Chapter 2 (b) Flashcards
What is the first step in the decision-making process?
Identify a problem.
Define a problem in the decision-making process.
An obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal or purpose.
What is an example of identifying a problem?
Amanda, a sales manager, realizes her reps need new laptops.
What is the second step in the decision-making process?
Identify the decision criteria.
What are decision criteria?
Factors that are important to resolving the problem.
What is an example of identifying decision criteria?
Amanda decides memory and storage, display quality, battery life, warranty, and carrying weight are important.
What is the third step in the decision-making process?
Allocate weights to the criteria.
Why is it important to allocate weights to decision criteria?
To prioritize criteria based on their importance to the decision.
What is an example of allocated weights for Amanda’s decision?
Memory and storage: 10
Battery life: 8
Carrying weight: 6
Warranty: 4
Display quality: 3
What is the fourth step in the decision-making process?
Develop alternatives.
What does it mean to develop alternatives?
List viable options that could solve the problem.
What is an example of developing alternatives?
Amanda identifies eight laptops as possible choices.
What is the fifth step in the decision-making process?
Analyze possible alternatives.
What is the sixth step in the decision-making process?
Select an alternative.
How is an alternative selected?
Choose the option that generates the highest total evaluation based on weighted criteria.
What is the seventh step in the decision-making process?
Implement the alternative.
What does it mean to implement an alternative?
Put the chosen solution into action, communicate the decision to those affected, and secure their commitment.
What is the eighth step in the decision-making process?
Evaluate decision effectiveness.
Why is evaluating decision effectiveness important?
To determine if the problem was resolved and identify what went wrong if it wasn’t.
What should you do if the decision was not effective?
Reassess the process and identify areas for improvement.
