Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth exploration of critical decision making, focusing on the challenges faced by managers. The paper asserts that the making of good decisions and avoiding bad ones is a skill that is acquired over time, as the manager is exposed to critical decision problems that require positive outcomes. The paper discusses the guiding principles of critical decision making, various theories and research studies on the subject, and how emotions affect decision making. The paper also introduces and describes myriad methods of decision analysis. The paper concludes that individuals charged with the decision making process should strive for decision outcomes that reflect the goals and objectives that had been formulated before the decision making process began.

Outline:

Introduction
Definition of Critical Decision Making
Background Information on Critical Decision Making
Theoretical Work on Critical Decision Making
Simon and March's Studies in Decision Making
Kahneman and Tversky's Contribution to the Decision Making Process
Naturalistic Method of Decision Making
Rappaport's Theory of Decision Making
Models for Critical Decision Making
The Role of Emotions in Decision Making
Decision Making Techniques
Elementary Methods of Decision Making
Pros and Cons Analysis
Maximin and Maximax Methods of Decision Analysis
Lexicographic Method
Conjunctive and Disjunctive Methods of Decision Analysis
Decision Trees
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Cost Benefit Method of Decision Analysis
Multi Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT)
Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART)
Outranking Method of Decision Analysis
Role of the Decision Techniques in the Signal Corps
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Outranking methods allow for the intransivities in criteria weightings and for the consideration of alternatives that cannot be compared. Multiple points of view can be represented when this technique is used by representing different stakeholders with different intercriteria weightings. The sensitivity of the order of alternatives to the intercriteria weightings allows for simple investigation by calculating a stability interval over which any one of the weighting criteria may be adjusted without altering the ordering outcomes."

Tags:AHP, MAUT, lexicographic, maximin, maximax, Tversky

Abstract
This paper analyzes how better decision-making can assist non-profit organizations. It discusses the areas of systems thinking, action research and intergovernmental relations with respect to decision making in non-profit organizations. The paper then looks at these issues in terms of theory, research and practice for the organizations.

Outline:
Action Research And Decision Making
Decision Making And Systems Thinking
Leadership
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Additionally, evaluating systems or taking action based on the results of research supports the function of the organizational leader as a "hands-on" element of the company. When the leader is also a manager, this "hands-on" approach is supported by a thorough understanding of the issues that impact non-profits and the resolutions that may be required to achieve the optimal results. The research indicates, therefore, that throughout the business world leaders are a significant factor in the success of the organization. In the non-profit sector, however, manager-leaders are preferred because of the combination of professional traits that will support the ability to overcome obstacles identified in relation to the organization. The research also indicates that two important functions of leaders are to facilitate action in response to issues and to motivate stakeholders to support those actions on a continual basis. Both action research and systems thinking allows effective manager-leaders to take action that leads to accurate decisions, while at the same time ensuring that there is widespread support of those decisions by all organizational entities."

Tags:intergovernmental, conceptual, managers, problem, solving

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that understanding organizational behavior requires an examination of the decision-making processes and opportunities that organizations face. The writer explains that in part 3 of 'Management: Skills and Application', Rue and Byars point out the efficacy of strategic and operational planning on the decision-making process. The writer then relates that Pugh and Hickson present 'Writers on Organizations', which includes pertinent essays illustrating the theories of Herbert A. Simon, James G. March, Vivtor H. Vroom and Michel Crozier. The writer maintains that each theorist approaches organizational decision-making from a unique perspective, illuminating the complexities of the decision-making process. Moreover, the theorists introduced by Pugh and Hickson illuminate the core issues outlined in the Rue and Byers Management text.

From the Paper
"Nevertheless, Rue and Byars do note that management by objectives has recently been hailed as an effective means to motivate members of an organization to incorporate personal commitments into organizational ones. Humanizing organizations seems to be a current trend in management theory, evident in the essays by Pugh and Hickson. The Rue and Byars work is more of an overview of the organizational planning environment than it is an in-depth analysis of management theory. In Chapter 7, Rue and Byars offer three basic levels at which strategic planning takes place within most organizations: the corporate level, the business level, and the functional level. Corporate planning consists of the decisions that effect firms on a grand scale: the overarching goals and strategies organizations work with. Business goals more directly deal with the competitive market environment and include issues such as product differentiation or diversification. Finally, functional strategies affect the day-to-day operations of the organization at the office or plant level."

Tags:planning, goals, strategic, operational

Abstract
This paper discusses applications and development of decision making skills, application of microeconomic theory, cost estimation, market structure analysis and business policies, and government regulation of markets.

From the Paper
"Every day managers make many decisions that affect the survival prospects of their firm. These include deciding how much of a particular product to produce, what price to charge for that product, hiring additional workers how much effort should be invested in developing new products or improving the production process and what amount should be bid in an auction. An understanding of economic concepts can improve such decision making within a ..."

Tags:Business, microecomics, managerial economics, internal rate of return, risk, reward, profit, discounted cash flow, decision theory. decision making skills, market structure analysis and business policies, and government regulation of markets.

Abstract
The writer discusses that one of the most important factors promoting the importance of nursing in terms of patient wellness has been the development of favorable theories and educational programs, supporting the nurse as an integral part of the patient's wellness program. However, the writer maintains that the true power of nursing is in the recognition of the nurse's contribution to the healthcare system and the knowledge and complex decision-making skills that are necessary to care for patients. The writer mentions that although there are many nursing theories, albeit the Newman's system model, Leininger's Trans-cultural Model, The Orem Model or Orlando's Nursing Process Theory, part of this paper reflects upon the Watson model with respect to its place in nursing practice. The report also applies the basic tenets of these theories to a specific practice setting, namely nursing the elderly in the home healthcare environment.

From the Paper
"According to Watson, her philosophical orientation is extremely existential, spiritual, and somewhat metaphysical. Watson describes nursing as an art and a human science with the major focus being the process of a human care for individuals, families and groups rather than on the sole tenet of academic expertise. Nevertheless, Watson also states that harmony is required among the three and that the nursing goal is to help people to reach which is accomplished through transpersonal relationship development.
Within the Theory of Human Caring, during the transpersonal caring moment, the nurse and the patient gain entry into the living knowledge of each other - similar to Benner's self-reflection stage. In order for transpersonal contact to occur both the caregiver and patient experience a process of being and becoming wherein both are influenced by the nature of transaction. Watson goes on to define human caring as a moral ideal and that the ideal will assure a certain needed behavior at the time of the caring occasion."

Tags:patient, wellness, nurse, healthcare

Abstract
This paper uses the Army platoon, as exemplified in the novel, "The Things They Carried", to examine the interactions, roles, conflicts, and the leadership among that characters that make the group a success. The author points out that the most widely accepted theory of group leadership is the Transformational Leadership Theory, which states that people can choose to become leaders and can learn leadership skills; in the book, Jimmy Cross is the "implied leader". The paper relates that Army officers use the autocratic leadership style because of the high-stress, crisis nature of the military, where decisions must be made quickly; but, in the case of characters, Sanders and Cross, group members may resent an authoritarian leader and refuse to abide by his word.

From the Paper
"Narrator, Tim, tells stories to bring the dead back to life. With a story, a man can feel like his dead friend is with him or like he had not just killed a real person. The stories change - names, dates, and even events transform - but the memories are kept alive by the storyteller. The stories in this book tell of Tim's young and unprepared platoon, which is run by a very unskilled First Lieutenant, Jimmy Cross, who only desires to be back at home in New Jersey, without all the responsibilities of war. The men of this platoon change drastically, due to the unrelenting stresses placed upon them by the realities of war. There are terrible memories that they have experienced that will haunt the men for the full duration of their lives. War is ugly. War is cruel."

Tags:platoon, characters, tranformational, leadership, autocratic

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 reviews Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which help in the understanding of team dynamics.The paper then discusses her experience with the managing individual performance simulation and relates that, in the first run of the simulation, she focused on matching individual profiles to tasks based on the skills each task required, but did not consider her own Myers-Briggs profile and how her decision-making process would impact the group. During the second run of the simulation, the writer instead focused on individual motivations and needs instead of her own inclinations in motivating each team member. The writer concludes that, from these simulations, the success of a team is dependent upon the team leader's ability to motivate each member of a team to complete the assigned tasks to the individual's best ability.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
The Impact of Personality on Motivation and Team Interaction
The Simulation

From the Paper
"Daniel's love of cars and competition suggested to me that he was still working to fulfill his need for ego and status, Maslow's fourth level in the hierarchy of needs. In retrospect, John's propensity towards tasks as opposed to people should have prevented me from assigning him as supervisor of confrontation sessions. However, it was his reputation as a taskmaster and his enthusiasm for teaching others that convinced me he provide an effective balance in this position. These characteristics would also likely place him in the social hierarchy of needs."

Tags:motivations, personality types, maslow's hierarchy, myers-briggs, dare team

Abstract
This paper provides a proposal for a training program that will enhance the capability of civilian peacekeepers attached to peacekeeping organizations in doing their jobs despite their multicultural origins. It discusses the necessary tools and techniques that the civilian peacekeepers will need to be able to deploy in any conflict anytime and anywhere in the world at a moments notice.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Basic Communication, Conflict Resolution and Negotiating Skills
Basic Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution Skills
Negotiating Skills
Techniques of Motivation
Theory X and Theory Y Douglas McGregor
Two-factor Theory of Frederick Herzberg
David McClelland's Theory of Needs
Individual Decision Making and Group Behavior
Iindividual Decision Making
Group Behavior
Leadership Training for Supervisors in Peacekeeping Organizations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The turmoil in different regions of the world is already a reality and these conflicts look as if they are here to stay - and possibly become bigger or spin off into smaller ones. Indeed, there is a continuing need for peacekeepers, especially civilian peacekeepers since the military forces around the world do not have enough trained military peacekeepers to fill every conceivable need. Peacekeepers represent the country they come from and the organization they are attached to; their presence is first and foremost to help a mission area recover from the trauma of conflict. They should be well trained and ready at all times to answer the call but training and willingness is not enough. They need to live by a certain code of conduct that will differentiate them from ordinary relief volunteers."

Tags:communication, conflict, negotiation, motivation

Abstract
This paper examines several theories of leadership and defines significant differences between leaders and managers. The writer discusses how different types of leadership, such as transactional and transformational leadership, impact team performance and how change management is crucial in order to guide teams to improve and increase performance levels. Leadership skills that are also necessary for success are discussed. The writer concludes by listing strategies that enable leaders to succeed in creating a high performance team that can synchronize performance, skills, knowledge and decision making capabilities.

Outline:
Introduction
Defining Leadership versus Management
Transformational and Emotional Intelligence Leadership Theories
Leadership and Its Impact on Team Performance
A Critique of Team Leadership
Conclusion
Recommendations

From the Paper
"While trait-based theory and the cited taxonomy of sources of power only partially define a leader's ability to gain consensus and deliver exceptional results, the aspects of transformational leadership and emotional intelligence leadership theories provide additional insights into how leaders can attain the collaboration of collective performance, skills, knowledge and decision making that form the foundation of this critical examination. House & Shamir (1993, pgs, 82 - 87) and Yukl (1999, pgs. 110 - 113) both define transformational leadership as a critical skill set for leaders to attain emotional intelligence (EI) as a transformational strategy for leaders to create a more collaborative set of team processes to ensure collective performance is achieved."

Tags:transparency, commitment, trust, ownership, culture, motivation, reciprocal