Decision Making Process Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is TRUE about problem identification?

  • A symptom and a problem are one and the same.
  • Problems are generally obvious.
  • Generally, what is a problem for one manager is a problem for all managers.
  • Effectively identifying problems is not easy. (correct)

What should Arnold, the CEO, do first when sales of high-end units decline?

Determine why sales are off.

If bus ridership has fallen for three weeks, what is this considered?

  • a symptom
  • a condition, but we need more information to determine whether it is a problem or a symptom. (correct)
  • neither a problem nor a symptom
  • a problem

What is the next step in the decision-making process after identifying a problem?

<p>identifying decision criteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are decision criteria?

<p>Decision criteria are the factors that are important or relevant to resolving a problem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When introducing a new product, Belinda has chosen to focus on target market size, production costs, and net profits. These are Belinda's...

<p>decision criteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Amanda's need for flexible work hours and telecommuting represents her...

<p>decision criteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When choosing a college, Max's desire for an accredited liberal arts college with financial aid represents his...

<p>decision criteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step after identifying the decision criteria?

<p>allocating weights to the criteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When Bryan prioritizes quality over price and price over lead times for a new lighting fixture supplier, he is...

<p>allocating weights to the criteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Creativity is most important in which step of the decision-making process?

<p>developing alternatives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carla is searching the internet for Himalayan salt suppliers. Carla is in which step of the decision-making process?

<p>develop-alternatives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When Joe's team brainstormed ideas to prevent crane crashes, they completed which step?

<p>develop alternatives (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Comparing prices, quality, and delivery times for Himalayan salt suppliers is which step?

<p>analyze alternatives (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To help Carla choose a supplier, she should...

<p>multiply her ratings for each criteria by the weight for the criteria then sum the scores (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When Abby chose to drive and carry an umbrella based on the weather report, she...

<p>implemented a decision (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the decision-making process, what happens when implementing an alternative?

<p>implementing an alternative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial for effective implementation?

<p>allowing those impacted by the outcome to participate in the process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before implementing a decision, it is prudent to...

<p>check to make sure the conditions that existed at the time of the decision still exist, and make sure the decision is still the best one (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the decision-making process?

<p>evaluate the outcome of the decision (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to evaluate the results of Joe's team's solution to prevent crane crashes?

<p>results may vary from expectations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decision-making process begins by identifying decision criteria.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A decision criterion defines what is important or relevant to resolving a problem.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the decision-making process, after allocating weights to decision criteria, the decision maker lists viable alternatives that could resolve the problem.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Once the alternatives to solving a problem have been identified, the next step in the decision-making process is selecting one of these alternatives.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Implementing an alternative refers to the process of choosing the best alternative.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 8 steps in the decision-making process?

<ol> <li>Identify a problem, 2. Identify Decision Criteria, 3. Allocate weights to the Criteria, 4. Develop Alternatives, 5. Analyze Alternatives, 6. Select an Alternative, 7. Implement it, and 8. Evaluate Decision Effectiveness.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is assumed when managers make logical and consistent choices to maximize value?

<p>rational decision making (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When Dylan uses rational decision making to choose a candidate, he will...

<p>disregard the fact the one of the candidates is the owner's nephew (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is assumed about a rational decision maker?

<p>is fully objective and logical (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept is followed when managers make decisions that are rational but limited by their ability to process information?

<p>bounded rationality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Managers are expected to use rational decision-making when making decisions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish between rational decision making and bounded rationality.

<p>Rational decision making assumes that managers are fully informed, have the time to consider all options, and make choices that are logical and maximize value. Bounded rationality acknowledges that managers have limitations, both in their access to perfect information and their ability to process massive amounts of data. This leads them to make decisions that are 'good enough' given the constraints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intuition is essentially making a decision based on feelings.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Escalation of commitment is always a negative characteristic of decision making.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evidence-based management relies solely on factual data and does not incorporate human judgment.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 4 ways managers make decisions?

<ol> <li>Rational decision making, 2. Bounded rationality, 3. Intuitive decision making, and 4. Evidence-based management.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

The first step in the decision-making process is identifying a problem.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is it recommended to use a more structured decision-making process?

<p>When the decision is complex, important, and has the potential for significant consequences (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Using intuition in decision making should be avoided in most situations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Evidence-based management is a relatively new approach to decision making.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some common decision-making biases?

<p>Common biases include confirmation bias, anchoring bias, availability bias, and framing bias.</p> Signup and view all the answers

It's important for decision makers to be aware of cultural differences when making decisions that impact people from different cultures.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Organizations should embrace the concept of 'groupthink' to foster harmony among employees.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decision-making process is a linear process that must be completed in a specific order.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe 'escalation of commitment' and provide an example.

<p>Escalation of commitment is the tendency to continue investing in a failing course of action, even when it is clear that it's not working. For example, a manager might continue to invest in a failing product line, even though it's losing money, because they are committed to the original decision and don't want to admit that it was a mistake.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Managers who have a high tolerance for ambiguity are better equipped to make decisions in uncertain environments.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is evidence based management and why is it important?

<p>Evidence-based management involves using scientific evidence and data to make decisions rather than relying solely on intuition or tradition. This approach helps reduce bias, improve the accuracy of decisions, and increase their likelihood of success. It's important because it allows organizations to make more informed and effective decisions by leveraging data and research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is the best time to use intuition in decision-making?

<p>When facing high-stakes, fast-paced decisions with limited data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decision-making styles are influenced by personal values and preferences.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common decision-making bias?

<p>Groupthink bias (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decision-making process can be improved with experience and practice.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decision-making process is the same for all types of decisions, from small, routine tasks to large strategic initiatives.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is important to consider when making decisions in diverse work environments?

<p>Cultural differences (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decision-making is a skill that is not critical to the success of managers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decision-making is a linear process that must be followed step by step.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decision-making is influenced by both individual factors and the organizational context.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

It's always better to make a decision quickly than to take time to gather more information and consider all options.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The decision-making process is a solitary activity best left to managers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Decision-making is an art, not a science.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can decision-making skills be improved?

<p>Decision-making skills can be improved through practice, training, and feedback. Seek out opportunities to make decisions, reflect on your own decision-making processes, and learn from both successes and mistakes. Enlist feedback from others, read about best practices, and consider utilizing decision-making tools and techniques.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ethical considerations should be ignored in the pursuit of efficient decision-making.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Managers who are able to quickly adapt their decision-making approach will be more successful in today's fast-changing environment.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Problem

A difference between the current state and a desired state.

Symptom

A symptom is an indication or sign of a problem. It's not the problem itself, but something that hints at its existence.

Decision Criteria

Factors that are important in making a decision. They define what matters when selecting a solution.

Allocate Weights to Criteria

Assigning priorities or weights to decision criteria based on their importance to the decision.

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Alternatives

Possible solutions or courses of action that could be taken to address the problem.

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Analyze Alternatives

Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative to determine which is most suitable based on the decision criteria.

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Implement the Alternative

Putting the chosen alternative into action by conveying it to the relevant parties and gaining their commitment.

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Evaluate Decision Effectiveness

Appraising the results of the decision to see if the problem has been resolved. It involves comparing the outcome with the decision goals.

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Rational Decision Making

A decision-making approach where individuals make logical and consistent choices to maximize value, based on clear and complete information. It assumes rationality and objectivity.

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Bounded Rationality

This concept acknowledges the limitations of information processing. Individuals make decisions that are logical but constrained by their ability to acquire and process all relevant information.

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Intuitive Decision Making

A decision-making style that relies on intuition, feelings, and experience rather than logical analysis. It often involves unconscious processes and patterns.

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Escalation of Commitment

The tendency to stick with a decision even when it's not working, often due to a desire to justify past investments or avoid admitting mistakes.

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Heuristics

Making decisions based on past experiences, rules of thumb, and mental shortcuts. These can be useful but can also lead to biases.

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Groupthink

A group decision-making process where individuals share their ideas and perspectives to arrive at a better decision. It promotes diverse viewpoints and creativity.

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Groupthink

A bias that occurs when group members prioritize conformity and cohesion over critical analysis of ideas. This can lead to poor decisions.

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Evidence-Based Management

A decision-making style that relies on data and evidence to inform choices. It emphasizes objectivity and a systematic approach to decision-making.

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Ethical Decision Making

The act of making decisions that are fair, impartial, and unbiased. Ethical decisions consider the impact on all stakeholders.

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Overconfidence Bias

The tendency for individuals to overestimate their abilities and knowledge, leading to overly confident decisions. This can result in overlooking risks and potential consequences.

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Confirmation Bias

The tendency to focus on information that confirms existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying contradictory evidence. This can lead to biases in decision-making.

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Anchoring Bias

The tendency to be influenced by the first piece of information encountered, even if it's not the most relevant or accurate. This can lead to biases in decision-making.

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Availability Bias

The tendency to judge the likelihood of an event based on how easily it comes to mind. This can lead to biases in decision-making, as more memorable events might seem more likely.

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Status Quo Bias

The tendency to favor options that align with the status quo or what has been done in the past. This can hinder innovation and change.

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Loss Aversion

The tendency to place more weight on losses than gains. This can lead to risk-averse decisions.

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Risk Management

A decision-making approach that involves using a systematic process to identify and analyze risks, develop strategies to mitigate them, and monitor their effectiveness.

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Consensus Decision Making

A decision-making process where group members share their opinions and perspectives. The group collaborates to reach a consensus or a decision that reflects the collective wisdom.

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Majority Rule Decision Making

A decision-making method where individuals cast votes to express their preferences. The option with the most votes wins.

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Cost-Benefit Analysis

A decision-making approach that involves selecting the option that offers the most benefits or value compared to its costs. It emphasizes a cost-benefit analysis.

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Decision Evaluation

The process of evaluating decisions to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. It involves comparing the actual results with the expected outcomes.

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Decision Tree

A decision-making tool that involves identifying all possible outcomes of a decision and assigning probabilities to each. This helps to assess the potential risks and rewards of different choices.

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Risk Assessment

A decision-making technique that involves identifying and prioritizing potential risks to a project or decision. Risk assessment helps in planning mitigation strategies.

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Study Notes

Decision Making Process

  • A problem is a difference between current conditions and a desired state.
  • Problem identification isn't always straightforward.
  • A symptom is not the same as a problem; a symptom signals a potential issue.
  • Identifying relevant criteria is crucial for effective decision-making.
  • Decision criteria define what's important for resolving a problem.
  • Allocating weights to criteria prioritizes factors.
  • Developing alternatives is a creative process.
  • Analyzing alternatives involves comparing potential solutions.
  • Selecting an alternative involves choosing the best option.
  • Implementing alternatives means putting the decision into action.
  • Evaluating decision effectiveness involves assessing the results.

Types of Decision Making

  • Rational decision making assumes managers make logical, consistent choices to maximize value.
  • This model assumes unlimited information processing, perfect knowledge, and complete objectivity
  • In reality, bounded rationality acknowledges limitations on information processing and knowledge. Managers make decisions based on available information and simplify complex situations. It's still a logical approach.
  • Intuitive decision making uses past experience and judgment to make quick decisions. This can be effective in situations with incomplete information.
  • Evidence-based management uses data and facts to inform decisions.

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