Decision making B.Ed. Educational Management University of Mumbai

1. Asst. Prof. Ketan Kamble
Dnyan Ganga Education Trust’s College of Education (B.Ed.), Thane
Decision Making by Asst.Prof. Ketan Kamble
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2.  Decision-making is the selection based on some criteria from two or more possible
alternatives – George R.Terry
 A decision can be defined as a course of action consciously chosen from available alternatives
for the purpose of desired result – J.L.Massie
 A decision is an act of choice, wherein an executive forms a conclusion about what must be
done in a given situation. A decision represents a course of behaviour chosen from a number
of possible alternatives – D.E.Mc.Farland
 From theses definitions, it is clear that decision making is concerned with selecting a course
of action from among alternatives to achieve a predetermined objective.
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3. Decision Making by Asst.Prof. Ketan Kamble
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Define the Problem1.
Analyzing the problem
Developing alternative solutions
Selecting the best type of alternative
Implementation of the decision
Follow up
Monitoring and feedback
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4. 1. Define the problem:
 The first and the foremost step in the decision-making process is to define the real problem.
 A problem can be explained as a question for an appropriate solution.
2. Analyzing the problem:
 After defining the problem, the next important step is a systematic analysis of the available
data.
 Sound decisions are based on proper collection, classification and analysis of facts and
figures.
 There are three principles relating to the analysis and classification as explained below:
i. The futurity of the decision. This means to what length of time, the decision will be
applicable to a course of action.
ii. The impact of decision on other functions and areas of the business.
iii. The qualitative considerations which come into the picture.
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5. 3. Developing alternative solutions:
 The main aim of developing alternative solutions is to have the best possible decision out of
the available alternative courses of action.
 In modern times, the techniques of operational research and computer applications are
immensely helpful in the development of alternative courses of action.
4. Selecting the best type of alternative:
 After developing various alternatives, the manager has to select the best alternative.
 The following are the four important points to be kept in mind in selecting the best from
various alternatives:
(a) Risk element involved
(b) Economy of effort involved in each alternative
(c) Proper timing of the decision and action.
(d) Limited resources available at our disposal.
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6. 5. Implementation of the decision:
For effective execution of the decision, three things are very important i.e.,
(a) Proper and effective communication of decisions to the subordinates.
(b) Acceptance of decision by the subordinates is important.
(c) Correct timing in the execution of decision minimizes the resistance to change.
6. Follow up:
A follow up system ensures the achievement of the objectives, concerned with the process of
checking the proper implementation of decision.
7. Monitoring and feedback:
Feedback provides the means of determining the effectiveness of the implemented decision.
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Acknowledgement : Bhupendra Shrike (Typewriting)