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Decision-making and Problem-solving

The document outlines a structured approach to decision-making and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of analyzing situations, generating ideas, and evaluating alternatives. It introduces a 5-step problem-solving strategy that includes specifying the problem, analyzing it, formulating solutions, evaluating those solutions, and choosing the best option. Additionally, it discusses decision-making strategies that involve careful consideration of outcomes, risks, and the potential long-term effects of choices.

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Sipho Ndlovu
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3 views

Decision-making and Problem-solving

The document outlines a structured approach to decision-making and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of analyzing situations, generating ideas, and evaluating alternatives. It introduces a 5-step problem-solving strategy that includes specifying the problem, analyzing it, formulating solutions, evaluating those solutions, and choosing the best option. Additionally, it discusses decision-making strategies that involve careful consideration of outcomes, risks, and the potential long-term effects of choices.

Uploaded by

Sipho Ndlovu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Decision-making and Problem-solving

Appreciate the Complexities Involved in Decision-Making & Problem Solving

Develop evidence to support views

Analyze situations carefully

Discuss subjects in an organized way

Predict the consequences of actions

Weigh alternatives

Generate and organize ideas

Form and apply concepts

Design systematic plans of action

A 5-Step Problem-Solving Strategy

Specify the problem – a first step to solving a problem is to identify it as specifically as


possible. It involves evaluating the present state and determining how it differs from the
goal state.

Analyze the problem – analyzing the problem involves learning as much as you can
about it. It may be necessary to look beyond the obvious, surface situation, to stretch
your imagination and reach for more creative options.
seek other perspectives

be flexible in your analysis

consider various strands of impact

brainstorm about all possibilities and implications

research problems for which you lack complete information. Get help.

Formulate possible solutions – identify a wide range of possible solutions.

try to think of all possible solutions

be creative

consider similar problems and how you have solved them

Evaluate possible solutions – weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each


solution. Think through each solution and consider how, when, and where you could
accomplish each. Consider both immediate and long-term results. Mapping your
solutions can be helpful at this stage.

Choose a solution – consider 3 factors:


compatibility with your priorities

amount of risk

practicality

Keys to Problem Solving

Think aloud – problem solving is a cognitive, mental process. Thinking aloud or talking
yourself through the steps of problem solving is useful. Hearing yourself think can
facilitate the process.

Allow time for ideas to "gel" or consolidate. If time permits, give yourself time for
solutions to develop. Distance from a problem can allow you to clear your mind and get
a new perspective.

Talk about the problem – describing the problem to someone else and talking about it
can often make a problem become more clear and defined so that a new solution will
surface.

Decision Making Strategies

Decision making is a process of identifying and evaluating choices. We make


numerous decisions every day and our decisions may range from routine, every-day
types of decisions to those decisions which will have far reaching impacts. The types of
decisions we make are routine, impulsive, and reasoned. Deciding what to eat for
breakfast is a routine decision; deciding to do or buy something at the last minute is
considered an impulsive decision; and choosing your college major is, hopefully, a
reasoned decision. College coursework often requires you to make the latter, or
reasoned decisions.
Decision making has much in common with problem solving. In problem solving you
identify and evaluate solution paths; in decision making you make a similar discovery
and evaluation of alternatives. The crux of decision making, then, is the careful
identification and evaluation of alternatives. As you weigh alternatives, use the following
suggestions:

Consider the outcome each is likely to produce, in both the short term and the long
term.

Compare alternatives based on how easily you can accomplish each.

Evaluate possible negative side effects each may produce.

Consider the risk involved in each.

Be creative, original; don't eliminate alternatives because you have not heard or used
them before.

An important part of decision making is to predict both short-term and long-term


outcomes for each alternative. You may find that while an alternative seems most
desirable at the present, it may pose problems or complications over a longer time
period.

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