Decision Making

2.0 Decision Making

The basic approach for making decisions is usually broken into seven steps. The first step in the process is to define the problem with a clear statement implying the selection of the best alternative to meet the objective. Factors that may influence the decision must also be identified. The second step involves identifying the group that will review the decision results. This group must be capable to apply their knowledge affectivity to support the decision making process. The third step involves identifying all the factors to be considered in the decision, often called brainstorming. The fourth step is the development of the decision structure including identifying the goal, factors, or criteria important for satisfying the goal, identifying subcriteria under each criterion, and expanding the hierarchy to encompass each level of understanding to the alternatives level. The lowest criteria above the alternatives should be of sufficient detail to allow an objective evaluation of each alternative. The importance of each criteria must be weighted as a basis of comparison.

After the decision structure is constructed, the fifth step involves evaluating the alternatives against the lowest criteria. The sixth step involves finalizing the decision by performing a sensitivity analysis, making modifications as necessary, and recalculating the results. The seventh and final step involves documenting the results of the decision making process. The documenting process allows the client and any other interested parties to review the justification for the decision. This also allows for future modifications if revisions are required.