Make Decisions to Solve Problems NC CTE 3.02: Utilize critical-thinking skills to determine best options/outcomes. Make Decisions to Solve Problems

Learning Objectives Define the term decision-making. Distinguish between decision-making and problem solving. Describe the need/importance of decision-making in everyday life. Identify decision-making styles. Describe factors that influence decision-making. Explain the importance of using an organized decision-making process.

Finding solutions to obstacles or problems. The Process: Define the problem State and check your assumptions Collect information Analyze the information Determine possible solutions Select and implement a solution Evaluate the solution

Choosing among alternatives. Pinpoint your objective Determine what you need to know Gather the information you need Select an appropriate decision-making style Establish decision criteria Identify alternatives Weigh the pros and cons Make the decision Evaluate the decision’s success Choosing among alternatives. The Process:

Problem-solving and Decision-making are interrelated Problem-solving and Decision-making are interrelated. Decisions are made throughout the problem-solving process. Problem-solving Decision-making Concerned with overcoming obstacles in the path toward an objective May or may not require action An act of requiring judgment that is translated into action More comprehensive than problem-solving

Discuss Decision-making Tips: http://www.liraz.com/tdecision.htm Each person is a result of all of the decisions made in their life to date. Discuss Decision-making Tips: http://www.liraz.com/tdecision.htm

Decision-making Styles 1. Top-Down Decision-Making 2. Bottom-Up Decision-Making 3. Representative Decision-Making 4. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Decision-Making Source: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/decisionmaking-styles-organizations-24385.html

Top-Down Decision-Making Heads of an organization make the decisions and pass them down to other members of the organization to implement. May result in unrealistic goals and excessive amounts of work for other members of the organization

Bottom-Up Decision-Making Input from multiple levels is considered in the process Heads of an organization still make the final decision based on input

Representative Decision-making Selected individual (s) from each department along with leadership are part of the decision-making process Individuals solicit input on decisions from their co-workers and bring that input to meetings where the group considers all possible options Decisions made by the group

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Decision-making Focuses on experience and considers other aspects, such as employee feelings and customer relationships Quantitative Use of facts and numbers in order to come up with a decision

Important Factors Influencing Decision-making Setting up a system Maintain a constructive environment and open mind, allowing everyone to contribute. Generating the best alternatives Examine all possible alternatives Checking the decision Check or test decisions before fully implementing them Communicating the decision Communicate decision to the organization, shareholders and other people involved with the company

Discuss the Decision-making Process using an example

Pinpoint your objective Purchase a new pair of Jeans

Determine what you need to know How much do I have to spend? What size do I need? Where do I want to shop?

Gather the information you need I have $60 saved I need size 8 I usually shop at American Eagle, Aeropostale or Hollister

Select an appropriate decision-making style Quantitative Decision-making style I will use facts and data to make my decision

Establish decision criteria Size Price Style Color

Identify alternatives Criteria Hollister American Eagle Aeropostale Size 0-11 0-18 000-18 Avg. Price $60 $50 $25 Style 8 Styles 20 Styles 7 Styles Color Limited Variety

Weigh the pros and cons All three have the size that I need. I can't afford the Hollister jeans because I will need additional money for taxes. American Eagle has a better variety of styles and colors but is more expensive than Aeropostale. I will have enough money to buy a shirt too if I purchase the jeans from Aeropostale.

Make the decision I decided to pay more for the better quality and more variety

Evaluate the decision’s success I'm happy with my decision and my jeans fit perfectly!