Critical and Analytic Thinking for Business

Undergraduate Prerequisites: CASWR 120; and QSTSM 131; students beyond first-year must take QSTSM 131 previously or concurrently. - Critical and analytic thinking skills are essential success in every business discipline. In this course, students will learn how to apply a structured problem-solving methodology that: defines the problem; identifies and prioritizes issues to assess; plans and conducts analyses; synthesizes findings; and communicates recommendations. Students will learn (a) how to evaluate evidence for business decision-making, not just passively accept information, and determine whether it is sufficient to prove their point. As well, they will learn how to assess the quality, credibility, and reliability of sources in researching relevant facts and data for business decisions. In addition to mastering frameworks for deductive and inductive arguments, students will master presentation delivery by connecting authentically to the audience, harnessing the power of storytelling, and using body language to positively reinforce the message. Finally, students will enhance professional skills that are integral to business success. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and/or Signed Communication, Research and Information Literacy, Writing, Research & Inquiry.