COLES - 201 Evidence-Based Management

The ‘Evidence-Based Management’ badge empowers Executive MBA students with the ability to conduct and present a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) paper. This deliverable demonstrates their proficiency in evaluating evidence, conducting rigorous research, synthesizing findings, and applying these insights to support data-driven decisions. Through this micro-credential, learners gain advanced skills in critical analysis and evidence-based decision-making, preparing them to make impactful recommendations and enhance strategic effectiveness in business settings.

Upon completion of the Evidence-Based Management micro-credential, learners will be able to:

• Critically evaluate (Analyze) and appraise relevant academic and industry research to determine its validity, reliability, and applicability to specific business challenges.
• Synthesize (Evaluate) research findings to create coherent, evidence-based conclusions that guide strategic decision-making in complex business contexts.
• Apply (Apply) evidence-based frameworks and methodologies to construct a Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) paper, demonstrating the integration of research into practical, data-driven recommendations.
• Communicate (Create) research insights and evidence-supported recommendations effectively, both in writing and presentations, for diverse stakeholders and business scenarios.

• Successfully complete the online certificate from the Center for Evidence-Based Management, ensuring foundational knowledge and proficiency in evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate on a final group Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) paper, which must be polished to a journal-ready standard, showcasing their ability to conduct research, critically evaluate evidence, and apply findings to a real-world business problem. This CAT paper will be assessed on its rigor, clarity, relevance, and the quality of its synthesis and conclusions, reflecting each learner’s mastery of evidence-based decision-making.

• Applied research

• Decision analysis

• Critical thinking