Navigating Murky Waters

At first review of the case, one has already come to conclusion on what the problem is and the possible solutions to employ in solving it. Then suddenly, it gets distorted, things do not seem as they were initially. The more one attempts to get a hang of it, the more it seems vague. “The more you look, the less you see.”

The Analysis of Business Problem course teaches and prepares its students to be inquisitive and data driven. To question oneself and question your thinking. Most things are not the way they seem.

In navigating life, one is faced with making decisions daily. This includes simple decisions like getting out of bed or sleeping a little more and complex decisions like an obstetrician deciding whether to keep the uterus intra-op due to severe hemorrhage or not. In both instances, there will always be alternatives, though could be limited in some cases, to choose from. Deciding on the right decision matters. The question now is, what is right and who decides it?

Most decisions are not necessarily between right and wrong or good and evil. It can be more complex than that. Even between good and evil, context play a big role as what is wrong to person A may be the best for person B.

How then do we make decisions? There is no right or wrong way to go about it, but there are better ways to navigate through it. In making decisions, one needs to be as objective as possible and not be driven by emotions or noise. Firstly, identify the problem that needs solving. As simple as that sound might be very complicated as it is only by proper definition of the issue at hand, can one then find ways of solving them.

Secondly, deciding on the objectives that one needs to achieve with the decision. Why do I need to get out of bed today? The clearer and more precise the objective, the better the subsequent decision that will be made. Then, generate possible alternatives to the problem. Some problems limit us to just few alternatives, others are open ended. To analyze the alternatives, one needs to have laid down criteria and considerations. The criteria set helps us to not deviate from the issue at hand and narrow our focus.

Then comes the analysis of the alternatives generated. Here one needs to consider all parameters that are available. The benefits, profitability, and morality of all the alternatives need to be clearly stated and spelt out. Available data are not ignored, as it is crucial in this step.. Assumptions should not be made. A proper review of all the findings, asking pertinent and relevant questions at each point is crucial.

Afterwards, the decision-making itself follows. Having considered all the factors in the alternatives, one needs to decide. This seems like an easy step, but one needs to be bold to take a stand and be able to defend it objectively. The process of decision making does not end after decision is taken. The decision needs to be implemented. Post-implementation, we also need to reevaluate our decision to see if any loopholes were missed.

The decision-making process is iterative and dynamic. It involves ongoing evaluation and adjustment based on feedback and results. Emphasizing objectivity, data-driven analysis, and a systematic approach helps in navigating through the uncertainties and complexities that may arise during decision-making.

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