1. Give an example of a poor decision made by a manager performing a management function. Explain the management function and the problem created by the poor decision.

LO: 4-1: Discuss the interrelationship between objectives, problem solving, and decision making in terms of their impact on the management functions.

2. Define a problem in an organization you work for or have worked for. Be sure to clearly distinguish the symptoms from the causes of the problem.

LO: 4.4: Apply the first step of the decision-making model by classifying a problem, selecting the appropriate level of participation, determining the cause of the problem, and determining the type of decision to be made.

3. Identify some of the qualification criteria (college degree, years of experience, etc.) for jobs at an organization you work for or have worked for. Distinguish any “must” and “want” criteria.

LO: 4-5: Explain the difference between an objective and “must” and “want” criteria.

4. Give an example of how you or someone else solved a problem using the stages in the creative process. Be sure to list the steps and note whether illumination came during incubation or while working on the problem.

LO: 4-6: State the difference between creativity and innovation.

5. Give examples from an organization you work for or have worked for of decisions that might appropriately be analyzed using the quantitative techniques.

LO: 4-8: Compare quantitative techniques including big data, cost-benefit analysis, and intuition for analyzing and selecting an alternative.

Additional Work Application Questions (not in the book)

1. Describe a situation in which a job objective was not met. Identify the problem created and the decision made in regard to this problem.

LO: 4-1: Discuss the interrelationship between objectives, problem solving, and decision making in terms of their impact on the management functions.

2. Give an example of a programmed and a non-programmed decision faced by an organization you work for or have worked for, and describe the decision condition in each case.

LO: 4.4: Apply the first step of the decision-making model by classifying a problem, selecting the appropriate level of participation, determining the cause of the problem, and determining the type of decision to be made.

3. Give an example of a group decision made in an organization you work for or have worked for. Identify the advantages and disadvantages encountered by the group.

LO: 4-7: Identify five group techniques used to generate creative alternatives.

4. Give examples of organizational problems for which brainstorming, nominal grouping, or consensus mapping would be appropriate techniques.

LO: 4-7: Identify five group techniques used to generate creative alternatives.

5. Give examples from an organization where you work or have worked of decisions that might appropriately be analyzed using the Kepner-Tregoe method and cost-benefit analysis.

LO: 4-8: Compare quantitative techniques including big data, cost-benefit analysis, and intuition for analyzing and selecting an alternative.

6. Give an example of a specific decision that you or your boss have had to make. Was the decision time driven or development driven?

LO: 4-9: Explain the importance of planning, implementing, and controlling decisions.