Introduction to Cognitive Mapping 

Learn to better understand complex situations and effectively define problems by mapping and modelling stakeholder beliefs, values, and objectives. This practical course will introduce you to causal and cognitive mapping techniques.

Description

  • Introduction to the technique of causal mapping to structure a complex problem. This will enable you to understand how to handle different issues or variables, how they relate to one another, and how they impact organisational strategies and goals. 
  • Introduction to the the method of Cognitive Mapping to interview stakeholders. This will allow you to understand how to reconcile different stakeholder perceptions, either to inform model building, or to gain agreement.  
  • Together, these techniques will enable you to build a map and model of stakeholders’ beliefs,values and objectives in relation to a problem to enable effective definition of a problem.     

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to use Causal/cognitive mapping as a modelling technique    
  • Learn how to use cognitive mapping as a semi-structured interviewing tool    
  • Learn how to capture, structure and visually represent the issues within complex problem situations     
  • Learn how to scope a client problem and their goal hierarchy before embarking on analysis    
  • Learn how to represent differing stakeholder perspectives of a problem situation    
  • Develop your ‘soft’ skills 

Topics

  • Cognitive Mapping as a modelling technique and its application to semi-structured stakeholder interviewing. 
  • Demonstration of the software Decision Explorer. 
  • Practice using the modelling technique in case exercises. 
  • Using cognitive mapping as an interviewing tool both for eliciting project scope from clients and consulting with project stakeholders.  
  • 1-2-1 facilitation ‘soft’ skills.   

Audience

The course is designed for analysts, consultants and facilitators working with ill-structured or strategic problems. It is also of benefit to academics seeking practical exposure to cognitive mapping as a research tool, or for teaching the subject. 

Course format

  • Powerpoint presentation to introduce the techniques 
  • Case studies based on ‘real world’ problems   
  • Use of Decision Explorer software 
  • Group discussion/work 
  • Bring questions from your own work to embed your learning

Related courses

  • Foundations of OR: Problem Structuring Methods 
  • Introduction to Problem Solving using Systems Thinking 
  • Introduction to Soft Systems Methodology 

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