Overview
This unit introduces the principles and practices of critical thinking and effective decision-making in contemporary business and organisational contexts. You will explore how reasoning, reflection, and evidence-based analysis underpin sound managerial judgment and problem-solving. The unit develops your ability to construct and evaluate arguments, apply decision-making frameworks, and critically assess the influence of cognitive biases and rational thinking on decision quality. You will examine the integration of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven insights in managerial decision making, and assess both the opportunities and limitations of these technologies. The unit also foregrounds ethical reasoning, cultural awareness, and Indigenous perspectives on decision making, encouraging inclusive and values-based approaches to complex business problems. By engaging in individual and group activities, you will strengthen your skills in analytical reasoning, persuasive communication, and collaborative problem solving. You will also reflect on emerging trends shaping the future of decision making, including cognitive computing and human–AI collaboration, to prepare for leadership in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2027
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Academic Progression Policy and Procedure
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit coordinator's observation
Students prefer a prescribe text.
It is difficult to find a textbook that covers the topics of this unit. A compilation of articles and some book chapters could be prepared as readings. This could be delivered through the CQU bookshop.
Feedback from SUTE
Students valued case study based learning and practical knowledge enhancement through workshop activities.
Continue incorporating practical activities including the application of diagnostic tools and decision-making frameworks.
Feedback from SUTE
Students liked constructive assessment feedback as it helped them understand their limitations in critical thinking and the competencies they are required to gain.
Continue strengthening assessment feedback. Provide clear and constructive and actional strategy to support students. Revise the marking criteria and marking rubric.