Module Code and Title:       ANS101          Analytical Skills

Programme(s):                      BSc in Environmental Management (borrowed)

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor(s):                   Priyanka Sharma

General objective(s) of the module:

This module aims to develop skills in analytical thinking, specifically the ability to assess a situation, relationship or organization based on certain criterion, along with development of professional communication skills.

Learning outcomes – Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Discuss a general process of analysis.
• Explain, including examples, assessment and evaluation criteria.
• Apply a set of criteria in the evaluation of a situation, organization or relationship.
• Apply the power of creative thinking to spot unnoticed opportunities.
• Identify and accurately assess issues and their ramifications.
• Analyse issues, consider and prioritize solutions and make informed decisions.
• Apply problem solving tools appropriate to a given issue.
• Design creative, appropriate solutions to issues.
• Develop a positive and constructive manner in presenting issues, options and solutions.

Skills to be developed:

• Ability to present and clearly explain issues, options and solutions.
• Ability to write brief concise communiqués in professional business contexts.
• Ability to use multimedia formats to present information effectively.

Learning and teaching approaches used:

The module will be conducted over 15 teaching weeks as follows:

• 1 hr/wk lecture.
• 1 hr/wk classroom discussion.
• 5 hr/wk quizzes and in-class practice assignments.
• 1 hr/wk role playing activities.
• 5 hr/wk group presentations (project/case study).
• 4 hrs/wk outside of class, on average, for independent study.

Assessment:

Semester-End Examination (SE):20%

Continuous Assessment (CA):     80%

Pre-requisite knowledge:

Subject matter:

1. Orientation and Introduction
   1. Concepts of:
      1. Analytical Skills
      2. Logical Problem Solving

• Creative Problem Solving

1. Overview of Analytical Thinking and Types of Analysis
   1. Examples – Case Study
   2. Exercises
   3. Consideration of criterion to be used in analysis/evaluation.
   4. Known evaluation criterion:
      1. Survey/Original Research
      2. Literature Review

• SWOT Analysis

1. PEST/STEEPLES Analysis

1. Subjects of Analysis
   1. Relationships: Personal, Professional, Inter-organizational, Commercial/Economic
   2. Organizations: Governmental, Corporate, Multi-National, Political, NGOs, Profit/Non-Profit

• Situations: Political, Competitive, Adversarial, Commercial/Economic

• General process of analysis
  1. Planning
     1. Establishing the purpose of an analysis
     2. Identifying issues essential for a comprehensive understanding

• Clarifying relevant issues and ask relevant questions in relation to who/what/where/when/why/how, options, benefits and risks

1. Deciding on an approach
2. Creating a plan for collection of necessary information

1. Analysing
   1. Collecting, organizing, and evaluating data using standard tools
   2. Evaluating information and data; dealing with information gaps

• Generating ideas from evaluated data

1. Determining risks; performing cost-benefit analyses
2. Evaluating ideas using established criteria; analysing strategies

1. Concluding
   1. Characteristics of well-thought out and valid conclusions
   2. Transforming conclusions into recommendations

• Developing conclusions and recommendations into presentable formats for target audiences

1. Presenting the analysis project with an aim to generate buy-in

1. Analysis exercise
   1. Choosing an entity, relationship or situation for group project
   2. Determine the criterion to assess
   3. Identify issues
   4. Identify possible solutions
   5. Explore alternative solutions:
      1. Re-explore assessment criterion
      2. Re-examine situational assumptions

• “What if” scenarios

1. Analyse - identify and assess each possible solution:
   1. Benefits
   2. Consequences

• Risks

1. Ramifications

1. Prioritize possible solutions
2. Identify optimal solution
3. Develop implementation and contingency plans

1. Communication of analysis
   1. Preparation of a suitable written document
   2. Preparation of an effective presentation
   3. Preparation of multimedia project
   4. Presentations of the analysis

Essential Readings:

1. (2015). Coursepack for General Analytical Skills. Thimphu: Royal Thimphu College (Compiled readings and exercises from the following list of additional readings).

Additional Readings:

1. Bono, Edward de (2005). Thinking course (Rev Ed). Barnes and Nobel.
2. Bono, Edward de (2000). Six thinking hats (2nd). New Delhi: Penguin India.
3. Bono, Edward de (2009). Lateral thinking. e-Penguin.
4. Bono, Edward de (2008). Creativity workout: 62 exercises to unlock your most creative ideas. Ulysses Press.
5. Chopra, Dr. R. (). Logical, critical, analytical reasoning. Galgoba.
6. Covey, Stephen. R. (2009). The 7 habits of highly effective people. New York: Franklin Covey Co.
7. Covey, Sean. (2009). The 7 habits of highly effective teenagers. Pocket Books.
8. Davies, William. (1992). Climbing the corporate ladder. Thorsons.
9. Eiffert, Stephen. D. (1999). Cross-train your brain: a mental fitness program for maximizing creativity and achieving success. Amacom.
10. Michalko, M. (2006). Thinkertoys: A handbook of creative-thinking techniques (2nd Ed). Ten Speed Press.
11. Treffinger, D.J. (2006). Creative problem solving: An introduction (4th Ed). Prufrock Press.
12. Wujec, Tom. (n.d). The complete mental fitness book. Orient Paper.

Date last updated: May 30, 2015