Expert answer:Related theme 1 and theme 2
Solved by verified expert:Learning Activity #1: Related to Theme 1These cartoons suggest reasons for studying decision-making. Using the cartoons as a guide, describe some of these reasons. Be sure to refer to the readings for this week in your descriptions.Students must use course material and APA format in all posts. You must be able to support your statements in this way.Learning Activity #2: Related to Theme 2World hunger is a problem, not a decision to be made.In a short paragraph explain whether you agree or disagree with the statement. For example, World hunger is a problem or World hunger is a decision to be made. Why do you agree or disagree with one of those statements? Explain in detail.Is there a relationship between a problem and a decision in this statement? If so, why and if not, why not? Discuss thoroughly and make sure to support the reasoning using the course readings. Use APA and in text citations for all posts.
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Learning Activity #1: Related to Theme 1
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These cartoons suggest reasons for studying decision-making. Using the cartoons
as a guide, describe some of these reasons. Be sure to refer to the readings for
this week in your descriptions.
Students must use course material and APA format in all posts. You must be able
to support your statements in this way.
Learning Activity #2: Related to Theme 2
World hunger is a problem, not a decision to be made.
In a short paragraph explain whether you agree or disagree with the
statement. For example, World hunger is a problem or World hunger is a decision
to be made. Why do you agree or disagree with one of those statements? Explain in
detail.
Is there a relationship between a problem and a decision in this statement? If so,
why and if not, why not?
Discuss thoroughly and make sure to support the reasoning using the course
readings. Use APA and in text citations for all posts.
Week 1 Reading
Week 1: Good Decision Making is Crucial to the Survival of Any
Organization
Theme #1: Why Study Decision Making?
“No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not
only the world as it is, but the world as it will
be…”
Isaac Asimov
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Decision-making is fundamental for a good leader, a successful business, a successful
organization, and a productive manager. Decision-making is what moves the business or
organization towards the completion of its vision. Leaders and managers must make
decision making a key objective to know how to make the best decision they can quickly
and with successful implementation.
The 21st century is different from any other time in history. The yellow pad list of
advantages and disadvantages are not enough for the business of today. Decisions
making is about choices, not solving problems although the two remain very much linked.
Four reasons why decision-making on the part of the individual and by the organization
is critical in today’s business environment are the ever-advancing technology, more
stakeholders involvement in a decision, innovation as a driver of competitive advantage,
and the need for fast pace change to stay sustainable.
First, technology has made decision making no longer an exercise achieved by simply
going with the gut. The fast, easily accessible collection of data can create not only the
evidence needed to support a choice but also serves to increase the volume of
alternatives from which a decision maker can choose. For instance, where once the small
business owner could choose between a storefront or a home business, today’s owner
can also choose Internet sales, App’s, You Tube or from among the many Social Media
outlets.
Second, business decisions today have more people whose input touches and concerns
every decision that is made. The increased number of stakeholders in a decision
increases the need for expanded choices and objectives in the decision-making
process. One good example is the need for a business to include the community in its
decisions to sell products made with child labor. In years past, the decision would have
revolved around the cost of the product. Where it was made and by whom was not
relevant to the business owner nor to the society in which it operated.
Third, innovation is the most effective way to create a competitive advantage in business
today. Innovation is very effective within a group or team. Decision-making can be more
complex and with higher stakes for the business. The best example of this is the way
Apple brings new products to the world. The company works in teams brainstorming and
working in a collaborative fashion to decide what items are needed to continue the growth
of the product line while leaving others to catch up. Understanding how groups make
decisions is extremely important for the future leader.
The fourth reason for a leader or manager to improve their decision-making skills is the
fast-paced nature of doing business and creating change. Customers have developed an
expectation of 24/7 service in their business dealings today. They can receive this
expectation from competitors and in some cases accept nothing less. For example,
thinking about how frustrating it can be when unable to speak with a bank representative
about an ATM transaction gone wrong at 10 pm. In prior years, the issue of waiting to
get an answer to the problem at that hour was assumed. Today, it is a competitive factor
among banks. Making the best decisions for any business owner or employee is crucial
to the sustainability of the business.
This week students will examine the need for good decision making in the contemporary
business and organization.
Read and View:
Thoughts on Leadership: How Important is Decision-Making?
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Consensus Decision Making the Future
How Can Decision Making Be Improved
Understanding Decision Making
12 Reasons Why How You Make Decisions Is More Important Than What You Decide
Decision Making for Innovation
Are You Making Smart Data Driven Decisions?
(The below articles can be accessed in the UMUC Library)
• Making Decisions in Turbulent Times Roberto, Michael A. Ivey Business
Journal.Jan/Feb2002, Vol. 66 Issue 3, p14. 7p.
• Decisions, Decisions. By: Useem, Jerry, Fortune, 00158259, 6/27/2005, Vol. 151,
Issue 13
Theme #2: Decision Making and Problem Solving are Different While Still Linked
Problem solving and decision-making are often thought of as the same thing. Often, the
terms are used interchangeably. The European business literature, for instance, makes
no distinction at all. Yet, for this class and in the American literature in general, the
distinction is clear.
Decision-making is about making choices between alternative actions. The decision can
be easy, like choosing between chocolate or strawberry ice cream or have many
alternatives with several options from which to choose like choosing between several
colleges. The important distinction is that decision-making means choosing between
alternatives. Alternatives can have consequences to each choice, but the selection
process involves factors other than just the consequences. Decision making also involves
the intangible element of judgment. Which of the choices seems to best fit my objectives
in making the decision? The idea of “best fit” is subjective and requires judgement.
This is not the case in problem solving. In problem solving it is all about selecting the best
outcome for the problem. For example, consider a roof that is leaking causing damage
to products. The problem is about stopping the leak and preventing further damage to the
products. This may mean calling a roof repair service and fixing the leak, calling the roof
repair service and moving the products away from the leak so no further damage can be
done while the roof is fixed, or moving production to another area so that work can
continue leaving the roof to be fixed at another time. There may be factors, like budget,
that go into choosing what outcome is better, but it is the outcome that is driving the
choices.
While the common factor in both problem solving and decision-making is the process of
selecting between options, decision making can stand on its own. It does not need a
problem to trigger its use. Decision-making can be proactive. For instance, the decision
to develop a new product line or enter a new marketplace for future growth is a common
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decision made by business owners. Notice that this decision does not involve a
problem. Understanding the difference between problem solving and decision making is
critical to the approach one takes in creating and making choices.
This class will focus only on the decision-making process.
Read and View:
Difference Between Problem Solving and Decision Making
Decision Making vs. Problem Solving
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