Understanding Problem Solving - Business Decision Making - ثاني ثانوي

Chapter 1 Identifying and Defining Problems Whether you are working in a large or small company, or preparing to start a career, you are likely to spend time making decisions and solving problems. Although problems can cause frustration and substantial difficulties, creative thinkers and successful professionals learn to view them as opportunities for improving a business, service, or task because they compel you to recognize and confirm your goals. This chapter outlines the process of solving problems, discusses how to analyze problems and their causes, and identifies common problem-solving pitfalls. case You are working at an adventure travel company as an assistant to Omar, the vice president of finance. Tour sales at the company have not increased in many months, even during the height of the summer travel season. Omar is in charge of a new project called 12 by 12 that is looking for a solution to this problem. The goal of the project is to increase sales by 12%. As an assistant, you are helping him identify problems customers have with the company's tours and with traveling overall. Omar asks you to learn more about creative thinking and problem solving to contribute productively to the 12 by 12 project. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Once you have completed this chapter, you should be able to: 1 Understand problem solving 2 Analyze problems 3 Develop effective problem statements 4 Identify and manage risks وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 21 Identifying and Defining Problems 21 30/06/2023 14:27

Lesson 1 Chapter 1 www.ien.edu.sa Understanding Problem Solving To be an effective business decision maker, every professional should be a prob- lem solver. You can learn and develop the skill of solving problems over time to help support successful decision making. People who can identify, define, and solve problems are valued members of an organization. Developing this ability will contribute to the success of your career as you seek positions with greater responsibility. Table 1-1 compares the do's and don'ts of effective problem solv- ing. To prepare for an upcoming 12 by 12 project meeting to discuss goals and assign tasks, Omar asks you to develop a list of problem solving guidelines to guide decision making. case TABLE 1-1: Problem solving do's and don'ts Guideline Do • Identify yourself as Feel confident you can solve the problem a problem solver Recognize problems Select an approach Make decisions • Consider problems as opportunities to find innovative solutions • Define and then redefine the problem • Use your intuition for simple problems •Follow a systematic process for complex problems •Review and reconsider the problem, your goals, and possible solutions • Consider the problem from different perspectives • Consider all the alternatives before selecting one • Trust your intuition, but make sure the facts support your decision Don't • Don't give up easily if one idea does not work • Don't ignore problems until they are too big to solve easily • Don't stick to your original conception of the problem if you are having trouble finding a solution • Don't create a detailed procedure that is difficult to complete or duplicate • Don't jump to conclusions • Don't make rash decisions Don't second guess yourself if you feel you made the right choice Details Consider these guidelines as you begin solving problems to guide decision making: • Identify yourself as a problem solver 22 Chapter 1 Ministry of Education 2024-1446 One day, you are likely to enter employment. Whether you are a member of staff or management, much of what you do every day is solve problems and make decisions. In fact, the role of a problem solver is one that distinguishes the professional from the line worker. People who are new to the workforce 95198_book_PP1.indb 22 07/05/2024 10:57

QUICK TIP Variations on problems include dilemmas, paradoxes, and difficulties, such as trouble performing tasks. often solve problems by reacting to them. However, you are more effective if you use an organized approach to problem solving. Recognize problems Learn to recognize problems so that you see them developing and can act quickly to solve them. A dictionary defines a problem as an unsettled ques- tion or the source of distress or difficulty. In an organization, a problem is an obstacle that stands in the way of achieving a desired goal. In short, a prob- lem is the difference between the current state and where you want to be. For example, if you expect to sell 100 tours each month, but are only selling 50, then you have a problem. See Figure 1-1. DEFINITION Problem: In an organization, an obstacle that stands in the way of achieving a desired goal. In short, a problem is the difference between the current state and where you want to be. FIGURE 1-1: Defining a problem Current state: Goal state: 50 tours per month Problem 100 tours per month Current Problem is the difference between Goal QUICK TIP No single or simple set of steps solves every type of problem. Most solutions involve creative thinking and logical exploration. the current state and your desired goal Select an intuitive approach for solving problems People usually solve problems in one of two ways: intuitively or systemati- cally. Intuition is your knowledge of something without having to discover or learn it, and it is typically your first reaction to a problem or question. When you solve a problem intuitively, you react immediately and instinc- tively, without following a particular procedure. This reactive approach is well suited to situations where you need to make a quick decision or solve a routine problem. In those cases, you can often use your common sense to decide on a solution. For example, if the problem is that customers often have to wait to receive brochures for the popular Al Wahbah crater tour, you can solve the problem by printing additional brochures. وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 23 Identifying and Defining Problems. 23 30/06/2023 14:27

24 1 Chapter رة ا Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 24 DEFINITION Intuition: Your knowledge of something without having to discover or learn it; typically your first reaction to a problem or question. When you solve a problem intuitively, you react immediately and instinctively, without following a particular procedure. Select a systematic approach for solving problems When you are systematic, you solve a problem in a methodical and orga- nized manner. Systematic problem solving takes a reasoned, rational approach and is appropriate for larger, more complicated problems or situa- tions that involve a lot of risk. One systematic problem-solving method is to adapt a solution from a prior problem and apply it to your current situation. For example, one way to begin solving the problem of declining sales at the travel company you're working at is to examine advertising campaigns that increased sales in the past. Figure 1-2 lists the basic problem-solving steps. DEFINITION Systematic: Doing something such as solving a problem in a methodical and organized manner. Systematic problem solving takes a reasoned, rational approach and is appropriate for larger, more complicated problems or situations that involve a lot of risk. FIGURE 1-2: Basic problem-solving steps 1 Identify the problem 4 Consider possible solutions 2 Gather information 5 Select the best option 3 Clarify the problem 6 Make a decision and monitor the solution Make decisions A major part of problem solving involves making effective decisions. Decisions are choices you make when faced with a set of options or alterna- tives. You can also think of decisions as tiny problems you need to solve, and 30/06/2023 14:27

then apply problem-solving techniques to guide your choices. As you improve your problem-solving skills, you will naturally develop your deci- sion-making ability as well. DEFINITION Decision: A choice you make when faced with a set of options or alternatives. REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What is a problem for an organization? a. Choice made when faced with a set of alternatives b. Difference between a professional and line worker c. Set of objectives or goals d. Difference between current state and goal state 2. Which of the following should you not do when solving problems? a. Define the problem b. Accept the first solution c. Gather information d. Make a decision وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 25 Identifying and Defining Problems 25 25 30/06/2023 14:27