Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

Essay by KinghighUniversity, Bachelor'sA+, November 2004

download word file, 5 pages 3.7

Analysis of a Decision Making Model

MGT/350

Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

October 24, 2004

An Analysis of a Decision Making Model

Decisions, we make them several times a day. Some decisions are effective and valid, while others appear to be a shot in the dark. Some decisions leave us with scratching our heads thinking, where did which come from? Other decisions, while we may not like them, solid decisions based in logic are better. So what separates these two concepts? The differences between these decisions are found in the decision-making process and not the decision itself.

Valid decisions are made on a consistent basis, when a decision making model is identified and utilized. Identifying the decision-making steps, having a working understanding of the components of each step, and the effective order of those steps, will provide a clearer path toward a sound and valid outcome to any situation.

In making an individual decision, we might use the 7-steps of decision making, as defined by Rick Robert's Decision-Making Model. Those steps include: Identify the decision; Know yourself, Identify the options; Gather information and data: Evaluate options, Select one of the options, and Design a course of action to implement the decision. To explain, in a practical way, I will demonstrate how each of these steps helped me arrive at my decision to return to college to obtain a business management degree to further my career development.

About a year ago, I was faced with a dilemma, remain as a special investigator, working in the field, or place myself in a position to move into management and reduce my required travel time. This decision required in-depth thinking to arrive at the best decision for my family and me.

I started first, by identifying the decision to be made. I could...