PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

In today’s fast-paced, information-saturated environment, individuals and organisations must make timely, effective decisions. Decision-making is most impactful when carried out at the level where execution occurs. However, gathering relevant data, engaging stakeholders, and navigating competing priorities can complicate this process.

One of modern organisations' most pressing challenges is balancing fostering innovation and maintaining critical, logical decision-making. Critical thinking equips leaders with the tools to assess problems systematically, generate innovative solutions, and make sound decisions that align with strategic goals.

Effective leaders and managers set clear objectives and inspire accountability in their teams. A supportive approach to performance management ensures sustained engagement and fosters a high-performance culture.

While change is inevitable, how one responds to it determines the outcome. Adapting one’s mindset is the first step toward remaining resilient and effective in dynamic business environments. This programme focuses on cultivating the flexibility, confidence, and strategic thinking required to lead effectively through change and uncertainty.

OBJECTIVES

• Enhance Critical Thinking Skills: Build the capacity to assess information objectively and apply logical reasoning to decision-making.
• Improve Problem-Solving Abilities: Utilize structured frameworks to break down complex issues and develop practical solutions.
• Foster Strategic Decision-Making: Strengthen the ability to evaluate alternatives, anticipate outcomes, and align choices with organisational goals.
• Encourage Innovation and Creativity: Inspire new thinking and creative problem-solving to support business growth and transformation.
• Strengthen Data-Driven Decision-Making: Promote evidence-based analysis to reduce bias and enhance decision accuracy.
• Develop Risk Assessment Skills: Improve the identification and evaluation of risks and incorporate contingency planning into decision-making.
• Promote Ethical and Responsible Decision-Making: Embed ethical considerations and social responsibility in strategic choices.
• Enhance Collaboration and Communication: Improve articulating and defending decisions while encouraging collaborative thinking.
• Apply Critical Thinking to Real-World Scenarios: Engage in practical exercises and case studies that mirror real-world business challenges.
• Build Leadership Confidence in Decision-Making: Develop the confidence to make high-impact decisions with clarity and accountability.

CONTENT

Day I: Goal Setting and Change Readiness

·         Defining clear objectives and aligning actions for maximum impact

·         Setting SMARTER goals for personal and professional success

·         Overcoming obstacles by focusing on strategic priorities

·         Techniques for embracing change with a growth mindset

·         Ten performance-enhancing strategies for goal achievement

·         Becoming a change agent: leading transformation in your organisation

Day II: Adapting to Change and Structured Problem-Solving

·         Understanding and addressing the challenges of change

·         Adapting personal work patterns and becoming a role model for change

·         Six proven tools for solving complex problems

·         Decision-making techniques for practical application

·         Managing stress and worry that hinder decision-making

·         Using the Critical Thinking Process to derive sound conclusions

Day III: Advanced Decision-Making and Accountability

·         Distinguishing between Green-light and Red-light thinking

·         Using visualisation and fact-finding to identify root causes

·         Applying deductive and inductive reasoning, the ladder of inference, and logic trees

·         Making confident decisions using structured techniques

·         Communicating team and organisational goals effectively

·         Building a high-performance culture through accountability

·         Holding individuals and teams accountable for measurable outcomes

METHODOLOGY

This programme follows an interactive and experiential learning approach, combining:

·         Case-based learning and real-world simulations

·         Group discussions and collaborative problem-solving

·         Self-assessment tools and critical thinking frameworks

·         Practical decision-making exercises and feedback sessions

·         Facilitated reflection and action planning for workplace application

FACULTY

Prof. Swarnalatha Jagarlapudi

A highly respected academic and seasoned HR professional, Prof. Swarnalatha Jagarlapudi brings over 36 years of cross-sectoral experience in public and private enterprises. She holds an MPhil in Industrial Psychology from TISS, Mumbai, and multiple advanced degrees in Applied Psychology, Criminal Law, Forensic Science, HR, International Business, Economics, Mass Communication, and Foreign Trade.

As a Professor of Human Resource Management, Prof. Swarnalatha is known for her strategic insights, practical leadership solutions, and commitment to organisational development. She has conducted impactful leadership and management programmes across government, banking, finance, IT, and manufacturing sectors. Her professional certifications include NLP Practitioner, Stress Management Professional, and Internal Auditor, among others—making her approach both academically grounded and practically relevant.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

Ideally, this programme suits senior and mid-level executives across private enterprises, public sector organisations, and government departments. It is also valuable for HR professionals, team leaders, project managers, and individuals involved in strategic decision-making, change management, or leadership development. The course benefits professionals looking to enhance their critical thinking abilities, improve decision-making confidence, and lead effectively in complex, fast-changing environments.

Organisational sponsorship is essential

VENUE

The programme is fully residential and the participants will be accommodated in air-conditioned single occupancy rooms. The college does not provide accommodation for the family. The college is Wi-Fi enabled in a comprehensive way.

DURATION

The programme duration is 3 days starting from August 11-13,2025. The participants are expected to arrive a day before commencement and may leave after the conclusion of the programme.

PROGRAMME FEE

Residential Fee: Rs. 43,700/- (US $683 for foreigners) plus GST as applicable (presently 18%) per participant. The fee covers tuition, board and lodging, courseware (in electronic form) and other facilities of the College including internet usage.

Non-Residential Fee: Rs. 37,700/- plus GST as applicable (presently 18%) per participant. The fee covers tuition, course ware (in electronic form) working lunch and other facilities of the College including internet usage.

A discount of 10% on the Programme fee for three or more participants from the same organisation will be given, provided the payment is credited into our Bank account before August 08, 2025.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

The nominees are requested to carry with them the proof of Medical Insurance. The sponsoring agency is required to endorse the nominees' medical coverage in the event of hospitalization

LAST DATE FOR NOMINATION

Please use the prescribed/attached form. Last date for receiving nominations is July 28, 2025. Kindly contact Programmes Officer for further details (contact details are given at the end of the nomination form).

LAST DATE FOR WITHDRAWAL

August 04, 2025. Any withdrawals after this date will entail forfeiture of fee paid, if any.

ASCI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Participants of the College programmes will automatically become members of the ASCI alumni association.

CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION

The College issues a Certificate of Participation on conclusion of the programme.