Gsbs6001 Managing Under Uncertainty: Decision-Making Assessment Answers

Answer:

Introduction

In the subject, “management under uncertainty”, we were given the project of writing an annotated bibliography on a specific subject. We were given the assignment of creating an annotated bibliography of twenty pages. It was a group project and we were given the task of making annotated bibliography of different topics in the assignment. All the group members were given different sections of the assignment and they have to complete it at the assigned time. In addition, the team members also needed to make decisions regarding the roles assigned to different team members, how the team will communicate and complete the assignment. We also need to decide how disputes or conflicts can be resolved during the team progress. As stated above, there were five members in the group (Williams, Wooliams & Spiro, 2012). All the team members were given different task and they have the opportunity to choose different topics according to their preference. However, we also decided that in order to maintain the quality of the assignment and assure that the project is completed properly; we need to conduct regular team meetings. The group members can get feedback on their work and resolve any issue arisen during the completion of the assignment. According to the personal perception, this decision was beneficial and assisted us in making the best assignment.

Analysis  

While developing the group assignment, we made several decisions regarding the assignment. We decided that the people should communicate regularly for the successful accomplishment of the project. While conducting the project, it was realized that there were some conflicts related to the content of the annotated bibliography. Although there was harmony between the team members, one of the team members was not satisfied with the work of another team member. It created issues between both of them. The team member performing the task was assured that his way of approaching the task was proper; however, another member was of the viewpoint that the problem should be addressed differently. We realized that the group would not be able to function properly if both the members will fight in such a manner. Therefore, it is important to intervene and take decisions to resolve the issue between different members. We analyzed the problem and understood that although the perspective of both the team members was different, both the perspective were justified and correct (Bolton, 2014). Therefore, the second team member should be asked to back off and let the other team member do all the work. According to the personal perception, this decision was correct as it resolved the conflict and prevented other issues to be created in the near future.

The functional group decision-making theory is an appropriate theory for the decision-making in a team. This theory emphasizes on a practical approach toward the decision-making so that effective decisions can be taken. The teams or the groups should try to create equilibrium between the job responsibilities as well as relationships between different members. A team can work effectively if different team members are able to maintain a harmonious relationship. Factors such as apology or friendship are important in maintaining a harmonious relationship. There are four basic functions in an effective decision-making, namely, problem analysis, goal setting, identity alternatives and evaluation and selection (Handler, Handler & Gill, 2011). The problem analysis is the first function in an effective decision making and the group member looks at the likely causes of a problem. The group members must figure out what is the real problem in an organization and what are the symptoms of the problem.

Another phase in problem solving is goal setting in which the group members identifies what can be the possible solution for a problem. The group members identify what are the potential solutions for a particular problem. In this phase, the group members come up with as many solutions as possible; however, they stick with one solution. In the next phase, the team members identify the different alternatives. The team members find as many solutions as possible in this phase. Brainstorming is conducted to find the best solution; therefore, it is best to find the best possible solutions for the organization. The last phase of his model is evaluation and selection phase.  In this phase, the team members of the organization evaluated each alternative and pick the best solution for the organization (Dainton & Zelley, 2014).

It can be critiqued that the current team undertook effective decision making process. The current decision making process aligned with the functional group decision-making theory. The group analyzed the problem of the conflict between two group members and found that the conflict arose due to the unnecessary intervention of different team members. In this regard, it can be evaluated that the team members need to resolve the issue by taking proper intervention steps. The team members understood the perspectives of different team members and tried to analyze the perspective of different parties. After thorough evaluation, it was critiqued that the intervention of another team member is creating issues in the work of other team members. Although the other team members were not having any problem with the first team member, they were also not happy with his attitude.

Critical Discussion

The decision-making is a complex process. There are several aspects to a decision and each aspect yields a different result. Although there are several alternatives to a successful decision, the selection of the right decision in important. In an effective and proper decision-making, the interest of all the stakeholders should be considered. There are several frameworks to analyze the efficacy of a decision. The eight-step decision making process is the best model for decision making. According to this model, there are eight steps in effective decision making. In the first step, the problem is defined. The problem definition is the most important part in effective decision-making, such as definition of root causes, identifying ant stakeholder’s issues and organization boundaries. In the second step, requirements are identified for an acceptable solution. Any acceptable solution to the problem should meet a certain criteria. The requirements to the solution must define what the solution may do. In the third step, the organization must establish goals for the intent of decision-making (Littlejohn & Foss, 2009). The goals of the organization must be stated properly. In the fourth step, alternatives are identified for the organization. The alternatives should be able to change the initial condition of the situation into the desired condition. The different alternatives should be able to meet the initial requirements and goals. In the fifth step, a criterion should be defined to measure how each alternative is performing to achieve goals. The criterion should be able to complete, operational and precise in its judgment.  It is important that the criterion has an input from the decision-maker and it should be able to accurately judge different alternatives.

In the next step, the decision-maker selects the best-fit decision-making tool. The selected tool must be able to address the problem accurately. The selection of the tool is also dependent upon the complexity of the problem and the experience of the team. In the seventh step, the selected tool is judged according to the criteria. The alternatives can be judged according to the quantitative, qualitative methods or their combination. In the last step, the decision is evaluated against a problem statement (McKee, Kemp & Spence, 2012). The solution is validated to ensure that it solves the problem identified. The original problem is identified in accordance to the goals and requirements.

The decision of stop making people intervene in the work of others was effective in enhancing the overall productivity of the organization. The current decision was effective in improving the overall efficiency of the team members. The decision is evaluated in the eight step framework and it is deduced that the decision was effective in increasing the productivity of the organization.

 Recommendations

It can be recommended that the effective decision-making is essential in the growth and progress of a team. It is important that a team has specific structure and format for the decision making. The decision-making framework will benefit the team players in taking good decisions. It is also important for the progress of the team or the organization. It is recommended that the team should ask for the participation of all the ream members in a decision. The process of brainstorming will effectively assist the team in gathering new ideas and innovative techniques for problem-solving. The organization should also identify the underlying or root cause of the problem so that the solutions can effectively address the issue. In the present case, all the team members actively participated in the decision making process. However, in order to pick the best solution for the problem, it is important that all the solution or the approaches should be judged according to the criteria.

References

McKee, A., Kemp, T., & Spence, G. (2012). Management: A Focus on Leaders. Pearson Higher Education AU.

Williams, K., Wooliams, M., & Spiro, J. (2012). Reflective Writing. Palgrave Macmillan.

Bolton, G. (2014). Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. SAGE.

Handler, C.E., Handler, C., & Gill, D. (2011). English and Reflective Writing Skills in Medicine: A Guide for Medical Students and Doctors. Radcliffe Publishing.

Dainton, M., Zelley, E.D. (2014). Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction. SAGE Publications.

Littlejohn, S.W., & Foss, K.A. (2009). Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. SAGE