Analyzing Problems - Business Decision Making - ثاني ثانوي

Lesson 2 Chapter 1 www.ien.edu.sa Analyzing Problems Many companies around the world rely on their employees to identify problems and solve them. That is why people who can effectively solve problems are valu- able members of an organization. Much of the effort in problem solving involves understanding what the underlying issues really are. Look for the root causes, related information, ideas, risks, costs, and benefits associated with problems. Defining the real problem is the first major milestone on the way to a solution. It frequently takes as much time to identify and understand the problem as it does to solve it. Table 1-2 summarizes the do's and don'ts for analyzing problems. case Omar asks you to determine whether the decline in sales is part of a trend for the entire travel industry or if it is unique to the company. TABLE 1-2: Analyzing problems do's and don'ts Guidelines Identification Do Observation Confirmation • Look for possible deficiencies, shortcomings, and other types of problems • Ask questions of people involved to find out why goals are not met • Gather data from other sources • Observe where and how the problem occurs, if possible • Ask "what," not "who" •Assure people that you respect their ideas, opinions, and suggestions Don't • Don't overlook or ignore possible problems • Don't limit yourself to a single type of information • Don't intimidate people involved with the problem; ask for their cooperation • Don't threaten others so that they undermine the solution • Review the data you gathered to confirm that you've • Don't start solving the problem unless you are correctly identified a problem confident you identified it thoroughly 26 Chapter 1 Ministry of Education 2024-1446 95198_book_PP1.indb 26 Essential Elements 1. Look for deficiencies A problem is only a problem when you are aware of it. Most organizations have a constant stream of difficulties, though they frequently overlook or ignore many because of time or other constraints. The first step in the prob- lem-solving process is to identify shortcomings, deficiencies, or dissatisfac- tions. Be observant, ask questions, and develop sensitivity for subtle problems. 07/05/2024 10:57

2. Interview and gather data Talk to people who are involved with the problem, work in the area, or may be affected by your solution. Learn all that you can about the problem and possible solutions. The best insights often come from the least obvious peo- ple and sources. Gather enough information to develop a representative sample. Figure 1-3 outlines ways to gather information. FIGURE 1-3: Gathering information Resource Type of information General information Electronic on Web sites, databases, or USB drives Print Primary Background information available in books, newspapers, and periodicals Direct observations, interviews, questionnaires Organization files, conversations with Informal colleagues, informal surveys QUICK TIP As you observe and discover information, you might have to redefine the problem. 3. Observe as much as you can You often learn the most about a problem through observation. You can observe a problem directly by watching an interaction, for example, or expe- riencing the problem yourself. You can also rely on the direct observations of others to describe current or past difficulties. When you use observed data, be sure to document details such as the date, time, and other factual infor- mation about the observation and the problem. وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 27 Identifying and Defining Problems 27 30/06/2023 14:27

YOU TRY IT 4. Ask what, not who When gathering information, focus on objective facts. Ask "what?" not "who?". Investigating problems can make people apprehensive, and they might withdraw as a consequence. Assure everyone that you are seeking their help and that you value and respect their ideas, opinions, and sugges- tions. 5. Have a reality check When you identify a suspected problem, ask yourself if it makes sense in light of the data you've collected. Trust your instinct and wait to start solving the problem until you are comfortable with your conclusion. If you are not satis- fied, take more time to redefine the problem. Ask other people for opinions and advice. Practice analyzing problems by listing the steps you would take to analyze a problem. Complete the following steps. 1. Get ready Read the following descriptions of the travel company you're working at and its problem. Company description: A tour company based in Riyadh that organizes adventure, cultural, and educational tours in Saudi Arabia. The company's travelers enjoy activities ranging from hiking to wildlife spotting, while becoming familiar with the culture of the region—the food, the people, and the history. The company sponsors tours to the various provinces of Saudi Arabia. Customers are usually traveling for pleasure, though the company occasion- ally organizes business trips. Problem: Typically, the late spring and summer months are the most popu- lar times for personal travel. For the last five years, the top sales months have been April-August. This year, however, sales did not increase during these months. For the first time in five years, the company's annual sales are declin- ing—they now expect to make less this year than last year. 2. Now you try it Based on the information available, list the next steps you would take to ana- lyze this problem. Tip: Note that this question is about nurturing your analyt- ical skills. Is there enough background information to solve the problem? 28 1 Chapter رة ا Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 28 30/06/2023 14:27

REVIEW QUESTIONS If not, how would go about gathering the information needed? You may wish to revisit the steps provided in Lesson 2 of Chapter 1. 1. The first step in problem solving is to: a. make a decision b. describe the problem-solving traps c. identify shortcomings d. communicate your progress 2. Which of the following is a primary resource of information about a problem? a. Observation b. Web site c. Magazine article d. Organization files وزارة التعليم Ministry of Education 2024-1446 Business Decision Making S1 S2 S3.indb 29 Identifying and Defining Problems 29 29 30/06/2023 14:27