The Decision-making Process

1. The Decision-making Process Thoughts, Ideas and Practice

2. Decision-making • As defined by Baker et al in their 2001 study, “efficient decision-making involves a series of steps that require the input of information at different stages of the process, as well as a process for feedback”.

3. Decisions • Made up of a composite of information, data, facts and belief. • Data by itself does not constitute useful information unless it is analyzed and processed.

4. A Decision • Is only as good as the data that informed it • Is only as good as it is an informed one • Is only as good as the system which exists to implement • Is only good if you have the means to implement it • Is only good if other people understand it and what it means

5. The Ideal Decision-making Process STEP 1 Define the problem STEP 2 Determine the requirements that the solution to the problem must meet STEP 3 Establish goals that solving the problem should accomplish STEP 4 Identify alternatives that will solve the problem STEP 5 Develop valuation criteria based on the goals STEP 6 Select a decision-making Tool STEP 7 Apply the tool to select a preferred alternative STEP 8 Check the answer to make sure it solves the problem The Decision-making Process (adapted from Baker et al, 2001)

6. The Reality • Is the Problem really the problem? Problems are often the symptom and not the true problem. • Most often that not steps 5-8 are either forgotten, avoided or simply ignored. • Urgency – is there a quick version? • Who has time to follow-up? Tomorrow is another problem.