Abstract
This paper discusses the rational decision-making model and its deficiencies, explaining how they may be mitigated.

From the Paper
"According to Rational Decision-Making Models, the rational decision-making model uses a logical approach that considers each step in order, thinking through and weighing up the alternatives to come up with the best potential result. The rational model starts with a definition of the situation or the decision that needs to be made, identifies..."

Tags:rational decision-making model, bounded rationality, emotion

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."

Tags:problem, application, job, organization

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."

Tags:Saaty, purpose, solution

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."

Tags:caused, direct, effects, alternative, solutions, clearly, presented, advantages, disadvantages

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."

Tags:outcomes, analyze, optimal, decision, evaluating, factors, solution, implementation

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 model decision-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."

Tags:family, instruction, rational, conflict, organizational

Abstract
This paper applies a specific ethical decision making model to an ethical dilemma faced by a middle school counselor. The counselor must decide if a student is being neglected by her parents. The paper also formulates general conclusions about this particular case.

From the Paper
"This paper implements the ethical decision-making model of Forester-Miller and Davis, applying it to the case of a middle school counselor that must decide whether a minor named Jane is being neglected by her parents. The model has seven components steps. Identify the Problem, Apply the ACA Code of Ethics, Determine the Nature and Dimensions of the Dilemma, Generate Potential Courses of Action, Consider the Potential Courses of Action and Select a Course, Evaluate the Course of Action and Implement the Course of Action."

Tags:ethical decision making model, counselor, student

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."

Tags:stage, theory, process, albert

Abstract
This paper presents a decision-model analysis and its application. The specific model is the Military Decision-Making Process(MDMP), developed and implemented by the U.S. Army. The paper further discusses the seven-steps process of the MDMP and its application to business environments.

From the Paper
"This paper presents a decision-model analysis. The analysis includes a description of the model and illustrates the application of the model to a business decision that involved this writer. The analysis also addresses the issue of critical thinking in the concept and application of the decision-making model. Identification and Description of the Decision-Making Model: The United States Army developed and implemented a decision-making model that incorporates the concept of critical thinking and the logical fallacy decision-making tool. The decision-making model is the Military Decision-Making Process..."

Tags:U.S. Army, decision-making, military, business. MDMP

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 decision model 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."

Tags:employee, change, practice, organization