...Week Three: Decision Making Details Objectives 3.1 Describe tools and/or techniques used in decision making. 3.2 Examine decision-making models and influences. 3.3 Apply a decision-making technique to a situation. Readings Read Ch. 14 of Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life. Read Ch. 1–3 of Smart Things to Know About Decision Making. Read Ch. 4, 12–26 of Decide & Conquer: Make Winning Decisions and Take Control of Your Life. Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participate in class discussion. Respond to weekly discussion questions. W3 8 2% Participation Discussion Questions Nongraded Activities and Preparation Decisions in Paradise Business Scenario For Weeks Three through Five, you will work individually using the Decisions in Paradise Business Scenario located on your student website as the basis for these three assignments. In this scenario, you will play the role of Nik, and your current employer is the organization represented by Alex, Nik, and Chris. You will also use the mission of your current organization to assist you in decision making in discussing this business scenario. There are three phases to this assignment which will be cumulative, meaning that each part will build upon the next. You will use this paper and feedback from your instructor as input to improve your Week Four and Week Five assignments. The three deliverables for this project are: Week Three: Decisions in Paradise Paper, Part I Week Four:...
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...Paradise Foods Case Study Analysis Bhagath Gottipaty, MBA Situation Paradise Foods dropped the plans to authorize national rollout of a new product, Sweet Dream, to complement its established frozen specialty dessert, LaTreat. Challenges To find the challenges, I had analyzed the SWOT factors in order to better ascertain whether Paradise did the right thing in order to pursue their goals and the recommendations are based on these factors. Internal External Strengths 1. Using the market data. 2. Positive results from the test markets for Sweet Dreams brand. Weakness 1. Focusing more on LaTreat 2. Senior Management go by gut feeling rather than market research data 3. Not using data to the fullest by the Product Manager 4. Less testing markets used for Sweet Dreams Opportunities 1.Growing markets 2.Use of market research data 3. Launching a fighter brand SO Implications & Scenarios 1). Strengths – Paradise is already using market research data for studying their products performance Opportunity – Paradise has vast information and data available from the market, which can turn the tables towards Paradise products. Its high time that Paradise utilizes this research data optimally and subsequently gain revenue and market share as well as make decisions for the launch of new product Sweet Dreams as fighter brand. The market is growing and it is the right time for the Paradise Foods to focus on launching the new brands. WO...
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...[pic] School of Business Syllabus MGT/350 Version 5 Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making Lou Ferracane Course Start Date: 10/26/2010 Course End Date: 11/23/2010 Campus/Learning Center: Oklahoma City Campus Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document. Copyright Copyright © 2009, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. University of Phoenix® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix® editorial standards and practices. Facilitator Information Lou Ferracane ferracal@email.phoenix...
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...Decision In Paradise Emmanuel Brew Riverson MGT 350 Critical Thinking: Strategies In Decision Making Kevin McPhee May 5,2012 Decisions in Paradise – Part II Most business decisions are taken by senior executives based on assessments that will determine in advance what will happen if the business takes the expected direction. Financial tools (i.e. cost benefit analysis) are truly helpful during the decision-making process; however, they should never be confused with the decision as the outcome of the decision-making process (Langdon, 2001). In “Decision in Paradise – Part 2”, Joey will utilize a decision-making technique that is suitable for this scenario as well provide a step-by-step analysis while utilizing the technique. Finally, he will discuss the decision-making model he selected and how the model selected influences his proposed solutions. Cost Benefit Analysis The decision-making technique that Joey selected for his business study at Kabo is the cost benefit analysis. The cost benefit analysis is completed in order to determine how well or poor a plan will turn out. Cost benefit analysis is also known as “running the numbers” as it relies on adding positive factors and subtracting the negative ones in order to determine a net result. The difference that is found between benefits and costs will advise if the plan is feasible. The cost benefit analysis must include all the costs, all the benefits and properly quantify them in order to get accurate analysis. Although...
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...Decision in Paradise 2 In this paper we will look at a rational and effective thinking technique in which a person can evaluate all sides of critical decision making and most often plan for all possible scenarios in a particular situation. The situation that we are discussing in this scenario is the establishment of a Walgreens on the small island of Kava. The technique we will be using to analyze the situation is the “Six Thinking Hats” or the “de Bono Hats System”. As stated by Wikipedia (2009), S.T.H “is a thinking tool for group discussion and individual thinking. Combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, it provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way.” In the article Six Thinking Hats: Looking at a Decision from All Points of View the author explained “Six thinking hats is a powerful technique that helps to look at important decisions from a number of different perspectives” (2008). He goes on to say “It helps to make better decision by pushing one to move outside their habitual ways of thinking. It helps to understand the full complexity of the decision, and spot issues and opportunities to which one might otherwise be blind” (U.K.A., 2008). When using this particular problem solving technique it makes it possible for one to solve problems and analyze scenarios from multiple approaches. We will now look at the Decisions in Paradise...
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...Decisions in Paradise, Part 1 Chelsea Robinson MGT 350 - Critical Thinking June 20, 2011 Bruce Betts Decisions in Paradise, Part 1 Kava, a small island country in the South Pacific¸ has been plagued with disastrous circumstances that have brought about one disaster after another. Kava is a country that is in dire need of some help and aid in the situation of getting the country cleaned up and on its way to recovery. The job of the director of strategic planning is to see what the Macy’s, Inc. can do to help this country recover and continue on a path of growth and success. Macy’s, Inc. currently has a small presence over in the country of Kava. The goal of Macy’s, Inc. is to “be a retailer with the ability to see opportunity on the horizon and have a clear path for capitalizing on it” (Company Statements & Slogans, 2008). Macy’s, Inc. sees an opportunity in Kava and needs to make a clear path so that we can capitalize on it. Since Macy’s, Inc has a long standing tradition of believing that giving back is the right thing to do (Macy's Inc, 2011) , we would like to help Kava try to recover from all the disasters they have gone through, and help to overcome the challenges that they are now facing. Macy’s will do this by addressing the issues found in the business scenario, forces involved in the formulation of the problem, and organizational and environmental obstacles impacting key stakeholders. After looking at the business scenario and seeing what the director of...
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...Decisions in Paradise Decisions in Paradise “Kava is a significant island in the south pacific. More than 50% of the population is under the age of 15. Kava consists of an ethnic mix of indigenous South Pacific tribes which, consist of Asian, French, and Spanish but has had a significant increase of Americans after World War II” (Business Scenario) The economy in Kava consists of “petroleum, coffee, cocoa, spices, bananas, sugar, tourism, fishing, and natural gas” (Business Scenario). The quality of labor is inexpensive. In an effort to be considerate of the stakeholders involved, Nicholas Financial, Incorporated needs to consider the details of the problems, the issues that need to be addressed, and try to come up with solutions to every problem on Kava. Kava has had their share of natural disasters as well as epidemics. These “natural disasters include tidal waves, tsunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes” (Business Scenario). The petroleum spill is affecting the eco-system, marine wildlife and the integrity of beach property of the island. The other natural disasters have complicated these issues even further. Unfortunately, disease has become widespread because of the multitude of these disasters that have hammered this island recently. The devastation of the HIV/AIDS virus and the avian flu has presented other concerns to Kava and need to be addressed. Nik and Chris have asked...
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...Decisions in Paradise Part - II Decisions in Paradise Business Scenario, Part II. Introduction: As it was discussed in the previous paper, “Decisions in paradise: Part I”, our company was looking at establishing a greater presence in Kava which is small island country in the South Pacific. Kava has been plagued with unfortunate circumstances that have brought about one disaster after another. , The problems facing the Arcadia Child and Youth Corporation were discussed. The problems were as follow: Organizational and Environmental Obstacles Construction, Resources and Actions Required, Ethical Implications, Factors Affecting Implementation has been evaluated. Everything is in order and we have other matters to consider now. We will start with the decision making technique from the University of Phoenix Model the 9 –step technique to complete this expansion in Kava. 1) Justify the use of decision-making models. 2) Analyze the elements of decision-making models. 3) Perform a situation analysis. 4) Differentiate between symptoms and problems. 5) Develop alternative solutions. 6) Evaluate alternative solutions. 7) Describe how personal, cultural, and organizational values impact ethical decision-making. 8) Select the best possible solution. Proposal Feedback from The Arcadia Child and Youth Corporation executive’s Team This paper, Decisions in Paradise Part II will provides information regarding the proposal to build a Child and Youth center on the South Pacific island...
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...demographics of Kava-5 % ofthe population being under 15 years of age-will require us to tailor ourproduct and service offerings to that age group, but we will also have tomake our presence agreeable to the mix of ethnicities, religions, andlanguages on Kava (" Decisions in Paradise: How To Be, or Not To Be," n.d.,p. A cause and effect diagramcan be used to sort out the main factors in the problem and identify itscauses (Langdon, 2 1, p. 47). 3).Issues As the business scenario indicates, there are a number of issues to beconsidered before we make our decision. 27) suggests, critical thinking can be applied tothe decision-making process by identifying current concerns and theirimpact on performance. To determine what that presence would be and how we would bringit about, we will analyze the information we have, synthesize it, and makerecommendations about what the decision should be (" Decisions in Paradise:How To Be, or Not To Be," n.d., p. This means that building up situationawareness is the most difficult but also one of the most important thingsto do first (Schragen, Eikelboom, van Dongen, & te Brake, 2 5, p. Mankato, MN: Capstone.Schraagen, J.M., Eikelboom, A., van Dongen, K., te Brake, G. ReferencesDecisions in Paradise: How To Be, or Not To Be. Environmental obstacles-other than distance-includethe multiple climate-related crises that the area is known for. 181). (n.d.).Langdon, K. In orderto formulate the problem most effectively,...
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...Decisions in Paradise MGT 350 Decisions in Paradise Part One Decisions in paradise, is a business scenario that will serve as the basis for a three part assignment. The author plays the role of Nik in this business scenario. Dillard’s Incorporated will serve as the author’s current employer and the company described in this essay. Alex, Nik, and Chris are all representatives of Dillard’s. Each part of this three part assignment will build upon the previous section. The author will attempt to define issues that effect business, highlight the forces involved in the problem, describe the organizational and environmental obstacles, and finally apply critical thinking in the decision-making process. Defining the Issues The Dillard's organization is looking to establish a new manufacturing plant on the island of Kava, in the South Pacific. The Dillard’s organization hopes that this move will be beneficial to both Kava and the Dillard’s shareholders. This decision to branch out to Kava will require careful planning and consideration of all the present issues. Issues present such as: natural disasters, health risks, and internal and external forces, create a challenge for Dillard’s Incorporated. Dillard’s desperately needs to develop a plan to have a greater presence on Kava. Forces and Obstacles Involved There are several internal and external forces involved in the decision to set up a manufacturing plant in Kava. External forces for example, environmental...
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...Decisions in Paradise, Part One As I take the identity of Nik, it will be my job to help my new organization develop a stronger business presence in Kava. To ascertain what that presence will be, and the steps it will take to make it happen, information must first be analyzed, synthesized, and prescribe the best decision to benefit the organization and the community of Kava (“Decisions in Paradise: How to Be, or Not To Be,” n.d., p. 3). Concerns The business scenario indicates, a number of concerns that need consideration before a decision can be described. To reach the goal of the company we must first address the demographics of Kava. With 50% of the population below 15 years of age we will focus the first phase of our marketing strategy on half of the population while making our presence acceptable to the diverse mixture of ethnicities, languages, and religions on Kava (“Decisions in Paradise: How to Be, or Not To Be,” n.d., p.2). Second the Islands remote location makes travel to and from the island expensive so this would require making the Kava branch as self-reliant as possible, working in parallel to develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan to address many natural disasters that threaten the Island of Kava. Forces The primary forces to impact the problem formulation in Kava include the disorganization of the office, the environment, and Kava’s economy, which is the principal force of influence to be considered. Coupled with Nik’s lack of experience and the forces...
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...Decisions for Roller Skaters Part I – Krazy Jack and Lokita’s Role with Companies 1. What is Jack’s role? a. Nik’s role is to provide assistance to the companies Executive Alex, Director of Goofie Planning. The company’s role is to develop and manage organizational structure and processes. That includes helping the government with increasing their social needs. The structure and processes includes marketing, finance, purchasing, technology, human resources, physical resource, transportation, strategic planning, leadership, etc. Nik’s immediate role is draft the company’s plan as it focuses on organizational processes, human resources, and ethics. 2. What is Lokita’s role? Cross Salsa provides medical assistance to a vast majority of patients in the Fort Kingfish area. The medical billing department, allows the Cross to process patient’s billing within the organization. Melanie Popins, Director of Central Drilling, oversees the financial position of patient’s medical expenses to the hospital through therapy and procedures. Jacqueline’s immediate role is to provide medical billing assistance by processing hospital claims through Medicare and other insurance companies. This helps in minimizing account receivables. Part II – Assignment Outline 1. Introduction a. Long Island Ice Tea– When one thinks of the South Pacific, they would think of paradise; white beaches, gentle surfs, swaying palm trees, and tropical breeze (Business Scenario, 2011). i. Location – ...
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...Decisions in Paradise Part 3 January 9, 2011 MGT/350 We think of tropical destinations as a paradise not Kava. Kava is in a South Pacific Island that is facing hardship and has many challenges that need to be met in order for the residence to grow. They have asked A & E disaster corporation help in the process. The company I work for will determine how it will build this disaster stricken country. We will identify the problems; define criteria, goals, and objectives. In this paper I will discuss the problems that we will encounter during the decision making process and how to resolve them. I will also discuss organizational processes, human resources, and ethics within the company. Decision making is important for A& E Recovery Corporation and there are many tools, techniques, and knowledge that can apply when making choices on decisions and alternatives. Within two weeks of finishing my degree in business management, I was hired at A& E Disaster Corporation as an assistant to director of strategic planning. The director of strategic planning is Alex. The company requires me to travel for my first assignment. Upon arriving in Kava I noticed the community was a mess. I meet my supervisor Alex; he told me that Kava was in great need of assistance. I have identified the following problems. The island is located in the path of many potential natural disasters that threaten the infrastructure, crops, and livelihood of the people. The disasters...
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...Decisions in Paradise, Part III Nik, who has imagined the Kava Island like a paradise prior to his actual visit of the place could not help but to develop an impression to forget about the business proposal in the island right after hearing the myriads of disasters threats in the island. Despite the initial frustration in the condition of the island, he was forced to go on with his mission and assignment which is to carry out the research on the island to analyze the possibility of the plans of the Teva Pharmaceuticals to increase its presence in the island. Determining Factors Affecting the Decision Implementation The disaster threats relative to the geographic location of Kava pose considerable risks to any business operating in the island. Teva Pharmaceuticals will not be exempted from that. The threats also pose real danger to the health of the people of Kava. The risks from the disaster threats could significantly affect the health of the population particularly if accessibility to affordable health and medical supplies is difficult. The threats from AIDS/HIV alone could be devastating but the threat could be eased with available protective device such as affordable and easy accessible condom sheaths. The situation in Kava could be a great opportunity for the Teva Pharmaceuticals to expand its mission which is “to play a leading role in the transformation of the U.S. healthcare system through its pre-eminence in the development, manufacture and marketing of generic pharmaceuticals...
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...coûts depuis 3 ans. Nous estimons que l’une des raisons de la dégringolade de CDR est liée à la concurrence accrue dans son secteur d’activité et dans sa région géographique. Également, même si nous pouvons dire que l’offre d’un service sécuritaire et le haut niveau de compétence des employés composent la compétence fondamentale de CDR, cette dernière n’est pas difficile à imiter, ainsi, l’entreprise ne possède plus un avantage concurrentiel durable. Qui plus est, son modèle d’affaires ne lui permet pas de se différencier de ses compétiteurs. En effet, la proposition de valeur offerte par CDR est plus faible que ses concurrents situés à Nassau où l’ambiance est plus touristique. D’autre part, en plus des déficits des 2 dernières années, CDR n’est plus en mesure d’augmenter ses revenus ni sa part de marché. Afin d’assurer la survie de son entreprise, M.Greywell devra examiner de près les trois niveaux de sa stratégie. En ce qui concerne la stratégie d’entreprise, des choix devront être effectués au niveau des couples produits et marchés à partir de la matrice d’Ansoff (pénétration de marché; développement de produits; développement de marché; diversification). Pour ce qui est de la stratégie d’affaire, M. Greywell devra déterminer quel type d’avantage concurrentiel il désire développer (niche, coûts, différenciation)...
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