Problem solving and decision making

Problem solving and decision making both rely on creativity, and so, each requires imagination for which the creative brainstorming process is particularly helpful. In problem solving, different people coming together to discuss a problem so as to find solutions. The problem can be as wide as a society, or it may be restricted to a particular industry. The solution might be commercial, like creating new products, or non-commercial, like fixing a problem that faces humanity. Whatever the problem is, the participants come together with different sets of abilities and skills to use their personal creativity in order to find solutions.

On the other hand, decision making is more of a procedure, it entails systems thinking to arrive at a solution. Decision making isn't generally a case of problem solving. Usually, there's a proven best way to accomplish a specific goal, or there is some established procedure about how best to achieve it. Decision making may also be less direct, based on the knowledge of what's right or wrong. Sometimes, people don't have to know or understand why something is done, they simply need to know that doing it is right.

But when problems involve complex procedures, the decision making and problem solving process sometimes cannot be conducted effectively without a proper system of decision making and problem solving. There are lots of methods available for the purpose, and some have been found to be more effective than others. Some of those methods include traditional swot analysis, cognitive procedures, complex systems thinking, and problem solving activities. Each of these methods has distinct strengths and weaknesses. The potency of each lies in the suitable application of the methods.

The conventional swot analysis is the first among these methods. In this technique, the selection of the problem is the principal focus. Thus, the range of the most important problems is considered the principal focus. It is followed by a detailed investigation into the factors which affect the solution of the problem, together with an evaluation of the effects of each variable on the solution. Then, the probable consequences of ignoring the critical problems is estimated and a strategy on how best to handle them is generated. This plan is then implemented in a planned and monitored manner.

The other method that's employed is the rational approach. In this technique, both the difficulty and the decision making are rationalized. Every step in the rationalization process is analyzed and the most reasonable choice is chosen. After all the explanations and the comparisons, the most appropriate action plan is created and implemented.

However, both of these methods have limitations. The traditional method considers all of the relevant variables and calculates the optimum solutions for the problems involved. This makes it too rigid. On the other hand, the rational approach will become too subjective, so as to render the problem-solving procedure arbitrary. This results in the overall dissatisfaction level being extremely high.

Problem-solving and decision making may be efficiently implemented using the process of strategic planning. Strategic planning is based on the notion that different activities should be coordinated to achieve the same overall outcome. The most effective strategy will solve a number of complex problems within the same timeframe, while minimizing the total cost. In a strategic decision making and problem solving process, the overall objective is to maximize the value of the investments made in a particular project. Therefore, the focus is on achieving the long term goals instead of just short term ones.

These methods are excellent for problem solving in the government sector, where issues regarding public safety, infrastructure, finances and responsibility to the citizens are usually managed. All the choices made must be carefully monitored by a committee to ensure they're not made arbitrarily. The process of strategic planning must also be subject to periodic review and updated as new situations arise. Strategic planning has been used successfully to deal with all sorts of complex projects. It can also be successfully utilised to make decisions about important business and financial concerns, such as those affecting the welfare of the company or the nation as a whole.

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