Thinking Critically

Thinking Critically Simulation

Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

The decision-making process is multifaceted and involves the use of critical thinking to make the best possible decision. In order to make a well-reasoned and logical decision, the problem that is being addressed must be clearly defined and understood.

The rational decision making model was utilized in order to help make a decision.

This model is sequence of steps in the problem solving process. First the problem was defined. In this case the problem was a drop in sales because of the newly opened store. Also the mix of product did not cater to the customer's demands for Internet related and multimedia products. The next step in this decision making process was to set objectives. The third step was to look for alternative solutions. The next step included evaluating each solution and choosing the one that would help the department achieve their objective. The next step was to implement the solution. The final step in the model was follow-up.

Critical thinking is defined by Bassham, Irwin, Nardone & Wallance (2002) as "discipline thinking governed by clear intellectual standards" (p.1). These intellectual standards include " clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, consistency, logical correctness, completeness, and fairness" (Bassham p.1). In this case in order to define the problem clarity and precision were needed. Accuracy was needed to analyze the exact cause of the problem and effects of the possible solutions. Relevance was demonstrated with objectives that were appropriate for the problem that was identified. Fairness was utilized to ensure that everyone is being treated fairly.

Some of the key points that were emphasized is this case was fist trying to identify the problem, define criteria goals, and objectives and try and evaluate effect of the problem. Another point mentioned was identifying caused of the problem, try to figure out was the main source for all the problems that Credenhill was having and then look for alternatives, evaluate the impact of the alternative and try to make right decision.

One other very important point was to evaluate the decision that was maid and trying to come up with the best resolution by taking everything in to consideration.

By doing this simulation you realize the importance of supply and demand. In the recent years customer demand has been one of the main drivers of company business focus. In order to have a competitive edge companies are driven to provide their customers with specialized customer service. Customer demand is one of the major external forces that has a significant impact on a organization. It can impact many divisions with in an organization such as; RND, manufacturing, supply, project management and ECT as we saw in this simulation how everything was related together.

Organizations that are not as proactive as their counter parts may have more pressure trying to meet their customer demand and this pressure may trickle down through out the entire organization leaving employees helpless and discourage and in some case looking for a job with the competitors Companies need to be more flexible and proactive in order to respond to their customer's need on time. Since being first in the market is of essence in a success of a business, companies need to increase their customer service and the quality of products that they offer in order to have the sales advantage over their competitors. It takes several different departments within a company to work

together in order to get the product to customers with quality of service. Also in order for companies to improve service quality and expect their employees to give the best customer service they need to improve employees' moral and motivation. They need to realize that their employees are one of the most important assets of the organization and if employees are happy they will perform better and as result they can give a better service to their customers.

Reference:

Bassham, G., Irwin, W., Nardone, H., & Wallance, J. (2002). Critical thinking.

New York McGraw-Hill.

Thinking Critically Simulation

Gelarah Ghazanfari

Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making

Michael Taousakis

June 6, 2005

The decision-making process is multifaceted and involves the use of critical thinking to make the best possible decision. In order to make a well-reasoned and logical decision, the problem that is being addressed must be clearly defined and understood.

The rational decision making model was utilized in order to help make a decision.

This model is sequence of steps in the problem solving process. First the problem was defined. In this case the problem was a drop in sales because of the newly opened store. Also the mix of product did not cater to the customer's demands for Internet related and