Chapter 9: Decision making and problem solving april 9, 2008

1. Chapter 9:Decision making and problem solvingapril 9, 2008 Ellie Miranda

2. Decision making process and Problem Solving • A PROBLEM occurs when there is a gap between the current situation and a desired solution. • DECISION MAKING is making a choice among two or more alternatives to solve the problem.  

4. The Six-Step DECIDE Model of Decision Making and Problem Solving • Define the Goal and understand the Problem. • Examine the Constraints preventing goal achievement. • Consider the Alternatives for responding to the problem and constraints. • Initiate a Decision by thinking through the advantages and disadvantages of each option. • Develop a Decision Plan of action to implement the choice. • Evaluate the Results and Consequences of decision, completing the “feedback loop.”

5. Define the Goal and understand the Problem. • Identify the problem and specify the symptoms of the problem. • Gather information on the size and scope of the problem. • Research out the seriousness, urgency, and implications of the problem. • Look for causes and underlying conditions of the problem.

6. Define the goal, understand the problem cont.Ask: Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How • It’s important to ask: • For whom is it a problem? • What is the problem? • Why is it a problem? • When is it a problem? • Where is it a problem? • How is it a problem?

7. Examine the Constraints preventing goal achievement. • Identify the criteria that would indicate successful achievement of the goals.  •  Rank order the criteria in importance and specify criteria that must be met. • Identify which criteria must be met and which are less essential. • Refine the goals, based on criteria, to be satisfactory, realistic, achievable.

8. Examine Constraints cont. • External constraints are those imposed on the decision-making process. • Ex. Time, money, resources, energy, knowledge base. • Internal constraints are those integral to the problem. • Ex, government regulations, physical location, technical or design difficulties.

9. Consider the Alternatives for responding to the problem and constraints. •  Suggest as many alternative solutions as possible. • Refine and combine alternative solutions. *Unintended consequencesare those results that occur because of the decision but were not expected or planned.

10. Initiate a Decision by thinking through the advantages and disadvantages of each option. • Evaluate the alternative decisions or solutions using the goal criteria. • Rank order the solutions based on how well they meet the criteria. • Does anyone solution or solution combination meet all criteria that must be met? • If not, reevaluate solutions and goals. Are goals achievable? Other solutions? • If yes, does solution meet goals that should and can be met? • If not, is there another solution or set that can meet these criteria as well? • Does the solution create additional problems? How can they be resolved?

11. Develop a Decision Plan of action to implement the choice. • Identify criteria and method to evaluate the decision once it is implemented. • Develop a procedure for implementing the solution that best meets criteria. • Does the decision and solution accomplish the goals?

12. Evaluate the Results and Consequences of the decision, completing the "feedback loop." • Evaluate the decision or solution. • Evaluate the implementation: Is it achievable? Is it too expensive? Does it take too long? • Implement an ongoing evaluation plan that occurs at regular intervals.

13. Four Preliminary Steps • External constraints on the process-What are the limitations? • Procedural issues-How to run the group? • Voting or consensus-How will decisions be made? • Ethical decisions-What are the possible ethical dimensions of the decisions?

14. The Consensus Process Consensus Includes: • Seek everyone’s ideas- Prevent group think and take advantage of all ideas. • Listen- Work toward understanding of other group/team members. • Discuss ideas.Encourageand explore differences. • Do not expect to get all you want- A group/team should work toward integrating everyone’s ideas and needs. • Reach an agreement that everyone can live with-Avoid win/lose perspectives.

15. The Consensus Process Consensus Does Not Include: • Voting- It creates a win/lose outcome since the minority is told it does not matter. • Majority rule- People not included in the outcome may have little motivation to help carry out decision. • Bargaining- Consensus seeks the best outcome, not a compromise. • Minority rule- If you disagree with the proposal, offer a viable alternative or let the process continue.

16. Ethical Behaviors in Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Groups • Fidelity: Keep your promises. • Veracity: Tell the truth. • Fair Play: Do not exploit, cheat, or “freeload” on others. • Gratitude: Express thanks, reciprocate. • Nonmaleficence: Do not cause pain or suffering to others through verbal assault. • Beneficence: Help others achieve their goals and the group’s goals. • Reparation: Repair harms to others that are your fault, even when inadvertent. • Do Not Kill: Respect others and their ideas. • Do Not Deprive of Property: Do not take other’s ideas or intellectual property as your own. • Oppose Injustices: Consider the group and the impact of the decisions and solutions. • Promote Justice: Work toward improvement.