Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) for Decision Support Training Course

Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) for Decision Support Training Course

Introduction

Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) are critical tools for enhancing decision-making accuracy, clarity, and transparency in complex operational environments. Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) for Decision Support Training Course provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical application of SATs to support intelligence analysis, risk assessment, strategic planning, and evidence-based decision-making. Learners will explore analytical frameworks, cognitive bias mitigation strategies, scenario development, and decision-support methodologies that improve organizational performance and reduce uncertainty. By integrating these techniques into daily workflows, professionals can produce high-quality analyses, anticipate emerging risks, and strengthen the reliability of recommendations for leaders and stakeholders.

In an era of rapidly evolving threats and dynamic information landscapes, organizations require structured approaches to interpret data, identify patterns, and prioritize actions. This course equips participants with hands-on experience in using SATs to transform raw information into actionable intelligence. Through case studies, simulations, and practical exercises, learners will develop skills in evaluating complex scenarios, challenging assumptions, and applying structured methods to enhance problem-solving, strategic foresight, and informed decision-making across diverse operational contexts.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the principles and applications of Structured Analytic Techniques in decision support.
2. Identify common cognitive biases and methods to mitigate them in analysis.
3. Apply SATs to enhance the quality and clarity of intelligence assessments.
4. Conduct structured brainstorming, hypothesis testing, and scenario analysis.
5. Utilize key SATs including ACH, Key Assumptions Check, and Indicators Analysis.
6. Integrate SATs into organizational decision-making processes for operational efficiency.
7. Develop alternative analysis perspectives to challenge conventional thinking.
8. Evaluate and validate data sources to support structured judgments.
9. Implement SATs in risk assessment, threat identification, and strategic forecasting.
10. Enhance collaboration among analysts through structured team-based techniques.
11. Produce actionable and transparent intelligence products using SAT frameworks.
12. Strengthen analytical rigor in both routine and high-pressure decision-making.
13. Monitor and refine decision-support processes to improve organizational outcomes.

Organizational Benefits

• Improved analytical quality and consistency across teams
• Enhanced decision-making under uncertainty
• Reduced cognitive bias in operational assessments
• Faster identification of emerging risks and opportunities
• Strengthened credibility of intelligence outputs
• Improved collaboration and structured problem-solving
• Optimized allocation of resources and prioritization
• Enhanced strategic foresight and scenario planning capabilities
• Increased organizational resilience and preparedness
• Higher confidence in decisions among leaders and stakeholders

Target Audiences

• Intelligence analysts and operational researchers
• Risk management and strategic planning professionals
• Security and defense officers
• Policy advisors and decision-support staff
• Crisis management and emergency response teams
• Data analysts and evaluators
• Senior leadership and management in government and corporate sectors
• Consultants in strategic analysis and decision support

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Structured Analytic Techniques

• Overview of SATs and their role in decision-making
• History, evolution, and applications in intelligence and risk assessment
• Key principles of structured analysis
• Benefits of structured approaches for organizations
• Common pitfalls in unstructured analysis
• Case Study: Implementation of SATs in a government intelligence agency

Module 2: Cognitive Bias Awareness and Mitigation

• Identification of common cognitive biases in analysis
• Techniques to recognize and counter bias
• Role of critical thinking in bias mitigation
• Structured methods for objective evaluation
• Integrating bias checks into routine analysis
• Case Study: Bias mitigation in operational risk assessments

Module 3: Key Assumptions Check (KAC)

• Definition and importance of key assumptions
• Techniques for identifying assumptions in analyses
• Testing assumptions against evidence
• Monitoring assumptions over time
• Incorporating KAC in organizational workflows
• Case Study: Key assumptions review in threat forecasting

Module 4: Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH)

• Framework and methodology of ACH
• Identifying competing explanations for complex problems
• Evaluating evidence objectively
• Scoring and ranking hypotheses
• Integrating ACH outputs into decision-making
• Case Study: ACH applied in strategic intelligence scenario

Module 5: Indicators and Signposts Analysis

• Definition and selection of indicators
• Monitoring indicators for trend analysis
• Early warning systems using structured signposts
• Reporting and communicating indicator changes
• Linking indicators to organizational decisions
• Case Study: Signpost monitoring in financial fraud detection

Module 6: Brainstorming and Idea Generation Techniques

• Structured brainstorming frameworks
• Encouraging creative and divergent thinking
• Documenting and evaluating ideas systematically
• Facilitating team-based idea generation
• Prioritization and selection of ideas for analysis
• Case Study: Brainstorming for crisis response planning

Module 7: Structured Scenario Analysis

• Designing scenarios for complex environments
• Incorporating uncertainties and assumptions
• Quantitative and qualitative scenario development
• Evaluating scenario impacts on decisions
• Scenario planning for strategic foresight
• Case Study: Scenario analysis in emergency management

Module 8: Link Analysis and Visualization

• Mapping relationships among entities, events, and variables
• Tools and techniques for visual analysis
• Identifying patterns and networks in data
• Integrating link analysis into intelligence products
• Enhancing understanding through visualization
• Case Study: Link analysis for organized crime investigation

Module 9: Timeline and Event Analysis

• Creating chronological representations of events
• Identifying causal relationships and sequences
• Detecting anomalies and gaps in historical data
• Integrating timeline analysis into decision-making
• Visualizing timelines for operational clarity
• Case Study: Timeline analysis for project risk assessment

Module 10: Structured What-If Analysis

• Definition and methodology for what-if scenarios
• Evaluating alternative courses of action
• Assessing potential outcomes and impacts
• Integrating results into planning and forecasting
• Structured decision-support through what-if modeling
• Case Study: What-if analysis in strategic investment decisions

Module 11: Premortem and Failure Mode Analysis

• Anticipating potential failures in decision-making
• Identifying weaknesses in assumptions and plans
• Evaluating risks and preventive measures
• Integrating premortem findings into operational planning
• Enhancing resilience through structured failure analysis
• Case Study: Premortem applied to policy implementation

Module 12: Red Team Analysis

• Concept and purpose of red teaming
• Structured challenge to assumptions and plans
• Identifying vulnerabilities and blind spots
• Integrating red team feedback into analysis
• Enhancing critical evaluation and decision robustness
• Case Study: Red team exercise in organizational security assessment

Module 13: Structured Argumentation and Evidence Mapping

• Developing structured arguments based on evidence
• Linking claims, assumptions, and supporting data
• Evaluating strength and credibility of evidence
• Communicating findings effectively
• Integration into reports and briefings
• Case Study: Evidence mapping for intelligence briefing

Module 14: Collaborative and Team-Based SATs

• Structured approaches for group decision-making
• Techniques to facilitate consensus and reduce groupthink
• Coordinating multiple analysts’ inputs
• Documenting and synthesizing collaborative analyses
• Leveraging technology to enhance team analysis
• Case Study: Team-based SATs in multi-agency operations

Module 15: SATs Implementation and Institutionalization

• Steps to integrate SATs into organizational workflows
• Developing policies, SOPs, and training programs
• Monitoring and evaluating SATs usage and effectiveness
• Ensuring leadership support and resource allocation
• Continuous improvement of decision-support processes
• Case Study: Institutionalization of SATs in a national intelligence agency

Training Methodology

• Instructor-led presentations and expert briefings
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets
• Scenario-based simulations for decision support practice
• Group work and collaborative analysis sessions
• Case study reviews to link theory with practice
• Action planning and skill application exercises

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.