ABSTRACT
The classical model of decision-making describes the conscious and effortful process of identifying the problem, generating potential solutions, weighing up each of these options, choosing the most appropriate option, putting it in place and evaluating whether it achieves the desired outcome. An understanding of the classical model of decision-making can be augmented by introducing the concepts of inductive and deductive reasoning. A detailed understanding of how experts make decisions in dynamic environments is a critical enabling knowledge. Heuristics and cognitive biases serve an important purpose in enabling complex decision-making. Optimising team decision-making involves ensuring that all relevant information is available to all team members and that the specialist expertise of individuals is drawn on equally. The development of decision-making skills relating to ill-defined problems where complex reasoning is required necessitates the development of analogical reasoning skills. The use of simulation in decision-making training allows the careful construction of pre-rehearsed solutions to a range of problems encountered in complex real-world operations.
