Decision-Making

Decision-Making Process

Demarcus Boyd

May 2, 2010

University of Phoenix

Decision-Making Process

Decision making is a key component of our everyday lives. People make decisions that affect how and what they do personally and professionally. “Decision-making is defined as the act of deciding between two or more alternative courses of action” (Buzzle.com (nd). Every decision in life from going back to school, raising children or employment requires a decision making process. In this process, there are six stages which are: “Identify and diagnose the problem, generate alternative solutions, evaluate alternatives, make the choice, implement the decision and evaluate the decision” (Batemen T. & Snell S. 2011).

In order to understand the decision-making process, we must examine each step and apply it to a personal or professional decision. There was a time in my life when I made a personal decision in going back to school. This was a very huge experience for me and there were many steps to follow in making this decision. In this paper, we will examine each step in the decision-making process and apply it to my personal decision in enrolling in the University of Phoenix.

The first step in the decision-making process is identifying the problem or seeing if an opportunity may be worthwhile. In this stage, it is very important to state the main problem that has to be solved. It is also vital to state the outcome or goal that you wish to achieve after you made your decision. In the decision of enrolling back in school, my goal was to move into management for the earnings and career potential. I have been with the same company for a few years now and in order to move up within the company, I needed my Associates or Bachelor Degree. Being a single mother of two boys, I couldn’t quit my job. Therefore furthering my education is an opportunity that was a worthwhile goal for my future.

The second step in the decision-making process is...