Problem Solving & Decision Making

One day Prof Mandi started a discussion on a very interesting topic called problem solving and decision making .The discussion was very productive and i got to learn a lot of new things which i will be sharing in this blog.

Problem Solving: Problem-solving is a mental process that involves discovering, analyzing and solving problems. The ultimate goal of problem-solving is to overcome obstacles and find a solution that best resolves the issue.

Decision Making: Decision making is the mental process resulting in the selection of a course of action among several alternatives. Every decision making process produces a final choice in an action or an opinion of choice. If a person neither takes and action nor gives an opinion, this is also decision.

Difference Between Problem Solving and Decision Making

It is important to differentiate between problem analysis and decision making. The concepts are completely distinct from each another. Traditionally, it is argued that problem analysis must be done first, so that the information gathered in that process may be used towards decision making. A problem is a deviation from performance standards - that is, what occurred is different from what was expected to have occurred. In decision making, the objectives are first established, and a choice is made among alternatives for action or for an opinion. A decision that results in doing nothing - no action, nor an opinion rendered - is also considered a decision.

In any organization decision making and its implementation can happen in the following 4 ways:-

1.       Individual Decision, Individual Implementation

2.       Individual Decision, Group Implementation
3.       Group Decision, Individual Implementation4.       Group Decision, Group Implementation

Individual Decision:-In this case decision is taken by an individual and is a fast way of decision making.

Group Decision:-In this case decision is taken by a group of individuals and the decision is made only when they reach a mutual consensus.This way takes more time.

The Steps in Problem-Solving:-

1.       Problem Identification : In this step we identify the problems and prioritize them.
2.       Problem Analysis : In this step we define the problem statement on the basis of all the gathered data both from internal sources and external sources.
3.       Plan Development :In this step a plan is developed for tackling the problem and finding a feasible solution for it                          
4.      Plan Implementation:In this step the solution is implemented

5.  Plan Evaluation:In this the implemented solution is evaluated