Do you believe that you base your decisions on objective analysis and robust data? Guess again! Our brains, while powerful and creative, can also be quite lazy. To save time, they will try to simplify the processing of information into a reusable “rule of thumb”. Unfortunately, these mental shortcuts can lead to illogical errors in our thinking, leading to poor quality decision making. And things only get worse when we are tired, stressed or are multi-tasking! Join me as we explore the most common types of cognitive biases and how they appear in business analysis. We will also learn how to recognize your biases, so you can begin working with, instead of against your brain.

1. PhotobyJoseAragonesonUnsplash
Is it too late to
The impact of cognitive bias in Business Analysis?
Bias Remorse

2. PhotobySarahKilianonUnsplash
Project
Failure

3. Cognitive
Bias

4. Once upon a
time…
PhotobyEliFrancisonUnsplash

5. Recency
bias
Things that happened most recently are remembered most clearly and are
considered more likely to happen again than those in the past
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PhotobyNijwamSwargiaryonUnsplash

6. Place your screenshot here
Go to menti.com and use the code
32 73 21 5
Compared to an average person, how
well do you respond to constructive
criticism at work?
Below Average
Average
Above Average

7. The Dunning Kruger
effect
The tendency to overestimate knowledge or ability, in areas with which we
have little experience
2
PhotobyRitaMoraisonUnsplash

8. Halo effect
Our tendency to create an overall impression of a person based
on a single trait
3
PhotobyJoshHowardonUnsplash

9. Confirmation
Bias
Favour information that confirms our existing beliefs, while disregarding
information that goes against them
4
Photoby浮萍闪电onUnsplash

10. Place your screenshot here
Go to menti.com and use the code
32 73 21 5
You win a free dream course at the BA
Summit. But your company has already
paid for a very expensive, non-
refundable course on the same day.
Which option would you choose?
Free dream course
Expensive, non-refundable course

11. Sunk cost
fallacy
When you let unrecoverable costs influence your current decision-making
(because you don’t want to lose money)
5
PhotobyJoãoFerreiraonUnsplash

12. WORK WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S
BRAINS
Self interest | Over confidence | Attachment?
Group think or dissenting voices?
Fallen in love?
PhotobyJordonConneronUnsplash

13. WORK WITH YOUR BRAIN
Obtain data
Be Aware
Have Options
PhotobyHaziqTumaranonUnsplash

14. Any questions?
You can find me at
@Doyle_Angie · angie@thinkagile.co.za
PhotobyMattJonesonUnsplash