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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Jul 29, 2002 by Business Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
This website provides thoughts and comments on aspects of decision-making. It
also presents links to related topics and lists of additional suggested
readings. Although some prescriptions regarding decision making are provided,
there is also a great dealof philosophical content in the module.
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| Learning Goals: |
To make efficient, effective decisions.To eliminate the fear of making wrong
decisions and overcome decidophobia.To advance to the decision-making stage with
sound knowledge on which to base one's choice by processes of management
science (dissecting the components of the decision into workable elements).
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| Target Student Population: |
Although the target student population is not clearly stated, the module may be
appropriate for executive level self-exploration
seminar on "life reflections." The module is oriented more towards a graduate
level audience.
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
This module would be appropriate for advanced students with a prior foundation
in and extensive experience with decision-making challenges. As the module
focuses on "musings about", rather than content about decision-making at an
abstract level, it requires the student to have mastered any decision-making
content previously. As there are no guidelines or suggestions for use and
application of the material, the student is required to figure out the use and
application of this material for him/herself. Certainly,
students would need
good reading and critical thinking skills.
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| Type of Material: |
Resource
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| Recommended Uses: |
This module would be best used as an assignment prior to an executive retreat or
session on Life Reflections, or Thoughts on Decision-Making, as a statement to
hopefully stimulate discussion.
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| Technical Requirements: |
Basic browser
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| Strengths: |
This site effectively demonstrates the author's extensive knowledge about, and
genuine interest in, aspects of decision-making as related to "life" issues. It
contains many quotes and sayings that are old favorites of true intellectuals.
The site is primarily a collection of useful tips and reminders. The "Further
Readings" section is useful.
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| Concerns: |
The site contains very little "usable" content from a student standpoint. There
are essentially no questions, activities, or concepts that effectively cover
the decision-making content. In addition, the purpose and goal of much of the
material is not stated, or otherwise communicated - making it confusing and
irrelevant. Furthermore, there are almost no recent examples or references- the
material relies on extremely old references, which would be unknown by most
students today. Finally, since the module provides commentary, rather than
content, a student might read through these reflections, think they know
something about decision-making, but then have no idea how to actually "act" in
a decision-making situation. An abstract would also be helpful at the beginning
of the module to help orient the reader to the nature of the material. The
material is really more "food for thought" than statements as fact, because the
author makes many wide-sweeping generalizations. Although portions of the text
are provocative, the material is not well supported by scholarly sources.
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:   |
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| Strengths: |
The reading lists in this module include some interesting suggestions that might
serve as useful references.
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| Concerns: |
As is, the module contains little that is "ready to use," that is easily adapted
for use,
or that provides students with guidance on how to use the material.
The amount of information on the site could be overwhelming. In addition, the
sections are pieced together without any overall logic, flow, or progression.
More important, the author's personal commentary is presented as fact, rather
than opinion and subjective judgment- potentially misleading the student.In sum,
the module is more raw material--it needs to be broken down and developed to be
effectivelu used. Learning aids are needed to help direct students to what the
learning goals are.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
This module is easy to use. The material is laid out in text form presented
on web pages. It requires only simple scrolling and reading ability.
Additional links to references are complete and accurate.
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| Concerns: |
The content lacks a concise and clear format. The section headings are not
necessarily representative of the following content. Sections contain
overlapping/redundant content, which is distracting and confusing. It is mostly
text with little attempt at visual appeal.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
Overall, this module is interesting from the standpoint that it is primarily a
summary of the author's personal reflections on life and decision-making. To
those readers who are experts, or who have extensive experience, in this area,
it is an interesting commentary that might be appropriate as a "Tips to
Remember" provocative statement. However, no content on the actual
decision-making process is covered. Moreover, the content that is presented is
done so without context, rendering that content essentially useless. Many
aspects of content are presented with no explanation of what their purpose is,
how they relate to each other or the decision-making topic,
or what their
potential applications are.
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