1. Problem Solving and Decisions Making By Bhupendra Ratha, Lecturer S. L. I. Sc., D.A.V.V., Indore

2. Introduction: The necessity for library managers to use advanced problem solving and decision- making strategies has become increasingly apparent to Library management. The necessity for library managers to use advanced problem solving and decision- making strategies has become increasingly apparent to Library management.

3. Steps to Problem-Solving and Decision Making First identify the exact problem. First identify the exact problem. Collect all the data about selected problem. Collect all the data about selected problem. Arrange and analyze the data in well manner with the help of different techniques. Arrange and analyze the data in well manner with the help of different techniques. Identify the causes of the problem. Identify the causes of the problem. Propose the suitable solutions. Propose the suitable solutions. Take a decision and action. Take a decision and action. Evaluation of the selected problem. Evaluation of the selected problem. Plan the implementation of your best alternatives for resolving problem. Plan the implementation of your best alternatives for resolving problem. Verify if the problem has been resolved or not. Verify if the problem has been resolved or not.

4. Effective Factors for Decision-Making Social factors Social factors Legal factors Legal factors Technological factors Technological factors Political factors Political factors Personality factors Personality factors

5. Guideline for Effective Decision Making Define the goals Define the goals Ensure that the decision contributes to the goal Ensure that the decision contributes to the goal Adopt a diagnostic approach Adopt a diagnostic approach Involve subordinates in decision making process Involve subordinates in decision making process Ensure successful implementation of the decision Ensure successful implementation of the decision Evaluate the results Evaluate the results Be flexible Be flexible

6. Group Decision Making Techniques Delphi Techniques Delphi Techniques (Dalkey and Helmer: 1963) (Dalkey and Helmer: 1963) NGT (Nominal Group Techniques) NGT (Nominal Group Techniques)

7. Steps of Delphi Techniques A problem is identified. A problem is identified. Group members are asked to offer solution to the problem by providing anonymous response to carefully designed questionnaire. Group members are asked to offer solution to the problem by providing anonymous response to carefully designed questionnaire. Responses of all group members are compiled and sent out to all members. Responses of all group members are compiled and sent out to all members. Individual group members are asked to generate a new individual solution to the problem after they have studied the individual responses of all other group members compiled in step 3. Individual group members are asked to generate a new individual solution to the problem after they have studied the individual responses of all other group members compiled in step 3. Step 3 and 4 are repeated until a consensus problem solution is reached. Step 3 and 4 are repeated until a consensus problem solution is reached.

8. Steps of NGT Each group member writes down individual ideas on the problem being discussed. Each group member writes down individual ideas on the problem being discussed. Each member presents individual ideas orally. The ideas are usually written on a board for all other members to see and refer to. Each member presents individual ideas orally. The ideas are usually written on a board for all other members to see and refer to. After all members present their ideas orally, the entire group discusses these idea simultaneously. After all members present their ideas orally, the entire group discusses these idea simultaneously. When discussion is completed a secret ballot is taken to allow members to support their favorite ideas without fear. The idea receiving the most votes is adopted and implemented. When discussion is completed a secret ballot is taken to allow members to support their favorite ideas without fear. The idea receiving the most votes is adopted and implemented.