Decision-Making Tool Presentation Melinda Smith MGT350 –Critical Thinking: Decisions in Strategy Making Dr. Sonia Heywood June 20, 2005

Overview Critical Thinking using a decision-making tool Nominal Group Process Application of NGP in the Workplace Pros and Cons Summary “A person who cannot think critically, cannot make rational choices” -Peter Facione

Critical Thinking and Decision-Making Utilizes Directed Thinking Uses reason and logic to focus on a desired outcome Controlled and Purposeful Decision-making tool or technique is one method of facilitating directed thinking

Nominal Group Process Technique for setting “goals, identifying problems, obtaining suggestions for solving problems, or planning programs for an organization” The goal of this process is to reach a group decision on a specific problem or issue Effective tool to engage the thinking process and sets a course towards sound decisions

Nominal Group Process Steps 1.Appoint facilitator 2.Assign individuals to groups 3.Written statement of problems 4.Brainstorming 5.Round-Robin sharing of ideas 6.Consensus of issues 7.Prioritization 8.Summarization The role of a facilitator is more than just asking questions and recording answers. The facilitator also acts as a counselor, encouraging and validating emotions, while working to keep team members on task.

Pros and Cons Moves toward definitive decision- making and results Encourages creativity and diversity Increases ownership of issues Environment of open dialog and greater communication Necessity to finding a skilled facilitator Lack of scalability in handling large group sessions Rigid structure may intimidate Focus too granular

Conclusion Nominal Group Process is a tool for directed thinking Enhances critical thinking within an organization to make better decisions Most effective when group decision making is preferred to a single source of accountability Results-Driven