Usauto And Automex Reflection Paper

The growth of an organization goes hand-in-hand with its ability to solve problems effectively and consistently. To achieve this goal, many organizations have some kind of rules and regulation defined that needs to be followed. Sometimes these processes are not easy to follow and sometimes it is not very effective. These situations bring lot of pressure on managers. The 9-step problem-solving model is a practical tool for managers and other stake holders that are engaged in the process of decision-making. The 9-step problem-solving model can consistently lead to positive results and has minimal challenges and can be applied in almost any situation, in any organization.

Effectiveness of the 9-Step Problem-Solving Model

Problems are faced everyday in life and decisions are made. Unfortunately, the problems are not always analyzed. The problem with not analyzing the entire situation and thinking the decision through is that often, the wrong decision is made with regard to the desired end state. These decisions can lead to greater cost for an organization in terms of money, quality, productivity, customer satisfaction and even having to solve the problem all over again. The lack of knowledge of process of decision-making is one of the greatest contributors for not being able to make the best decision.

According to Miles (2005), the decision-making process is "a process that involves taking a series of interrelated investigative steps and designing a plan to solve a problem or answer a need effectively in a manner that meets the needs and goals of the individual and the organization" (p. 27-28). The 9-step problem-solving model engages the decision-making team and forces critical thinking. The 9-step problem-solving model guides the decision maker to take a step-by-step approach that produces the best decision after considering all possible alternatives. The best solution can only be reached when the problem is clearly understood and defined and all possible alternatives has been considered and evaluated. Using the 9-step problem-solving model one learns that opportunities and challenges exists in every problem, and by following the steps defined, we can identify and respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the problem. Further, with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities, a precise end state goals needs to be described. Once the end state goal or goals are known, it becomes easier to look for alternatives. Alternatives can then be evaluated to its best using the given process in step 5 with also raises the risks if, any. The entire process not only leads us to the best possible solution but also defines the steps to implement and evaluate the result.

We have seen how effective the 9-step problem-solving process can be when we applied it to AutoMex and USAuto scenario. While implementation of no method is going to guarantee success, the 9-step problem-solving method allows the decision maker to clearly visualize the problem, the alternatives, the best solution and it evaluations process. Like every problem, implementation of a process brings its own set of challenges.

Challenges of the 9-Step Problem-Solving Model

The application of the 9-step problem-solving model brings minimal challenges. The first challenge is retraining one's mind to take a step back and use the "ready-aim-fire" philosophy instead of the "fire-aim-ready" mind set that occurs in a fast-changing business environment. After overcoming the hesitation in the use of the model, it proved to very helpful when applied to a number of personal as well as work related situations. When applied to the USAuto and AutoMex scenario the following was discovered.

Step one of the process is by far the easiest. The current business situation is summarized; issues and opportunities are recorded. With USAuto and AutoMex, once the companies were separated into two very different problems articulating the situation was simple.

Step two, the most difficult portion of the model, is attempting to develop a problem statement. The term problem statement is a complete misnomer. The problem statement is not a restatement of the problem but a statement of what can be achieved. The most important item to remember when using the 9 step model is that revisions of any of the steps are possible and at times necessary. Once steps 1 through 4 are completed they must be reviewed to ensure that they are aligned with each other. After that is ensured the remaining steps flow together to complete the model.

The biggest challenge is to retrain our minds to think differently and the time needed for implementation. As business moves more rapidly around us we are forced to make decisions without thinking them through and in a rush. This structured approach to problem-solving