Home Training Advanced Decision Explorer® -F. Ackermann

Advanced Decision Explorer® Workshop

Contact us at info@banxia.com for details and booking form. See training index for dates. Click here to download a booking form (in PDF format).

This workshop will be tutored by Prof. Fran Ackermann, who is co-author of the books "Making Strategy: the journey of strategic management", "The Practice of Making Strategy" and "Visible Thinking". She will explore both the theory and practice of computer supported and paper-based application of an ideas mapping technique, known as "cognitive mapping".

Workshop description

This workshop will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of mapping (individual and group based use of mapping), the practical application of "oval mapping" and the use of the software, Decision Explorer®. Discussion and debate about the techniques used are encouraged.

The workshop will cover the following material:
• the theory and practice of a particular technique for structuring qualitative information (cognitive mapping).
• the use of oval mapping (paper based, structured brainstorming in a group, as a precursor to computer supported group working)
• hands-on session with Decision Explorer® - recapping on concept entry, editing, linking and display styles
• building, exploring and analysing models
• discussion of individual, group and facilitated applications of mapping working with sample models

Time permitting there will also be an opportunity to discuss your actual or intended use of mapping and Decision Explorer®. This workshop will be of value not only to those who are new to mapping and Decision Explorer® but also to those who have already come across mapping (and perhaps already use Decision Explorer®), but feel that they have never really "got into it".

You do not need to have had experience of the software to be able to attend this course. You will be provided with introductory material prior to the workshop and you should be familiar and comfortable with the use of Microsoft® Windows® packages.

Why might a Decision Explorer® workshop be of interest to me?

This workshop will be "hands-on" and practical. It is aimed particularly at practitioners and management researchers who need to capture and work with the ideas and alternative perspectives that surround complex issues. That is people who as part of their work, need to structure and draw conclusions from "soft" information, with a clear focus on problem definition and problem structuring, for problem solving or strategy development.

You will be introduced to and helped with the use of cognitive mapping (a method for building a visual representation of the ideas relating to a particular problem or issue) and Decision Explorer®.

Tutor

Fran Ackermann is currently a Professor in the Dept. of Management Science, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde. Fran has extensive practical experience of facilitating workshops with both public and private sector clients, of the theory and practice of mapping and of using Decision Explorer® in settings as diverse as small local, voluntary committees and large, multi-national organizations.

Venue and fees

Our workshops are held at different venues in either London or Kendal, Cumbria. The cost for the day, per delegate, is £395 plus VAT for academic delegates and £495 plus VAT for non-academic delegates. (Full conditions are given on the booking form). The course fee includes course notes, morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch and a 3-month time-limited license for Decision Explorer®.

Places are limited, so if you would like to attend please call or email (info@banxia.com) to make a provisional reservation. A booking form will be sent or emailed to you and must be completed returned, with payment, to secure your booking. To make a booking or if you have any questions about these workshops please contact Jenny Brightman at Banxia Software on +44 (0) 1539 815660, by fax on +44 (0) 1539 815661 or by email to info@banxia.com. If you have any general questions about software or the content of the workshop please contact usWe look forward to welcoming you to one of our workshops.