The document outlines a seven-step rational decision-making model to effectively address problems, which includes defining objectives, isolating and analyzing the problem, generating alternatives, and evaluating them against set criteria. It emphasizes the importance of considering constraints, avoiding premature solutions, and assessing the practicality and legality of options. Additionally, guidelines for implementing decisions and establishing control mechanisms are provided to ensure effective communication and accountability.

2.  Using a rational, logical decision making
model will help solve most issues
 The following model identifies seven steps in
the decision making process.

4.  Write out your objectives or goals
 Be careful not to suggest how you will reach
you goal
 State only the preferred outcomes you want
 Consider the constraints or restrictions that
may exist

5.  Understand the difference between surface
causes of problems and root causes
 Surface causes are symptoms that something
is wrong
 Isolate and define the problem, a manager
must ask the right questions

6.  List different ways to get the results
 Remember do not jump to a solution
 List all alternatives you can think of to solve
the problem
 Eliminate alternatives that are impractical,
immoral, illegal or unsafe
 If you still have too many alternatives to
evaluate each on a scale from one extreme to
another

7. Four (4) guidelines for analyzing the
alternatives are as follows:
 List the advantages and disadvantages of
each alternative
 Evaluate all alternatives against the same
criteria
 Weigh criteria according to importance
 Designate an appropriate time frame to judge
criteria

8. Tips for selecting the best alternative:
 Add the values of the criteria for each
alternative
 Choose the alternative with the highest
“effect” value
At this point you may consider what your “gut
feeling” or intuition is telling you.

9. Consider the following factors in your
implementation plan:
 Who will be in charge? Who will be involved?
Who will be affected? Who will evaluate
results?
 What will they do?
 When will they do it?
 Why will they do things this way instead of
some other way?
 How will they do it?

10. Some general guidelines for controls and
monitors are as follows:
 Communicate the decision to the appropriate
employees and obtain feedback to ensure
that the decision is understood.
 Assign appropriate responsibility, authority
and accountability to those assigned with
implementing the decision.
 Establish controls, procedures and reporting
dates as necessary for follow up.

11.  Check to see how well the decision is working
 Evaluate the results

12. This is part of an on-line course
“Problem Solving & Decision Making”
REGISTER ON-LINE
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13. Better Business Solutions
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