C h a p t e r   7

Full-Day Program

• Overview of modules used for a full-day training session
• Description of the program, objectives, and modules used in a full-day program
• Topics covered and the time needed to present the modules

 

 

The full-day (or one-day) program employs an optimum combination of information that hits the high points of the decision-making process. To provide variety in a solid day of training, the full-day program includes many opportunities for participants to play an active role in the program and provides chances to move away from inductive (lecture only) training.

The full-day workshop provides an overview of the decision-making process and will enable the learners to grasp and use some of the key concepts of the process. These training modules are used for the full-day training session:

Module 1—The Decision-Making Process: Anatomy of a Decision (Ch 9)

Module 2—The Creative Process: Developing Options (Ch 10)

Module 5—Tools to Improve Creativity (Ch 13)

Module 6—The Analytic Process: Narrowing Down the Options (Ch 14)

Module 8—Using Tools to Improve Analysis (Ch 16)

Module 9—The Human Aspect: Emotional and Irrational Factors (Ch 17)

Overview of Modules to Be Presented

Presented below is an overview of the suggested modules for a full-day workshop, including the training objectives and a sample agenda with the approximate time needed to complete each module. Please refer to chapters 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 17 for the module contents and a detailed facilitator’s guide for each module.

How to Present the Modules

In a full-day program, present the modules as follows:

• Managers and supervisors—Begin with module 1 and then go to modules 2, 6, 8, and 9. If your participants are familiar with decision-making analysis, skip module 8 and go to module 9.
• General audience or technicians—Begin with module 1, followed by modules 2, 5, 6, and 8.

Module 1—The Decision-Making Process: Anatomy of a Decision (Ch 9)

This is the first module in the training program and lays a foundation for all that follows. It introduces the subject of decision making and breaks it down into the process that will be used throughout the program.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, 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 and discussion	30 minutes
Break	10 minutes
Finish PowerPoint presentation	10 minutes
Worksheet/exercise and discussion	30 minutes
Wrap-up, learning check, and preview	10 minutes

Note: This includes time for a pretest at the start, a learning check at the end, and the typical administrative trivia associated with starting a training program (such as introductions, laying out the schedule and ground rules, and so on). A break is included in modules of more than 90 minutes.

Module 2—The Creative Process: Developing Options (Ch 10)

This module introduces the subjects of creativity and risk in decision making.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, the participants should be able to

• explain the importance of creativity in decision making
• clarify the goals 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 5—Tools to Improve Creativity (Ch 13)

Module 5 describes tools that can improve creativity.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, the participants should be able to

• describe and use at least five simple 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	5 minutes
Mixed PowerPoint and exercises	50 minutes
Break	10 minutes
Mixed PowerPoint and practice	50 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. It also includes a constant back and forth from presentation of skills to application of skills. As with all modules 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 methods for gathering information to help make an effective decision.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, 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 the concept of 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	5 minutes

Note: This 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 tools that are helpful when making decisions.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, 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 to tools for analyzing information	5 minutes
PowerPoint presentation and discussion	50 minutes
Break	10 minutes
Continue PowerPoint presentation	20 minutes
Practice/worksheets	30 minutes
Wrap-up, measurement, and preview	5 minutes

Note: This includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end. As do all modules of more than 90 minutes, the schedule includes time for a 10-minute break.

Module 9—The Human Aspect: Emotional and Irrational Factors (Ch 17)

Module 9 covers the human aspects of making decisions.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module, the participants should be able to

• discuss the merits of group decision making versus individual decision making
• list at least two differences between expert and layperson decision-making
• 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 to the human aspects of decision making	5 minutes
PowerPoint presentation and discussion	60 minutes
Worksheet/exercise	20 minutes
Wrap-up and measurement	5 minutes

Note: This includes time for a quick review at the start and a learning check at the end.

What to Do Next

 

• Review the contents of chapters 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, and 17 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.