Decision Making Process

Decision making The consequences of our decisions can affect our lives forever. In this unit we’ve talked about legacy, so an important part of your future will be determined by your capacity of taking the right choice. The consequences of our decisions can affect our lives forever. In this unit we’ve talked about legacy, so an important part of your future will be determined by your capacity of taking the right choice.

Your decisions What are the important decisions you have made in your life so far? Example: Going to a party instead of studying for a test.

Brainstorming What do you understand by «decision making»? Definition: Ability to choose an alternative, based on an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the options related to a decision.

Think about important decisions you will have to make in the future. Example: You have a job that you have been working very hard at because you are saving up to buy a car. Your best friend approaches you and asks if you would like to go away with hi s/her family to Europe over February vacation. You want to go, however your parents tell you that you would have to pay for your own airfare and spending money. This would put a significant dent in your car savings.

My Problem I want to spend my money on something meaningful.

What are my options? Travelling to Europe or Buying a car Identify the options.

Where should I get info from to make predictions? Travel agencies. Car sales. The experiences of people I know that have travelled or have a car. Gather information about the options

What are the possible consequences of each option? Travelling: It’s an experience that can be hard to get again in the future. Having the possibility of getting to know a new culture and practicing a second language. I have to do what my friends’ family wants and follow them everywhere. In the end I’ll only have the memories of the trip. Buying a car: I’ll have something that will give me independence to move around, I can stop using the subway and I’ll be more comfortable. I can sell the car if I need the money at some point. I’ll have to pay to maintain the car. People will be more prone to ask favours. Compare info supporting each option

Set the criteria that will help you to choose one over the other. I need a solution that in the long term doesn’t require more money. I also need a valuable experience that will help me emotionally in the future. I’ve saved this money but I’ll have to keep working to keep the car. Travelling will be more complicated in the future after the university Evaluate the options

What’s the best solution considering the consequences? Based on my previous process, the best option for me is to travel Make a decision

Steps for decision making: Identify the problem and the options. Make some research to gather information about the options. Compare the info supporting each option. Evaluate the options. Set criteria. Make a decision.