Decision Making

1) Problem Identification and Offering Solution

2) Making Decision

Essentials of Problem SolvingProblem identificationa) Defining the problem b) Classifying the problemSolution alternativesSolution of choiceProblem identification: (Defining the

Problem)To recognize & define a problem, we may use primary sources of

information such as:1.Historical data that includes information about activities, results,

problems, and solutions in the past.2.Planning data that compares results with objectives that were

expected to be achieved.3.Criticism by outsiders from all affected categories4.Comparison with others in similar circumstances when such

criticism is unfavorable.Example: The Story of a king and his guard who dreamt that the

king will be killed at noon who eventually rewarded and punished the guard.

Problem identification: (Classifying the problem)

Problems may be classified by their degree of risk.

Essentials of Problem Solving (Cont’d) Solution alternatives Identifying alternative solutions to different problems is the next step. It may be done through:Routine ApproachSystematic Scientific Approach

Decisional ApproachQuantitative ApproachCreative Approach

It develops from a broad base of knowledge & experience that comes from personal observations, discussions with informed people, and informed interaction with the Qur’an and the Sirah of the Prophet (saas).

A large number of ideas must be generated, but none should be finalizedUnconscious mind must be allowed to draw upon the ideas and suggest

Solution of choiceThe solutions must be graded carefully in order of

acceptability and within the relevant constraints .Perfect solution is that eliminated all damages caused by

any deviation from the standard. We are to focus on the ones that:

Limit the damage Do not cause deviations that damage other parts of the planned activity Are feasible within the constraint of available or acceptable resources

Decision Making Introduction The Decision Making Process

Steps in Decision MakingDecision AnalysisSystems ApproachThe Creative ProcessStrategic DecisionsInformation gathering Main Factors in Information Gathering Methods of Information Gathering Brainstorming Suitability Techniques for Productivity Drawing Conclusions Shura (Mutual Consultation) The Nature of Shura The Practice of Shura Tips on Negotiating and Compromising

The Decision Making Process Introduction

Decision making is not an easy taskIt is a must despite the possibility of making mistakeIslamically, one should make right decision. In case of

problem the least unsatisfactory one should be selectedBeing open-minded is essential in decision makingOne should ask first whether making decision is

necessaryThe Pre-requisites for effective decision making are: Focus on deciding on what the decision is all about Discussing dissenting opinions until a common understanding

emerges Seek alternatives first rather than the ‘right solution’

Decision MakingA. Steps in Decision Making: Assemble possible action alternatives Determine their likely consequences Estimate probability that each consequence may occur Assess usefulness of each consequence The Pre-requisites for effective decision making are:

Focus on deciding on what the decision is all about Discussing dissenting opinions until a common understanding

emerges Seek alternatives first rather than the ‘right solution’

B.Decision AnalysisThe character of a decision may be affected by one or more of four factors:

i. Futurity: How long in the future the decision will affectii. Impact: The influence the decision will have on other areasiii.Qualitative Considerations: Its relation to ethical bias or world

view iv. Recurrence: The frequency with which this decision is to be

made

Decision MakingC. System Approach: It is to find out what is the problem before trying to solve it, and to

determine some basis for making choices, and probable constraints, before choosing a solution.

D. The Creative Process:It involves five steps:

Saturation: Becoming thoroughly familiar with a situation, and activates, and ideas related to it.

Deliberation: Analyzing and challenging these ideas from different angels

Incubation: Letting sub-conscious mind work Illumination: Coming to any striking idea through such mind Accommodation: Refining and adapting the idea to fit the

requirements of the situation

E. Strategic Decision: Decision is either Administrative or Strategic. Administrative

decisions are concerned wit short-term goals and deal with routine matters. Strategic decision are more complex and concerned long-term goals.

Information Gathering

A. Main Factors in Information Gathering:Four factor play an important part in information gathering: Relevance Timeliness Legitimacy AccuracyB. Methods of Information Gathering: Interviews Questionnaires Data Bases Reports Documents

BrainstormingA. Introduction:Brainstorming is a technique for stimulating the generation

of new and relevant ideas and facilitating their expression or for simply gathering needed information in a meeting. It has three stages:

Ideas are suggested by group members and those are recorded

Participants are invited to speak out on their ideas Each idea is discussed from the point of view of merits,

feasibility, priority etc.B. Suitability:The Brainstorming technique is suitable for decisions that

may spring from a wide verity of alternatives.

BrainstormingC. Techniques for Productivity: Hold the session when the group is fresh, not tired Have as varied a group as possible Keep the group small enough to be manageable Seat the group around a roundtable facing each other Set a time table long enough for everyone to participate Write down all ideas Do not evaluate ideas and allow no comments at the

beginning When necessary, rephrase the problem clearly

D. Drawing Conclusion: Let each person state the pros and cons of a suggestion Assign priority and feasibility ratings to suggestions Ask for possible ways to implement the best suggestions Decide on suggestions most likely to succeed Convey selected suggestions to the appointing body

ShuraA. The Nature of Shura: It is the Islamic process of consultation with the most

knowledgeable and best aware of the situation The was of the habit of consulting. Abu Huraira narrated: ‘I have

never seen anyone who seeks consultation with his companions more than the Prophet (saas)

B. The Practice of Shura:Shura ensures the presence of opposing points of view which eventually

helps the effective decision makers, because: Disagreement safeguards the decision maker against being unduly

influenced by the dominant thinking of the majority. It can provide alternatives to choose for making decision It is needed to stimulate the imaginationExample: A lion told his young cub not to fear anything except human

brain. It later on got a human being, overpowered him and was about to kill him. It remembered father’s advice and asked the man to show his brain. He said that he left that at home ….and tied the cub, took a stich and killed the cub…’

Scientific research showed that average man seldom taps into more than 5-10% of his potential brain power.