Decision Making Office Practice September 23, 2013

Decision Making & Problem Solving  Identify the problem  Identify the possible causes  Generate solutions  Select a solution  Implement solution, monitor results

Identify the problem What is the issue here?

Problem…or opportunity? “A large American shoe manufacturer sent two sales reps out to different parts of the Australian outback to see if they could drum up business with the aboriginals. The two came back with different conclusions. Rep 1: ’No business there. They don’t wear shoes.’ Rep 2: ‘Great opportunity there! They don’t wear shoes.’” —Author unknown

Identify the possible causes Why are we having this problem?

Effect : Frustrated customers Materials Machinery PeopleProcedures Low on office supplies Poor quality phone system Not enough workers Too many people for one person to manage Workers had poor understanding of products Outdated computer systems Identify possible causes

Your turn: Identify possible causes