A critical thinking simulation is a helpful tool that can be implemented to help teach the fundamental decision-making steps which include framing the problem, making the decision, and evaluating the decision. The University of Phoenix devised such a simulation where the participant was directed to make the decisions that would normally be associated with the highest management level of a company. Specifically, the participant is placed in charge of opening a McDonald's with a number of problems, including natural disasters, common diseases, and a diverse cultural with a very young population.
In analyzing the problems in the simulation, a number of decision-making tools and techniques can be employed. The decision-making tools used in the simulation were brainstorming, affinity diagram and S.W.O.T (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). These tools were used because the simulation was primarily directed to the participant as a sole decision-maker, as opposed to a group think situation.
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McDonalds
KAVA UTOIKAMANUThe specific application of each of these tools allows the participant to more clearly distinguish between the problem, the symptoms, possible fallacies, and the solution. For example, opening a McDonalds in an island named Kava frequently hit by natural disasters can have many consequences. In using the affinity diagram tool, the insufficient sales problem is classified as both a critical and urgent issue to be addressed. In the S.W.O.T tool, gave us a clear perspective on to what will be out strengths and how to benefit from them. In addition, the weaknesses will be clear and give us the opportunity to work against preventing or finding a solution to our potential future problems. The last tool used was the brainstorming tool, this technique classified the goal that needed to be met and emphasized on the main reason as to why McDonald's should be opened in Kava.
Each tool had its...