Decision Making 1 Problem Identification and Offering Solution

Decision Making 1) Problem Identification and Offering Solution 2) Making Decision

Essentials of Problem Solving q Problem identification a) Defining the problem b) Classifying the problem q Solution alternatives q Solution of choice ØProblem identification: (Defining the Problem) To recognize & define a problem, we may use primary sources of information such as: 1. Historical data that includes information about activities, results, problems, and solutions in the past. 2. Planning data that compares results with objectives that were expected to be achieved. 3. Criticism by outsiders from all affected categories 4. Comparison with others in similar circumstances when such criticism is unfavorable. Example: The Story of a king and his guard who dreamt that the king will be killed at noon who eventually rewarded and punished the guard. Ø Problem identification: (Classifying the problem) Problems may be classified by their degree of risk.

Essentials of Problem Solving (Cont’d) q Solution alternatives Identifying alternative solutions to different problems is the next step. It may be done through: § Routine Approach § Systematic Scientific Approach § Decisional Approach § Quantitative Approach § Creative Approach § It develops from a broad base of knowledge & experience that comes from personal observations, discussions with informed people, and informed interaction with the Qur’an and the Sirah of the Prophet (saas). § A large number of ideas must be generated, but none should be finalized § Unconscious mind must be allowed to draw upon the ideas and suggest q Solution of choice § The solutions must be graded carefully in order of acceptability and within the relevant constraints. § Perfect solution is that eliminated all damages caused by any deviation from the standard. We are to focus on the ones that: § § § Limit the damage Do not cause deviations that damage other parts of the planned activity Are feasible within the constraint of available or acceptable resources

Decision Making q Introduction q The Decision Making Process q. Steps in Decision Making q. Decision Analysis q. Systems Approach q. The Creative Process q. Strategic Decisions q Information gathering q Main Factors in Information Gathering q Methods of Information Gathering q Brainstorming q Suitability q Techniques for Productivity q Drawing Conclusions q Shura (Mutual Consultation) q The Nature of Shura q The Practice of Shura q Tips on Negotiating and Compromising

The Decision Making Process q Introduction § Decision making is not an easy task § It is a must despite the possibility of making mistake § Islamically, one should make right decision. In case of problem the least unsatisfactory one should be selected § Being open-minded is essential in decision making § One should ask first whether making decision is necessary § The Pre-requisites for effective decision making are: § Focus on deciding on what the decision is all about § Discussing dissenting opinions until a common understanding emerges § Seek alternatives first rather than the ‘right solution’

Decision Making A. Steps in Decision Making: § Assemble possible action alternatives § Determine their likely consequences § Estimate probability that each consequence may occur § Assess usefulness of each consequence § The Pre-requisites for effective decision making are: § Focus on deciding on what the decision is all about § Discussing dissenting opinions until a common understanding emerges § Seek alternatives first rather than the ‘right solution’ B. Decision Analysis The character of a decision may be affected by one or more of four factors: i. Futurity: How long in the future the decision will affect ii. Impact: The influence the decision will have on other areas iii. Qualitative Considerations: Its relation to ethical bias or world view iv. Recurrence: The frequency with which this decision is to be made

Decision Making C. System Approach: § It is to find out what is the problem before trying to solve it, and to determine some basis for making choices, and probable constraints, before choosing a solution. D. The Creative Process: It involves five steps: § Saturation: Becoming thoroughly familiar with a situation, and activates, and ideas related to it. § Deliberation: Analyzing and challenging these ideas from different angels § Incubation: Letting sub-conscious mind work § Illumination: Coming to any striking idea through such mind § Accommodation: Refining and adapting the idea to fit the requirements of the situation E. Strategic Decision: § Decision is either Administrative or Strategic. Administrative decisions are concerned wit short-term goals and deal with routine matters. Strategic decision are more complex and concerned longterm goals.

Information Gathering A. Main Factors in Information Gathering: Four factor play an important part in information gathering: ü Relevance ü Timeliness ü Legitimacy ü Accuracy B. Methods of Information Gathering: ü Interviews ü Questionnaires ü Data Bases ü Reports ü Documents

Brainstorming A. Introduction: Brainstorming is a technique for stimulating the generation of new and relevant ideas and facilitating their expression or for simply gathering needed information in a meeting. It has three stages: ü Ideas are suggested by group members and those are recorded ü Participants are invited to speak out on their ideas ü Each idea is discussed from the point of view of merits, feasibility, priority etc. B. Suitability: The Brainstorming technique is suitable for decisions that may spring from a wide verity of alternatives.

Brainstorming C. Techniques for Productivity: ü Hold the session when the group is fresh, not tired ü Have as varied a group as possible ü Keep the group small enough to be manageable ü Seat the group around a roundtable facing each other ü Set a time table long enough for everyone to participate ü Write down all ideas ü Do not evaluate ideas and allow no comments at the beginning ü When necessary, rephrase the problem clearly D. Drawing Conclusion: üLet each person state the pros and cons of a suggestion üAssign priority and feasibility ratings to suggestions üAsk for possible ways to implement the best suggestions üDecide on suggestions most likely to succeed üConvey selected suggestions to the appointing body

Shura A. The Nature of Shura: ü It is the Islamic process of consultation with the most knowledgeable and best aware of the situation ü The was of the habit of consulting. Abu Huraira narrated: ‘I have never seen anyone who seeks consultation with his companions more than the Prophet (saas) B. The Practice of Shura: Shura ensures the presence of opposing points of view which eventually helps the effective decision makers, because: ü Disagreement safeguards the decision maker against being unduly influenced by the dominant thinking of the majority. ü It can provide alternatives to choose for making decision ü It is needed to stimulate the imagination Example: A lion told his young cub not to fear anything except human brain. It later on got a human being, overpowered him and was about to kill him. It remembered father’s advice and asked the man to show his brain. He said that he left that at home …. and tied the cub, took a stich and killed the cub…’ Scientific research showed that average man seldom taps into more than 510% of his potential brain power.