Human Aspect: Emotional and Irrational Factors (Ch 17)
Module 9 covers the human aspects that frequently arise in making decisions.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, the participants should be able to
- discuss the merits of group versus individual decision-making processes
- list at least two differences between expert and layperson decision-making requirements
- describe the influence of framing on the decision-making process
- describe the influence of technology on the decision-making process.
MODULE 9 TIME
- Approximately 1.5 hours
| Review and introduction of human aspects of decision making | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and discussion | 60 minutes |
| Worksheet/exercise | 20 minutes |
| Wrap-up, measurement, and preview of next module | 5 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end.
Module 10—Implementing the Decision: Wrap-Up (Ch 18)
Module 10 describes a process for developing a proposal to elicit agreement to implement a decision. It should be used in all two-day programs. Module 10 also includes the end-of-program review and a posttest covering the material.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing this module, the participants should be able to
- list the important factors to consider in planning to implement a decision
- develop a plan for implementing a decision.
MODULE 10 TIME
- Approximately 2 hours
| Review and introduction of tools for implementing a decision | 5 minutes |
| PowerPoint presentation and discussion | 40 minutes |
| Break | 10 minutes |
| Evaluation Instrument | 35 minutes |
| Posttest, discussion, and wrap-up | 30 minutes |
Note: This schedule includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end. As with all modules of more than 90 minutes, a 10-minute break is included. Because this is the final module, it includes time for a posttest and program evaluation (Evaluation Instrument 5–2).
What to Do Next
- Review the contents of chapters 9 through 18, as appropriate, and decide which (if any) of the suggested elements you do not need to include. You may choose to rearrange, edit, or combine the material to best meet your organization’s specific training needs. For example, you should exclude topics that your participants already understand at a high-enough level.
- Decide whether there is any other content relevant to your organization that you wish to add. You may want to include additional information in your presentations, in the worksheets, or in the visuals that tailor the content to your organization, industry, or a specific group’s requirements.
- Go to the website www.astd.org/decisionmakingtraining and download the PowerPoint slides, worksheets, and any other materials you will need.
- Modify the PowerPoint slides by adding background, company logo, or other enhancements, such as different transitions, sound, and so forth, to match your presentation requirements.