Question

Put the following steps involved in decision making in order. Which is the most critical step of the decision-making process and why?

Choosing an alternative

Identifying and defining the problem

Evaluating the alternatives

Determining the set of alternatives

Answer 1

The first step for making a decision is identifying and definfing a problem. Having identified the problem, the next thing is to determine the set of alternatives which can be used for problem solving. Then one has to evaluate each alternative, as to its ease and efficacy in solving the problem at hand. Having done that one has to select/choose the best alternative before executing it. The order of steps can be put as follows:

1. Identifying and defining the problem

2. Determining the set of alternatves

3. Evaluating the alternatives

4. Choosing an alternative

The most critical step in decision making process is identifying and defining a problem. Unless one is clear about exactly what is required to be done, one would not be able to chart his course of action to deal with the situation.

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