Decision Making Essentials You Always Wanted To Know

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Mark Koscinski—an experienced CPA, former CFO, and professor at Moravian College—crafted this 190-page guide as part of the Self‑Learning Management series to provide a clear, practical roadmap for structuring smarter decisions in both personal and professional contexts. The book unfolds across eleven interconnected chapters, systematically covering every phase of decision-making: from recognizing cognitive biases and leveraging probability theory to engaging group dynamics, scenario planning, and anticipating rare “black swan” events .

Beginning with an introduction to mental models, the author draws attention to human tendencies like heuristics, prospect theory, and base-rate neglect—highlighting how our instincts can mislead without structured awareness. Subsequent sections present analytical tools such as expected value calculations, Bayes’ theorem, multi-attribute frameworks (e.g., SMART goals, Elimination by Aspects, Even Swaps), and basic game theory—all demonstrated with illustrative examples and hands-on exercises.

Koscinski also tackles group decision-making pitfalls—like groupthink—and guides readers through techniques like prediction markets and brainstorming to enhance collective outcomes. One standout feature is the inclusion of decision trees, which visually map potential outcomes and trade-offs—a tool that was actually the catalyst for writing the book .

Each chapter concludes with summaries and discussion questions, reinforcing key lessons and encouraging active application. Peer and expert reviews consistently praise the book’s accessible tone, real-world focus, and blend of psychological insight with analytical rigor. It’s noted as “a brilliant guide” for breaking down complex choices, and valuable for anyone from beginners to seasoned professionals—and even CEOs.

In essence, this compact yet comprehensive volume equips readers with a versatile toolbox—ranging from cognitive awareness to quantitative and group methods—to approach decisions with clarity, confidence, and strategic thinking.

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Decision Making Essentials You Always Wanted To Know - GHRC LLP

Decision Making Essentials You Always Wanted to Know (part of Vibrant Publishers’ Self‑Learning Management series) is a concise yet comprehensive guide