Wow! What a journey! It is quite unbelievable that 22 sessions of average 1hour 15minutes each that is cumulative 1,650minutes in total. However, every minute of it is 100% worth it.
Dear readers, pardon my enthusiasm and you are highly welcome to another post on my reflection from ongoing Lagos Business School (LBS) Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. As stated in my first post titled ‘You are Decision Executive!’, everyone takes decision whether consciously or not, in fact, repeating my favorite quote from that post “Decision not to take a decision is a decision itself”. It re-emphasizes the natural way for everything.
Going through sessions of Analysis of Business Problems with Dr Segun Shogbanmu has not only enriched my ability to make decisions but also empowered me on how to make effective decisions using available tools.
Learning the use of PrOACT Model where key factor is ability to determine what the Problem is rather than the symptom(s) of the problem to be solved. In addition to learning things to watch out for when identifying the problem, the facilitator also informed of the need to have right context of the scenario as context affects problem identification while avoiding framing bias when stating the problem to improve the Objective of the case which clearly should be opposite of the problem – Objective should be the solution to the client’s Problem as correctly identified without bias in line with the context of the situation given. Having Alternatives to solve the problem or meet the objective is as important as considering the Consequence that may result from each alternative and Trade-off, Uncertainty and Risk involve in each alternative.
As good as PrOACT model is, it is not enough on its own for effective analysis of issues. Recall, I mentioned the importance of Context in identifying problem, however, you will notice that there is no room for Context in the PrOACT model. Here Dr Segun introduced the class to another important model: 8-Steps Model.
8-Steps model identify problem from Context of the situation, full understanding of the situation will support proper identification of the problem thereby complementing PrOACT. In addition, the 8-Steps model introduces Criteria which are sets of metrics or checklist to evaluate Alternatives available to solve the Problem or meet the Objective set via PrOACT model. Using the Criteria will reduce bias and subjectivity since each Alternative will be analyzed based on chosen Criteria. Then, finally Decision needs to be made on most suitable Alternative to solve the Problem or meet the Objective of the analysis.
Hang on, is that it? Decision made on most suitable Alternative? No, dear readers, that is not all. 8-Steps model introduced Action plan. You will agree with me that without a plan that is actionable, we may not be able to determine if the chosen Alternative solves the identified Problem or meets the set Objective.
Therefore, as the facilitator emphasized during the sessions, it’s important to combine the two models or even more where required for effective decision making. Remember, You are a Decision Executive!
