Abstract This paper shall discusses the most effective decision-making model relating to the healthcare industry. The paper further discusses the elements of the ethical model of decision-making, and how it would best serve those within the healthcare community.
From the Paper "Members of the healthcare community are consistently seeking decision-making models that will aid in providing methods to ensure a safe working environment, as well as a positive outcome that will benefit both the workforce, and the patients that we serve. Furthermore, because of the nature of the field in question it is imperative to base decisions on ethical concerns of the healthcare community, because in so doing the universal standards of excellence expected by all that are related to the industry will be met. Lawrence Birkner and Ruth Birkner (2000) discuss the importance of a model for decision-making in healthcare that is specifically related to ethics. The authors stipulate that the first consideration of the healthcare professional should be that healthcare and safety must be addressed hand in hand in order to begin to create an environment that is conducive to healthcare (Birkner & Birkner, 2000, p. 11)."
Abstract This paper examines the plus, minus and interesting, or PMI decision-making model, created by Edward de Bono and how it can help managers to effectively improve their decision making regardless of the size or type of problem. The paper first describes the PMI decision-making model and its steps. It then provides an example of how this model applies to a recent job-related decision that the writer faced and how critical thinking impacted this decision.
Table of Contents:
Describing the Plus, Minus, and Interesting Decision-Making Model Specific Steps of the Plus, Minus, and Interesting Decision-Making Model Calculating the Decision Results
Additional Attributes and Characteristics of the PMI Decision-Making Model The PMI Model Coupled with Clear Critical Thinking Produces Desired Results
How Critical Thinking Impacted My Job-Related Decision Using the PMI Model
From the Paper "As a manager at a Steak and Ale restaurant, I recently had the opportunity to test the PMI model on a reoccurring problem concerning our weekly food level requirements. With my twenty years of experience in the military, it has always been my conception to be prepared by maintaining appropriate levels of inventory to avoid chaos and running out of food items during meal times. However, the general manager was continuously making cutbacks in regards to the inventory levels of food items to improve the weekly financial reports. By applying critical thinking and utilizing the PMI decision-making model, I demonstrated to the general manager that costs were actually higher from constantly making trips to the local supermarket to purchase out of stock items at a higher price then by ordering these items though our recommended vendors. Yes, at first, certain items were slightly overstocked, and the weekly food costs appeared higher, nevertheless, once the proper usage levels were established for inventory items--food costs actually improved by three percent."
Abstract The paper compares the 9 step model to the decision tree in terms of advantages and disadvantages, as well as the approach to problems presented. The paper defines what the decision tree is and looks at how, in terms of a managerial or work-related decisions, the decision trees are useful. The decision trees clearly state out different courses of action, as related to different variables and restraints that may appear. The paper looks at the advantages of using a decision tree when making a decision. By comparing the two different models, the paper concludes that the decision tree is actually part of the 9 step model as the 9 step model is more complete in its approach.
From the Paper "The decision tree starts with listing the decision that needs to be made , listed at the top of the tree. Each possible solution that can be adopted depending on different variables will form different branches of the decision tree. Each branch may carry its own ramifications, if, for example, each solution brings about new conditional variables (for example, an organization may have to decide on either launching a new product or consolidating the existing one, but launching a new product can be done either through innovation or through purchasing an existing line from a competitor). Each of the branches will have a measurable outcome, evaluated in term of cost, profitability, increase in market share etc. Each outcome will have attached an estimated probability that it will happen. Multiplying the probability with the outcome value for each node will allow us to have, in the end, a final score for each of the possible decisions and numerically evaluate the options."
Abstract This paper explains that a decision-making model helps a decision maker to structure the process by which he or she makes a decision; a good funeral director must be prepared with a number of models to help him or her make appropriate judgments in difficult situations. The author points out that conflict is the root of most decision-making difficulties, and there will always be conflicting factual and emotional evidence in any decision one is faced with on the job. The paper relates that the organizational modeldecision-making construct allows the funeral director access to the most accurate cause and effectual information; thereby, consulting the individual's will or other instruction regarding the deceased's desires and then negotiating between the participants involved by applying a flow approach to the decision using the steps of framing, deciding, communicating, implementing, and evaluating.
From the Paper "When making a decision in the real world, it's a common and popular method to diffuse conflict by saying, 'oh, it's not a matter of life and death.' However, when a funeral director is making decisions regarding the most appropriate methods for his or her actions on a daily basis, or in a difficult situation at a funeral home, it is a matter of life and death. It is a matter of death because of the nature of the subject matter of the profession. It is a matter of life for the dead person's loved ones and relatives. The deceased and the living both have needs and wishes that are at stake, regarding the final obsequies for the individual who has passed on."
Abstract This paper describes a particular decision-making model and explains how the model was used by the writer in a recent job-related decision. It shows how critical thinking also impacted the decision. The paper lists the three phases and seven steps of the analytic hierarchy process and discusses how it was applied to the writer's job as a category manager for a food service distributor.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Decision-Making Models Decision-Making Model Analytic Hierarchy Process
Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process
Decisions and Critical Thinking
Conclusion
From the Paper ""Decision-making is the cognitive process of selecting a course of action from among multiple alternatives" (Wikipedia 2005). The effect of the decision-making process will result in a choice. The choice may be derived through rational or irrational reasoning as well as factual basis or assumptions. Businesses today will invest the time and money necessary to train associates in critical thinking skills as well as decision-making models. A common decision-making model is the Analytic Hierarchy Process."
Abstract This paper analyzes a decision-making model that uses five different steps in the decision-making process. The first step implies a brief definition of the problem that an organization faces while the second step involves the examination of the problem and a look at the right alternatives by which the problem can be solved. The third step implies making the decision and the fourth and final steps deal with implementing and evaluating the decision.
From the Paper "In the case of our organization, the problem is that one of the departments has two compartments which not only do the same thing, but manage to overlap one another. As such, the organization is dealing with a lack of efficiency and an unclear circuit of documents and decisions."
This discussion examines how Einstein's statement ?"the whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking" applies to the consumer decision making model.
Abstract Consumer decision making is a vital part of marketing and the business strategies that firm's choose. This paper begins with some background information on Albert Einstein. It then focuses on the Consumer Decision making model and the stages of the process. Finally it discusses whether or not Einstein's statement applies to the Consumer Decision Making model.
From the Paper "Consumer Decision Making is the process by which individual choose to purchase products. There are three stages and three components that make up the consumer decision making process. The stages and related components include; input stage and external influences component, the process stage and consumer decision making component, and the output process which coincides with the post-decision behavior component."
Abstract This paper examines how, when the political decision making model is applied to a problem, an organization can conclude that the chosen decision will be able to work in practice. The writer explains how applying the decisionmodel allows an organization to assess the impact of the change on employees and develop a plan for implementation that takes into account the needs of employees. Overall, the political decision making model allows a decision to be made that will be effective in practice, not just in theory.
From the Paper "The political decision-making model looks at all forces that may impact a change that is made. This is described as "recognizing the role of stakeholders in affecting and shaping matters of significance to the organization" (Fulop & Linstead, 1999, p. 316). In addition, the model is described as being based on "reconciling the interests of different stakeholders" while recognizing the organization as "a system adapting and learning to cope with a variety of internal and external constraints" (Fulop & Linstead, 1999, p. 316). This model can be applied to the situation where the company needs to increase production and is deciding how to achieve this."
Abstract One of the key aspects to being a good manager is being a good decision maker and a good facilitator of decision making between others. However, although this statement may seem to be a cliche, like so many cliches about demonstrating strong leadership and business acumen, it bears a certain level of scrutiny when put into real world terms. This paper asks what happens when one must negotiate and mediate in the real world. It shows that, in these cases, there are two dominant paradigms every business manager must take into consideration, namely, what is economically feasible and good business sense, and what is ethically coherent with the company's philosophy and American law. This paper applies two available decision making models that satisfy both of these aspects, the rational actor decision-making model and the organizational processes decision-making model.
From the Paper "In other words, quite often decision making in the work force cannot presume that all conflicts have a rational basis, or that all mediate decisions made thusly can simply regard the quantitative and qualitative data that may be at the roots of a particular conflict. Decisions may ideally come from identifying relevant criteria, cause and effect beliefs, and different evaluations of proposed alternatives. However, if even from a purely rational basis conflict may result in all three areas, when conflicts in the workplace assume because of long-standing tensions, human resource management becomes even more difficult in achieving decisions that are mutually amicable for all parties."
Abstract This paper reviews the importance of modeling in policy analysis and the use of decision tree analysis. It looks at the tools available to help policy makers. The writer uses the example of Firestone tires on the Ford Explorer sports utility vehicles as an application of decision trees in decision analysis.
From the Paper "There is a large variety of tools available to help decision-makers. This paper focuses on one of these tools decision tree analysis. The consideration of the decision tree decision analysis tool begins with are view of the ..."
This paper is a research proposal to study the international management of cross-border risks and capital allocation decisions in a high risk environment.
Abstract This paper explains that, besides the risks inherent in domestic operations, banks, which are engaged in international activities also are exposed to "country risk," or the risk that economic, social and political conditions and events in a foreign country will adversely affect an institution's financial interests. The author points out that, from a practical perspective, accurate and timely country risk assessment is important not only because it affects individual investors but also because it can be systemic; one of the primary purposes of financial regulation is to manage systemic risk. The paper states that the research will be done using a case study methodology to study various country risk/cross border risk management models adopted by a sample of international banks and to assess their robustness and how well they are associated with a framework of planned management actions and capital allocation decisions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Overview of Study
Purpose of Study
Key Term Definitions
Capital Allocation Decision Country Risk Ratings
Risk
Preliminary Literature Review
Background and Overview
Current and Future Trends
The Countries' Performance in International Trade
Leverage
Various measures of liquidity
Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
From the Paper "A significant amount of cross-border lending takes place through offices in a bank's home country (or even one of its subsidiaries located in a third country), with no subsidiary (or even branch presence) located in the country in which the borrowing firm is headquartered. Retail banking requires a physical presence of some sort to provide points of contact with customers; by contrast, wholesale banking requires a much smaller investment. "For example, banks with no physical presence in a country can lend substantial volumes of funds to firms and governmental entities of that country through project finance and loan participations." The composition of borrowers will differ, though, depending on whether a foreign bank has a physical presence in a country or manages its loans from offshore locations."
Abstract This paper looks at the factors that influences decision making in a case study titled "Rational Sentencing: Whose Rationality". The study concerns a probation officer's pre-sentence investigation and sentence recommendation, her supervisor's dislike of her recommendation and his suggestions. The analysis includes the role of political concerns, rational guidelines, cultural aspects of the organizations decision making, and prediction models.
From the Paper " Political concerns, external and internal, have a role in decision making. The supervisor exerted the influence of internal politics when he expressed concern for the officer's recommendation and made suggestions that the officer should implement and accept that were more in line with the ideas and practices of the organization. The supervisor told her that the external political factors influencing this recommendation were the press and the "holier-than-thou groups". The officer was informed of a case which occurred a month before she joined the organization which involved a child molester who was placed on probation. A month after his probation he was caught after snatching a child in an area of an elementary school. The public was outraged after the incident was played up in the press."
Abstract This study investigates the decision process of consumers purchasing property in Spain. The paper focuses on the underlying reasons for purchasing a property in Spain, the methods used by the purchaser to gather information and the overall satisfaction with the purchase process. The paper links a report about current theories on consumer purchasing behaviour to the purchase of property abroad.
The investigation reveals a clear link between the level of satisfaction of the purchase process and the level of information and advice sought. The paper includes flow charts, tables, and graphs. It also appends the questionnaire used in the research and data analysis pages.
Outline:
Abstract
Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
1.1 Aspects and Foundation of the Research
1.2 Aim of the Research
1.3 Objectives of the Research
1.4 Hypothesis
2. Literature Review
2.1 Consumer Behaviour
2.2 The Consumer Decision Process
2.3 Problem Recognition
2.4 Information Search
2.4.1 Do Consumers Always Search Rationally?
2.4.2 Determinants of Information Search
2.4.3 Type of search
2.4.4 Evaluation of Alternatives
2.5 The Decision 2.5.1 Affect Referral Rules
2.5.2 Non Compensatory Decision Rules
2.5.3The Lexicographic Rule
2.5.4 Compensatory Decision Rules
2.5.5 Modified Rules for Research
3. Methodology
3.1 Methodology in Similar Research
3.2 Research Approach
3.3 Research Strategy
3.4 Method
3.4.1 Channels of Distribution
3.4.2 Ethics
3.4.3 Data Collection and Analysis
3.4.4 CHI-Square Test
3.4.5 Elements of Bias
3.4.6 Sampling
3.4.7 Pilot Study
3.4.8 Research Constraints
3.4.9 Response Rate
3.4.10 Variables
3.5 Null Hypothesis
4. Results
4.1 CHI Square Test
4.2 Data Interpretation
4.3 Summary of Key Findings
5. Discussion
5.1 Pre Purchase Process
5.1.1 Information Search
5.2 Purchase Process
5.3 Post Purchase Process
5.3.1 Consumer Behaviour Models 5.4 Consumer Profile
6. Conclusion
7. Recommendations and Further Research
8. References
9. Appendices
10. Glossary
From the Paper "Nicosia proposed a model that concentrated on the buying decision for a new product (illustrated in figure 2). The first stage of the model concentrated on the marketers' attempts to communicate with the consumer and the consumer's predisposition to act in a certain way. The scope of this research did not allow for the exploration of marketers' communication methods. However, the second stage of the model involved the consumer in a search evaluation process, which is influenced by attitudes. This follows a similar process to the Andreason model but it allowed the consumer to evaluate the process."
Abstract This paper studies the Nash-Cournot model, created in 1995 following the deregulation of the Swedish government's electricity market. It is a simple numerical model to explore the relationship between the Cournot-equilibrium price and the number of firms and the size distribution of firms on the market. The model shows that given the current structure of firms on the supply side of the Swedish electricity market, deregulation is not a sufficient condition for equilibrium prices close to marginal costs. The author of this paper applies the Swedish model to the British electrical system.
From the Paper "In their work they use a simple numerical model to explore the relation between the Cournot-equilibrium price and the number of firms and the size distribution of firms on the market. The model shows that given the current structure of firms on the supply side of the Swedish electricity market, deregulation is not a sufficient condition for equilibrium prices close to marginal costs. Furthermore, they found this to be true in most nations under a Socialist type government such as Sweden's as well as capitalist nations where government regulation of the electrical market is present."
Abstract The paper describes the pros and cons of making decisions in a team context. It argues that culture of corporation must support employee empowerment and autonomy and non-authoritarian leadership and innovation in order that the team decision making to be effective.
Tags: work, teams, decision, making, Vroom-Yetton, model
