The document outlines the ideal decision-making process as defined by Baker et al in 2001, which involves 8 steps: 1) defining the problem, 2) determining requirements, 3) establishing goals, 4) identifying alternatives, 5) developing valuation criteria, 6) selecting a decision-making tool, 7) applying the tool to select a preferred alternative, and 8) checking the answer. However, the reality is that decision-makers often fail to fully follow this process, overlooking steps like developing criteria and checking the solution, or treating problems as symptoms rather than true underlying issues. Time pressures can also encourage shortcuts over thorough decision-making.
2. Decision-making
As
defined by Baker et al in their 2001
study, efficient decision-making involves a
series of steps that require the input of
information at different stages of the
process, as well as a process for feedback.
3. Decisions
Made up of a composite of information,
data, facts and belief.
Data by itself does not constitute useful
information unless it is analyzed and
processed.
4. A Decision
Is
only as good as the data that informed it
Is only as good as it is an informed one
Is only as good as the system which exists
to implement
Is only good if you have the means to
implement it
Is only good if other people understand it
and what it means
5. The Ideal Decision-making
Process
STEP 1
Define the problem
STEP 2
Determine the
requirements that the
solution to the
problem must meet
STEP 3
Establish goals that
solving the problem
should accomplish
STEP 4
Identify alternatives
that will solve the
problem
STEP 5
Develop valuation
criteria based on the
goals
STEP 6
Select a decisionmaking Tool
STEP 7
Apply the tool to
select a
preferred alternative
STEP 8
Check the answer
to make sure it
solves the problem
The Decision-making Process (adapted from Baker et al, 2001)
6. The Reality
Is
the Problem really the problem?
Problems are often the symptom and not the
true problem.
Most often that not steps 5-8 are either
forgotten, avoided or simply ignored.
Urgency is there a quick version?
Who has time to follow-up? Tomorrow is
another problem.
7. The Reality
Is
the Problem really the problem?
Problems are often the symptom and not the
true problem.
Most often that not steps 5-8 are either
forgotten, avoided or simply ignored.
Urgency is there a quick version?
Who has time to follow-up? Tomorrow is
another problem.