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, decisiontheory. decision making skills, market structure analysis and business policies, and government regulation of markets.
Abstract Personnel departments face the dilemma of providing adequate training that will prepare individuals for their a new job, with the least amount of disruption to the current corporate flow. This paper shows that in the past, new employees assumed a temporary "training" role, usually working side by side with a more experienced employee that filled the same function. In today's world of enormous technological advancements, multi-media course-ware can be used to simulate real-world situations and teach decision making skills to new employees. The paper shows that this allows financial goals, technical needs, safety factors and knowledge to be integrated into a classroom arrangement that approximates on the job training.
From the Paper "To use the multi-media approach to training most effectively, the choices and training scenarios should as closely as possible simulate real-world situations. This may include using actual job materials whenever possible, incorporating the experiences of present employees in the training and creation of the training scenarios, and constructing scale models to simulate technical problems without jeopardizing expensive equipment. This type of training will also have potential value for exposing other individuals in the company to the different aspects of the company's operations they may not be exposed to on a daily basis."
Abstract This paper is a study of the characteristics considered necessary for great leadership. The changing definition of an effective leader is discussed as well as different leadership and cognitive styles. Several theories about different types of leaders are presented and explained. Also covered in this paper are gender differences in leadership styles and leadership in team sports.
Leadership Styles and Cognitive Styles
Leadership Styles with Respect to Dealings with Followers
Leadership Styles: People Oriented or Task Oriented
Classification of Leadership Styles
Theory X, Theory Y and Theory Z in Leadership Styles
Gender Differences in Leadership
Other Management Styles
From the Paper "In the last decade, the definition of an effective leader has changed (De Pree, 1989) The leader's requirements have changed from a charismatic and autocratic decision-maker to a steward, designer, and builder of learning organizations. Historically, successful leaders have been characterized as decisive, analytical, individualistic, powerful, and willing to make the hard decisions when required. People opinions and perspectives have changed over the last few decades and society now prefers leaders who help build ?learning organizations.? In this new organizational setup, leaders will have to help people expand and increase their own individual capabilities with the belief that an individual who is constantly growing and developing is an asset both for the company and the society as a whole."
Abstract This research paper analyzes the effect of leadership skills providing direction and interpersonal skills in interacting with others and decision making. It includes oral communication skills, written business communication, and perception skills important in analyzing problems and proposing solutions. The paper's final component deals with organizational change and self-designing change management. The research paper is the basis of a proposal for a seminar workshop to enhance staff knowledge of such qualities as leadership and ability to interact with others for the enhancement of the capabilities of the staff.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Executive Summary
Statement of the Problem
Introduction
Improving Leadership and Interpersonal Relationship
Communication Skills (Written, Oral, Listening, Perception)
Organization and Planning
Conclusion
Bibliography
References
Works Cited
From the Paper "Corporate executives with similar (corporate) background, in terms of corporate culture normally display strong leadership qualities, showing confidence in the strength of their convictions. As a result, participative management has been ushered in, with a focus on synergistic teamwork. Executives must learn to merge their own ideas with those of others in order to get the job done in a way that spells productivity for the corporation as a whole. Obviously this cannot be achieved in a situation where everybody says "yes" to the boss or all are doing their own thing. Consider the following points:
1.When three or more people of equal rank meet with crisis, there is widespread reluctance for any member to exercise initiative. Reluctance increases with the size of the group....."
Abstract This paper shows the process of critical thinking and the use of decision making techniques in evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of returning to school to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology. The author explains how effective decisions can be made based on a framework. In the context of re-entering a graduate program to earn an advanced degree in Psychology, the paper also stresses the importance for introspection and self-evaluation of strengths to determine ones' unique attributes
Introduction
Beginning with a Knowledge-Based Framework
The Skills Framework
The Values Framework
Summary
References
From the Paper "The essential aspects of this specific area of a critical thinking framework center on supporting the skills framework areas described in the preceding section and the Attitudes and Disposition Framework. The Values Framework also concentrates on the qualities of truth, sympathy, self-criticism, authenticity, sincerity and transparency and their contributory role to skills assessment. The need for values to create the necessary underlying support for all other critical thinking framework components including knowledge, skills, attitudes and disposition has been defined from the context of overlapping "lanes" or areas of coordinated information sharing."
Abstract This paper is on group decisions in communicating. Group decision communicating often consists of orientation, conflict, emergence, and reinforcement. Decision-emergence theory is an explanation of the complex communication process that groups go through in doing any projects. These steps often make or break the group.
Abstract The purpose of this work is to write a memorandum describing the characteristics of effective leaders for the public sector in the 21st century. Included in the discussion are negotiation and mediation skills and the reasons that these characteristics are important in today's leaders.
From the Paper "Negotiations are a vital business process which every individual who is employed in the capacity requiring leadership should consider worthy of the time in studying and in attaining skill in performing. To complicate matters the global society that has shrank rapidly since the advent of the Internet encompasses many cultures, societal factors and religions that intermix with business processes and negotiations."
This paper is a research proposal to study the relationship between levels of knowledge and clinical decision-making skills in third-year nursing students in pre-registration degree and diploma programs in a U.K. university.
Abstract This paper explains that novice nurses cannot come forth with any type of intuitive judgment without first having gained experience but the novice can bring to the clinical situation the years of experience gained in multiple clinical and life situations. The author proposes using a phenomenological interpretive methodology, which is based on the principle of hermeneutics and is of an interpretive qualitative nature. The paper discusses the procedure for using this focus group methodology with paired interviews of novice and expert nurses.
Table of Contents:
Objective
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Strengths/ Weaknesses or Limitations
Procedure of Focus Group Interview
Summary
From the Paper "Through use of this analysis, the competencies required as the individual moves from the stages of novice to expert are easily identified. Benner discovered through listening to expert nurse narratives that the key to their development of expertness was based in their ability to 'experience' nursing, and to integrate this experience into both existing and new knowledge. From this integration of experience and knowledge, new paradigms are developed and available in future 'like' situations."
Abstract This paper discusses cognitive and visual perceptions, the perspective of Gestalt psychologists on perception and how perception during the decision-making process can be based on the attribution theory. The paper explores how perceptions during the decision-making process are formed by an individuals' biases, and goes on to list the ways in which biases can affect one's perception. The paper therefore shows how perception plays a key role when the decision-making process is not based strictly on rational, objective measurements.
From the Paper "In order to fully understand the role of perception in the decision making process, we must first understand what each is. First, there are a variety of theories and perspectives available discussing the human performance involved in the decision making process. Decision making always results in a final choice being made whereby the output can be either an opinion or action. Perspective viewpoints of human performance in the decision making process include 1) Normative, where the analysis involved in the decision making process is concerned with rationality and logic; 2) Psychological, where an individual's decisions are based on their set of needs, values sought, and personal preferences; and 3) Cognitive, where the decision making process is seen as a continuous process that is integrated along with the interaction one has with their environment. At another level, decision making can be seen as an emotional process that can be either irrational or rational, with assumptions being explicit or tactical. (Kahneman, 2000)"
Abstract This paper explains that the rational choice theory, which defines a rational action as the maximization of causal profit, was essentially developed as an economic theory, but has been extended to other realms as well. The author explains that the theory, which was expanded to the area of sociology by Max Weber, Talcott Parsons, and George Homans, was challenged for its lack of empirical support. The paper concludes that rational theory now has been thoroughly tested empirically and found to be based on a sound premise; the theory may not apply to all people in all situations, but it highlights a strong correlation between rationality and man's decision making behavior.
From the Paper "When we are faced with a decision, there are always some options involved. Which path is the correct one, which option would best serve our purpose, which choice appears most suitable are some of the key questions on which we base our decision. Man by nature is interested in maximization of his profits whether professional or personal. No one would deliberately want to take a risk that is bound to go awry. In almost every case, man carefully studies the situation and then chooses the best option available to him. And this is not something limited to money matters but extends itself to almost every area of life including social relationships, religion, politics and other areas."
Abstract This paper explains that systems theory is a predominant management theory adopted or currently in practice within the electronics field. It examines how this system requires that the manager look at how any one decision might affect the overall system framework. Systems theory is beneficial for looking at the broad or bigger picture or an organization as a whole. It then explains that contingency theory suggests that managers have to take into account every aspect of a situation before acting upon it, then act only on those aspects of a situation that are key to resolving the matter at hand.
From the Paper "Correct utilization of management theory is vital for organizational planning, decision making and control (Farmer, Richman & Ryan, 1966). Because each organization and situation is unique, one management or leadership style may not be appropriate for governing all situations, however any particularly theory can be applied universally across an organization (Callaway 1999). Systems and contingency theories are examples of two management theories that can be applied universally across the electronics organization to facilitate a productive outcome in virtually any situation."
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 explains that traditional financial thinking relies on assumptions of certainty, complete knowledge and market efficiency and in this context, financial decisions should be relatively straightforward. In the real world though, many times what is observed deviates greatly from what would be expected using traditional financial thinking. This paper therefore uses different game theory models to more accurately explain observed financial decisions dealing with capital structure, corporate acquisitions and initial public offerings (IPOs).
From the Paper "Game theory has made great strides in explaining many of the observed phenomena falling under corporate finance. One example is the capital structure decided upon by a firm's management. Capital structure deals with the firm's decision to raise funds through debt versus equity and what ratio of debt to equity should the firm maintain. Modigliani and Miller in 1958 showed that in perfect capital markets (i.e. no frictions and symmetric information) and no taxes a firm could not change its total value by altering its debt/equity ratio; thus capital structure is irrelevant. However in the real world, capital structure is carefully thought about by every company, and it is in fact not irrelevant because taxes do exist and capital markets are not perfect."
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 provides a brief overview of the evolution of management theories from as far back as China in the sixth century BCE to the present day. The author discusses a few of the writers who were responsible for laying the foundations of management theory, such as Adam Smith, Henry Towne, and Frederick Taylor, whose theory of management, published in 1911 and known as scientific management, is still incorporated into management policy by managers around the world. Other theories such as the administrative theory developed by Fayol and Elton Mayo's behavioral theory are also described. The paper concludes with suggestions for improving management techniques in the author's organization, the U.S. Marine Corps.
Outline:
Management
Classic Approaches to Management
Scientific Management
Administrative Theory Behavioral Approach
Management Science/Operations Research Approach
From the Paper "Management theory was not advanced for thousands of years as most people lived on subsistence farms or ran small shops that did not require much organization to function. This all changed as the world entered the industrial revolution. In the 1700's philosophers, such as Adam Smith, began to analyze the things that made people work. Smith believed workers would be most compelled by whatever would give them the biggest economic gain and, therefore, believed the greatest reward for a worker was more money (Colorado State). Even in present times monetary reward is still the easiest way to achieve better performance."
