Every day, individuals are confronted with situations that call on them to make decisions. Most of these decisions are rather trivial. However, there are some decisions that are life changing. For instance, the decision about which college to attend can have profound effects on an individual’s life. It is important for one to exercise patience and wisdom when making such decisions. An elaborate decision making process has been made to aid in decision making. Essentially, this process is composed of six steps. The process begins by defining the problem and ends with making plans for the next course of action that one wishes to taken (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). In this paper, a scenario where a decision must be made is considered. The paper outlines how the steps in the decision making process will be applied to this scenario.
The scenario
In this scenario, I play the role of a parent whose child needs help with a school project. The child is really excited about the project and I really desire to help him. However, I understand that it is important to allow children to take total responsibility for their own work. I must teach the child the importance of offering his best effort to this project. I observe that another parent has gone great lengths to help their child with the project. The parent has taken the day off to help the child. In addition to this, the parent has also purchased supplies with the aim of ensuring that the child completes the project successfully. The efforts of this parent challenges me to involve myself more in my child’s project. In the discussion that follows, an outline of the steps that I would take to resolve the issue that I face is offered.
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Defining the problem
As it has already been mentioned, defining the problem is the first step in the decision making process. It is advised that one should begin by identifying the objectives that they wish to achieve (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). One is also advised to write down the problem to ensure that they are solving the right problem. In the scenario discussed above, the problem that I need to solve regards helping my child with the project. I need to decide whether to let the child work on the project without any help from me or if I should offer support. Additionally, I must ensure that the child obtains lessons from this experience. They must understand the need for taking responsibility. At the same time, I must ensure that his confidence does not suffer if he fails in the project. It is quite clear that I am unable to achieve all these goals. I must select the goals to which I will dedicate my effort.
Problem analysis
The second phase of the problem solving process involves analyzing the problem at hand. At this stage, one needs to identify the source of the problem and to develop a criterion for assessing the possible solutions (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). The problem in the scenario above is clearly resulting from parental anxiety. As a parent, I must determine what is best for my child. Should I remain uninvolved and risk the child failing in the project? Or should I help the child and risk bringing up an individual who does not understand the need to take responsibility. The best interest of the child will be the primary criterion that I will use to judge the various possible solutions to the problem.
Generating possible solutions
Having analyzed the problem, one is required to come up with several options that hold potential for addressing the problem (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). One does not need to examine the solutions at this stage. In the scenario discussed earlier, two possible solutions are available. One, I could choose to help the child. This option could involve me providing the child with the supplies that they need to complete the project. Two, I could choose to take a step back and let the child work on the project on their own.
Analyzing the solutions
The identification of the possible solutions gives way to solution analysis. When analyzing the different options, one should explore the impacts of each of the solutions (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). One should also measure the benefits of each solution against the costs. Essentially, this step involves cost-benefit analysis. The main purpose of solution analysis is to identify the solution that presents the greatest benefit while minimizing cost. Letting the child work on the project on his own and intervening are two of the solutions to the problem that I face. The main benefit that the first option presents is that it will allow the child to understand the importance of responsibility. This option comes with the risk of failure. This is the cost that I should be willing to incur if i select the first option. The second option also has its benefits. The main benefit is that it will boost the child’s confidence. Additionally, it will allow me to bond and develop a stronger relationship with the child. However, this option carries the risk of encouraging laziness and laxity. The child is also unlikely to be able to develop independence and tackle tasks without outside support.
Selecting the best solution
As already mentioned, the purpose of the step examined above is to identify the solution(s) that hold the greatest promise for solving the problem that one faces. The fifth step of the decision making process involves identifying the best solution from the different solutions developed earlier (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). Here, one should use their judgment. It is possible that none of the solutions generated adequately address the problem at hand. In such a case, it is advised that one should go back to the initial steps of the decision making process. I think that letting the child work on the project on their own is the best solution. This is because this option will teach the child how to be independent and responsible. The child will be able to develop the confidence that will allow him to work on other projects without necessarily needing help. The other reason why I think that this option is the best is that the second option carries risks that are too great. For instance, if I help the child, I could encourage laziness and hinder the child from developing independence.
Planning the next course of action
After identifying the best solution, the last step of the process involves making plans regarding what to do next. One should outline the actions that they intend to take as they solve the problem that they face (“The Problem Solving”, n.d). This step is intended to ensure that the plans that one has laid out are actually implemented. Some of the actions that I will take after identifying the best solution is keeping a close eye on my child to ensure that he completes the project successfully. I could also offer some indirect support. For instance, I could provide the child with supplies.
In conclusion, the problems that humans face offer them opportunities for growth. Without these problems, it would be impossible to develop better approaches. It must be noted that problems only present benefits if they are solved properly. The decision making process outlined above allows for the proper and timely solution of problems. As one defines the problem that they are facing, they are able to identify possible solutions and zero in on the best option. The process essentially offers a scientific and logical way of tackling problems. Individuals who wish to solve the issues that they face in their lives should follow the steps in the process.
References
The Problem Solving Process. (n.d). Retrieved 3 rd March 2017 from
http://gdrc.org/decision/problem-solve.html
