Decision Making and Problem
Solving
Krishantha Jayasundara
What is Decision Making?
Opinion
Choosing Cognitive
Consider
an Process something
Alternative
Judgment
Decision Making
An act of making up your mind
about something
A position or opinion or judgment
reached after consideration.
Process of Decision Making
Decision Making
Planning Directing
Leading Controlling Organizing
Strategic Decision Making Process
The Elements of Decision Making
• The problem context (Who is affected by the
problem)
The Elements of Decision Making
• Problem finding and agenda setting
The Elements of Decision Making
• Rationales (the reason for doing or believing in
something)
The Elements of Decision Making
• Setting (The business setting)
The Elements of Decision Making
• Scope and Level (how serious is the problem)
The Elements of Decision Making
• Procedural and technical aids
The Elements of Decision Making
• Outcome (The result of the decision)
The Elements of Decision Making
• Implementation
Definitions of Problem Solving
Process of
working To reach a
through details solution
of a problem
• Analytical Skills
• Mathematical skills
• Forward thinking
• Cause and effect analysis
Problem
Solving/Problem
Management
Process Decision
• Problem solving is a mental process of
problem finding and problem shaping
Seven Steps for Effective Problem Solving in
the Workplace
2. Understand
1. Identify the 3. List the possible
everyone's
issues. solutions (options)
interests.
6. Document the 5. Select an option 4. Evaluate the
agreement(s). or options. options.
7. Agree on
contingencies,
monitoring, and
evaluation.
Process of Decision Making
Defining the
problem
Planning the next
Problem Analysis
course of action
Selecting the best Generating
solutions possible Solutions
Analyzing
solutions
1. Defining the Problem
What you want
Identify
to achieve
Clear doubts Analysis
2. Analyzing the Problem
• Current situation
• Finding the route cause
3. Generating Possible Solutions
Possible
alternatives
Make a list
of them
4. Analyzing the Solutions
Pros and cons
Practicality of
each alternatives
Safety
5. Selecting the Best Solution
The most
appropriate
solution
Low cost
High effectiveness
6. Planning the next course of action
Plan what you
are going to do
Draw up the
action plan
Avoid possible
issues in future
