Thinking Critically

Thinking Critically Simulation Review

Outcome

Team A effectively used their critically thinking skills and received a B+ from Linda James. As a result of a hike in promotional overflow, reorienting the product mix, offering large discounts on the inventory, and recommending a new pay plan, Team A achieved suitable outcomes by satisfying corporate's needs with increased sales, avoiding loss of staff to the new store and maintaining the budget by making the right decisions.

Although several good decisions were made in the simulation, several of the metrics chosen were not the optimal choice. For example, deciding to conform to the city's disability access laws would require substantial work on both entrances and exits of Credenhill's store. Closing the store temporarily for a minimum of 10 to 15 days would have created additional financial loss. No other Credenhill store has faced this problem. The better decision in this case would have been to let headquarters challenge the legal notice.

The decision-making changes to consider are identifying the critical problems. Often, what appears to be the problem is nothing but the symptom of a bigger issue. Applying the critical thinking skills we have obtained and using the decision-making process, will assist, and support the decisions which are chosen. Framing the problem, making the decision, and evaluating the decision are shown in the following illustration:

As a manager, the ability to make informed decisions and solve problems is important. It is necessary in the manager's role to use a methodical approach. Good decision managers need to help employees understand the process, perform each step, and steadily make successful decisions.