What is defined as the process of identifying and choosing alternative courses?

Asked by jmonetm93

Decision making is the process of identifying and choosing alternative courses of action. While we want to make rational decisions, sometimes we don't . . . sometimes we make non-rational decisions.

There are four steps in rational decision-making:

  1. What is the problem or opportunity?-In business the problem can come in the form of customer complaints, supplier breakdowns, staff turnover, sales decline, etc. Organizations proactively seek opportunities to exceed goals, surpass the industry expectations and to expand and grow the business.
  2. What are alternative courses of action?-Leaders should seek input from multiple sources to interpret and analyze the problem/opportunity to come up with as many options as possible to solve the issue.
  3. What is a preferred course of action?-The group want to answer the following: (1) Is the action ethical?; (2) Is it feasible? (costs, technology availability; (3) Is it effective? If your answer to this question is the resolution is "good enough" you want to rethink this solution it will cause more harm than good.
  4. What is the preferred course of action?-You need to the participation from all teams to successfully implement the action.

On the other hand, non-rational decisions are generally the result of either Satisficing (going with the first available option without much research) or Intuition (using your "gut" or just your own feelings to make decisions).

Think about a time when you made a non-rational decision on the job or in your personal life.

  • Was it the result of satisficing or intuition?
  • How would your decision have been different using the four steps for rational decision-making?
  • How would the steps have helped you to make a better, or more sound, decision?

Answer & Explanation

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Week 10 DiscussionStep 1 - Read the Information BelowDecision making is the process of identifying and choosing alternative courses of action. While we want tomake rational decisions, sometimes we don't—sometimes we make non-rational decisions.There are four steps in rational decision-making:1.Recognize and define the problem or opportunity. In business, the problem can come in the form of customercomplaints, supplier breakdowns, staff turnover, sales decline, and so on. Organizations proactively seekopportunities to exceed goals, surpass the industry expectations, and to expand and grow the business.2.Identify and analyze alternative courses of action. Leaders should seek input from multiple sources tointerpret and analyze the problem/opportunity to come up with as many options as possible to solve theissue.3.Choose a preferred course of action. The group want to answer the following:oIs the action ethical?

Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.

Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives. This approach increases the chances that you will choose the most satisfying alternative possible.

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Step 1: Identify the decision

You realize that you need to make a decision. Try to clearly define the nature of the decision you must make. This first step is very important.

Step 2: Gather relevant information

Collect some pertinent information before you make your decision: what information is needed, the best sources of information, and how to get it. This step involves both internal and external “work.” Some information is internal: you’ll seek it through a process of self-assessment. Other information is external: you’ll find it online, in books, from other people, and from other sources.

Step 3: Identify the alternatives

As you collect information, you will probably identify several possible paths of action, or alternatives. You can also use your imagination and additional information to construct new alternatives. In this step, you will list all possible and desirable alternatives.

Step 4: Weigh the evidence

Draw on your information and emotions to imagine what it would be like if you carried out each of the alternatives to the end. Evaluate whether the need identified in Step 1 would be met or resolved through the use of each alternative. As you go through this difficult internal process, you’ll begin to favor certain alternatives: those that seem to have a higher potential for reaching your goal. Finally, place the alternatives in a priority order, based upon your own value system.

Step 5: Choose among alternatives

Once you have weighed all the evidence, you are ready to select the alternative that seems to be best one for you. You may even choose a combination of alternatives. Your choice in Step 5 may very likely be the same or similar to the alternative you placed at the top of your list at the end of Step 4.

Step 6: Take action

You’re now ready to take some positive action by beginning to implement the alternative you chose in Step 5.

Step 7: Review your decision & its consequences

In this final step, consider the results of your decision and evaluate whether or not it has resolved the need you identified in Step 1. If the decision has not met the identified need, you may want to repeat certain steps of the process to make a new decision. For example, you might want to gather more detailed or somewhat different information or explore additional alternatives.

What is defined as the process of identifying and choosing alternative courses of action?

Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.

What is the process of defining the problem and identifying and choosing alternative courses of action in manner appropriate to the demands of the situation?

Decision-making may be defined as “the process of identifying and choosing alternative courses of action in a manner appropriate to the demands of the situation.” Decision-making, according to Nickels and others, “is the heart of all the management functions.”

Who defines decision

Decision-making is defined by Harold Koontz as—”Decision-making is the selection of a course of action among alternative, it is the core of planning.” George or terry says— “Decision-making is a selection based on certain criteria from two or more alternatives”.