Decision Making and Business Analysis

Programme Summary

Sound business decisions require clear objectives, credible options and an honest treatment of uncertainty. This programme develops practical methods for comparing alternatives, testing assumptions and explaining recommendations. Participants analyse a business decision using weighted criteria, financial information and risk scenarios, then prepare a concise decision record that supports accountable approval and review as circumstances change.

Training Objectives

1 Improve framing of business decision requirements; 2 Develop transparent option comparison and appraisal; 3 Strengthen analysis of assumptions and uncertainty; 4 Support stakeholder involvement and decision governance; 5 Build clear recommendations and review triggers.

Learning Outcomes

1 Define decision objectives constraints and authority; 2 Develop criteria for comparing credible options; 3 Analyse costs benefits and key uncertainties; 4 Test how assumptions affect the recommendation; 5 Prepare a traceable decision and review record.

Target Audience

Business Analysts; Department Managers; Project Managers; Operations Managers; Business Planning Officers.

Target Industries

Manufacturing; Professional Services; Retail; Utilities; Healthcare Administration; Technology Services.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Decision Framing: Problem opportunity and intended outcomes; Constraints stakeholders and decision authority; Reversible decisions and commitment timing.
• Module 2 Option Development: Baseline do nothing and alternative options; Feasibility screening and minimum requirements; Avoiding false choices and premature narrowing.
• Module 3 Evaluation Criteria: Value risk capability and stakeholder needs; Weighting criteria and avoiding double counting; Transparent scoring and evidence standards.
• Module 4 Financial and Operational Analysis: Costs benefits and implementation resources; Cash timing and lifecycle implications; Nonfinancial impacts and operational constraints.
• Module 5 Uncertainty and Sensitivity: Assumptions ranges and scenario differences; Sensitivity to key decision variables; Information value and further investigation.
• Module 6 Bias and Challenge: Anchoring optimism and preference bias; Constructive challenge and independent perspectives; Documenting disagreement and remaining uncertainty.
• Module 7 Decision Governance: Recommendation approval and accountable ownership; Implementation conditions and review triggers; Monitoring outcomes against decision assumptions.
• Module 8 Option Appraisal Workshop: Comparing a supplied set of options; Testing a recommendation under changed assumptions; Preparing a concise decision paper.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack permitted; external internet and AI assistance prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Compare three business options, test a key assumption and prepare a recommendation with approval conditions, residual risks and review triggers.
• Assessment criteria: Transparency and consistency of option appraisal; Quality of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis; Clarity of recommendation and decision governance.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records assessed business option analysis and decision skills; it does not confer financial advisory authority or a professional analyst designation.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic business experience and spreadsheet arithmetic are recommended. No specialist financial modelling or business analysis qualification is required.Basic business experience and spreadsheet arithmetic are recommended. No specialist financial modelling or business analysis qualification is required.Basic business experience and spreadsheet arithmetic are recommended. No specialist financial modelling or business analysis qualification is required.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a decision brief and identify missing assumptions during a 25 minute preparation exercise.Review a decision brief and identify missing assumptions during a 25 minute preparation exercise.Review a decision brief and identify missing assumptions during a 25 minute preparation exercise.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.