People in companies typically make hundreds of decisions every day; some of them have long-term implications. But big data and smart technology are changing the process of decision-making. This three-day programme will teach you new ways of thinking to keep your decision-making relevant.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
This programme at RSM focuses on managerial thinking and reasoning that uses recent developments in big data and artificial intelligence (AI). Decision-driven analytics is a globally-renown framework with practical implications and compelling insights about decision-making in organisations. It offers a broad conceptual framework for understanding how to make decisions with data that will help you focus on your markets, make strategic progress, and influence consumers. Over three days, we cover best principles for managerial decision-making – thinking about big data and thinking with big data – as well as rational and irrational human behaviour with regard to product information and prices, and the social aspects of decision-making.
You will connect with participants with different backgrounds, and will learn how to facilitate communication between areas of expertise. You will be stimulated to think critically about human and artificial intelligence and how to use AI in a complementary and strategic manner, and be challenged to identify, extract, and leverage on tacit knowledge.
Putting the human decision maker at the centre of decision-driven analytics, we empower decision makers to lead the digital transformation with confidence and sharpness.
The highly interactive lectures are mixed with exercises, role plays, and case studies. Assignments will be conducted in small groups. These study methods will help you apply new knowledge, and address the needs of your organisation straight away.
Move from data overload to strategic action items.
We were challenged us as leaders, but gained techniques to use every day and within complex set-ups in our organisations. A key insight was to start with questions that matter instead of with the data you have.
The abundance of data and the potentials of AI and technology are immense. But it is humbling to realise that we professionals are often the limiting factor to effective decision making. During this three-day journey our personal experiences and company routines were challenged by scientific insights as well as pragmatic tools.
The course gave me valuable insights on a broad scale of aspects that can influence the process of decision-making, as well as (inconsistent) human behaviour and the way data and new technology can be used to validate or influence the process of decision-making.
The three intense days of lectures, discussions, knowledge-sharing and reflecting were led by two inspiring tutors. We discussed several insights that I will implement in my organisation, particularly relating to prediction modelling and ways to structure inventive thinking. I believe attending Rules for Effective Decision Making has expanded my skill set as a manager and entrepreneur, and that was exactly what I was looking for.
During the Leading with Decision-Driven Analytics Programme you will learn from Dr Bart de Langhe and Dr Gabriele Paolacci. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.
Bart de Langhe is a visiting faculty member at RSM, and an associate professor of marketing at ESADE in Barcelona. He taught and researched at universities in Europe as well as in the USA and China. He researches the psychology of consumer and managerial decision-making, with an emphasis on data-driven decisions. His research is published in leading academic journals such as Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research, and Management Science, as well as managerial publications such as Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. The Marketing Science Institute recognised him as one of the most promising young marketing academics in 2017.
Dr Paolacci is an associate professor in the department of Marketing Management at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). He teaches managerial decision-making to various audiences and researches substantive questions in consumer and managerial decision making. His work has been published in leading journals such as Journal of Marketing Research, Management Science and Psychological Science, and has been covered by The Economist, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal and more. Dr Paolacci sits on the editorial review board of several journals and is currently associate editor for Psychological Science.
22 - 24 September 2025
€ 3,600 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM.
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking to learn new skills and gain more knowledge in business and management education.
Here’s why you should choose RSM:
This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.
Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, access to the RSM study facilities and dynamic learning environment. This also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the programme.
Hotel accommodation is not included, so please make individual arrangements for your stay in Rotterdam. See more information in the Transportation, directions and accommodation section below.
If you require hotel accommodation during your stay in Rotterdam, we recommend a few hotels:
Please contact the hotels directly to make and secure your own reservations.
Note: We recommend that you select the flexible booking option when reserving a room.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme advisor
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.