The Decision$-$Making Process

Decision making is one of the most important and challenging aspects of management. Today, with massive volumes of information available, managers are challenged to make highly complex decisions$$some involving far more information than the human brain can comprehend$$in increasingly shorter time frames. It is helpful, then, for managers to have a decision$-$making process.

The goal of this activity is for you to correctly order the steps in the six$-$step decision$-$making process.

Instructions: Place the steps of the six$-$step decision$-$making process in order with $1$ being the first step, and $6$ being the last step.

Rank the options below.

Solution implementation: If the solution solves the problem, then the decisions made were correct. If not, then the decisions were incorrect and the process begins again.

Solution implementation: If the solution solves the problem, then the decisions made were correct. If not, then the decisions were incorrect and the process begins again. open choices for ranking

Problem identification: Define the problem as clearly and precisely as possible.

Problem identification: Define the problem as clearly and precisely as possible. open choices for ranking

Solution generation: Detail every solution possible, including ideas that seem farfetched.

Solution generation: Detail every solution possible, including ideas that seem farfetched. open choices for ranking

Solution selection: Select the solution that best solves the problem and meets the needs of the business.

Solution selection: Select the solution that best solves the problem and meets the needs of the business. open choices for ranking

Solution test: Evaluate solutions in terms of feasibility $($can it be completed?$),$ suitability $($is it a permanent or a temporary fix?$),$ and acceptability $($can all participants form a consensus?$).$

Solution test: Evaluate solutions in terms of feasibility $($can it be completed?$),$ suitability $($is it a permanent or a temporary fix?$),$ and acceptability $($can all participants form a consensus?$).$ open choices for ranking

Data collection: Gather problem$-$related data, including who, what, where, why, and how. Be sure to gather facts, not rumors or opinions about the problem.